Goode said the growth in Tift County’s tax digest is reflected in the population figures. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Economic Analysis, between 2002 and 2007, Tift County’s population growth rate was 1.2 percent — exactly the same as the growth rate shown in the 2008 tax digest. The highest population growth rate in this region during that period was in Lee County, with 4.1 percent.

Goode said the Affinity Health Group building was sold in 2007 and is not included in the 2008 tax digest. The building was sold to Tift Regional Medical Center which is exempt from property tax. The building, valued at $8.7 million, along with equipment — which Goode estimated to be of similar value — was removed from the digest for this year. He said that Tifton Aluminum is included in the 2008 tax digest but will not be in the digest next year.

To contact reporter Jana Cone, call 382-4321, ext. 208.