The NC Department of Revenue’s Property Tax Commission ruled that Graham County cannot collect back-taxes from the TVA. Graham County argued the TVA owed them $79,000. TVA’s attorney argued the TVA gives the county $800,000 a year in lieu of taxes. Furthermore, the commission ruled the property pertinent to the Fontana Dam is owned by the federal government and therefore exempt from state and local property taxes. The county is welcome to take the case to the NC Court of Appeals, but Commissioner Raymond Williams is of the opinion it would be foolish to spend more taxpayer dollars on lawyers. Remaining to be settled is the fraction of the $800,000 due henceforth to the state’s newest town, Fontana Dam.