The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
A new proposal could have Bristol residents experiencing a significant increase in property taxes if the proposed tax hike is approved.
The current property tax rate is $1.9863 per $100 of assessed value. The increase would raise that to $2.25 per $100. Homeowners with a house valued at $150,000 would see an increase of about $8.24 per month.
According to City Manager Kelli Bourgeois, the proposed increase is part of a plan to offset the city’s future financial needs, specifically addressing the wage gap between city employees and their counterparts in other areas.
Bourgeois noted that many city employees, especially in the fire department, are leaving for higher-paying jobs elsewhere, leading to a loss of experienced staff.
“We’ve seen a significant number of our staff leaving…because they were paying more,” Bourgeois said. “We don’t want to see them go anywhere. But really for them, that’s…money walking out the door.”
Bourgeois emphasized that investing in fair wages for staff could ultimately save money by retaining experienced employees and reducing turnover costs.
“When we lose those folks, we’re losing years and years of experience,” she added.
Several Bristol residents voiced their concerns about the tax hike, acknowledging the reality of inflation but also stressing the importance of prioritizing needs over wants in the city’s budget. Some questioned the necessity of new capital projects, such as building a new visitor center, when existing structures, like the Chamber of Commerce building, could be renovated.
Bourgeois clarified that, while the city is not currently operating at a deficit, action is needed to avoid future budget shortfalls or cuts to services and staffing.
The first reading of the ordinance to raise the tax rate passed narrowly with a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Vince Turner and Councilman Mahlon Luttrell opposing it. Turner suggested waiting until the upcoming property reappraisals next year to reassess the situation.
Bourgeois noted that the proposed rate could be adjusted following next year’s reappraisals, allowing for a more comprehensive long-term financial strategy. Residents are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.
A public hearing and second reading of the tax ordinance is scheduled for September 10 at 7 p.m. at the Slater Community Center’s Wyatt Auditorium, where the city council will have the opportunity to vote on the proposed rate increase.
One Response
I like articles like this. Thanks to TCN.
It sounds like Bristol has better government than my county.
Williamson County (just south of Nashville) has proposed an additional $343 million, which will increase the debt to over $1.5 Billion – the 2nd highest in TN.
I’m told that includes money for HVAC repairs. Yep, long-term debt for HVAC repairs. That would be like someone having to take out a bank loan to get their HVAC fixed. And they want to build the most expensive Jail ever built in TN. The new promotion for the county will be > “We have the 2nd highest debt and the most expensive Jail in TN.” 2 things to brag about!!!