Image Credit: David Sharpe / Facebook, Weston Wamp / Facebook & HamiltonCountyTN/ YouTube
The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Hamilton County leaders are debating the benefits of a tax freeze program for residents who are 65-years of age or older. Several county commissioners support the creation of a new program but County Mayor Weston Wamp is dubious over the benefits of a new program given that tax relief options already exist.
Commissioner David Sharpe (D-Red Bank) is spearheading the initiative and said that would like the commission to vote on the issue soon.
According to Sharpe, historic increases in property values have many seniors in his district concerned with some of the highest increases at over 160 percent. Sharpe made reference to Chattanooga’s tax freeze program which may soon see expanded eligibility, thanks to Chattanooga City Councilman Ron Elliot, as inspiration to do more for seniors at the county level.
Currently, Hamilton County matches the state’s tax relief program 100 percent. The state’s program reimburses older adults either in part or in fall for their property tax bill if their annual income in 2024 was at or below $37,530. For disabled veterans and their spouses, the threshold is $175,000.
The county recently accepted a rate cut following its property assessment that happens once every four years. According to the county’s property assessor, Marty Haynes, those whose properties rose more than the average in value as a result of the assessment will likely see higher taxes, approximately a third of residents. The tax bills of the remaining county residents are expected to remain the same, or even decrease.
Local governments are required to cut property tax rates so that tax revenues stay the same during years when values rise. The rates can still be increased above the revenue-neutral level after seeking public input and putting the proposal to a vote.
While Hamilton County accepted the revenue-neutral rate, Chattanooga is debating raising property taxes.
Two Republican commissioners supported Sharpe’s proposal, Steve Highlander (R-Harrison) and Joe Graham (R-Lookout Valley).
Wamp says the county should proceed cautiously due to the county having already started to participate in the state’s property relief program which he said “came at a real cost to the county.”
Last fiscal year, the county’s match amounted to over $921,000.
Sharpe says that seniors in his district are afraid of getting forced out of their homes by a huge tax bill.
A supporter of the existing tax relief program which is done on a percentage basis, Sharpe wants to put forth a proposal where the basis doesn’t rise.
“I want our aging population – particularly those on limited incomes, on fixed incomes, who may particularly fall into a certain income level – I would like to help give them assurance that we’re not going to price them out,” said Sharpe.
Sharpe reported that some seniors in his district have tax bills that have gone up over 150 percent.
“For seniors on fixed incomes, this is devastating,” said Sharpe. “It’s the difference between staying in your home, in your neighborhood, near your church… or being forced to leave the home where you raised your kids and that you worked all your life to pay for.”
Sources:
https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2025/jul/30/commissioner-aims-to-freeze-some-older-adults
https://www.wdef.com/commissioner-proposes-senior-tax-freeze-in-hamilton-county/
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
