Image: A Beacon poll shows 46% of voters want a say in property tax increases. Image Credit: Beacon Center of Tennessee
The Center Square [By Kim Jarrett] –
A poll by The Beacon Center shows 46% of respondents agree that local governments should set property tax rates but they want to vote on increases.
The poll of 1,200 Tennessee voters shows 31% believe property taxes should never increase. Only 12% backed allowing local governments to set them.
Respondents also said they would be more likely to support candidates who back a complete ban on property taxes.
Fifty-six percent of those surveyed by The Beacon Center said they were much or somewhat more likely to back the candidates, while just 15% said they were less likely.
When asked if property taxes are a valid revenue source, 42% said they are but should be limited, 28% said they should be eliminated and 21% said they are necessary for funding local government services.
Respondents were also questioned about significant property tax increases in some cities. Nashville and Bartlett officials raised their taxes by 26%. Kingsport residents experienced a 24% increase.
More than 62% said they believed the tax hikes would hurt local communities and 15% said they would help. Nine percent said they didn’t think they would have any significant impact and 14% were not sure.
Having less money for other expenses if their property taxes were increased was the greatest concern (35%) among those surveyed. Twenty-nine percent cited higher monthly housing costs and 19% said they would worry about the impact on their retirement or fixed income.
Tennessee does not have a statewide property tax. Voters will have their say next year on banning state property taxes permanently. The General Assembly greenlighted the referendum that will be on the 2026 general election ballot.
