News Summary
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has approved a budget that includes a 21% increase in the property tax rate, now set at $1.87 per $100 of assessed value. This decision, made with a 4-1 vote, faced public backlash over concerns regarding its impact on lower-income families. Despite criticisms over spending priorities, city officials stress the necessity of the increase to maintain essential services. The budget aims to generate an estimated $3.8 million in additional revenue to support city operations.
Bristol, Tennessee City Council Approves 21% Property Tax Increase Amid Public Backlash
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has passed a budget on its second and final reading which includes a 21% increase in the property tax rate. The new tax rate will be set at $1.87 per $100 of assessed value, marking a significant rise from the previous certified rate of $1.5397.
This budget was approved with a 4-1 vote, with Council Member Vince Turner opposing the decision. The property tax increase was initially proposed at 30%, later revised to 24%, and ultimately settled at the current 21%.
Significant public outcry has surrounded the proposed tax increase, with many residents sharing concerns about the impact on lower-income families. Citizens criticized the city’s spending priorities as some labeled various projects as unnecessary, further fueling discontent regarding fiscal decisions.
The approved budget allocates a total of $154.6 million for the city, which includes essential wage increases for police and fire personnel and a 4.7% pay increase for other city employees. Despite the financial challenges, city officials emphasized the necessity of the tax increase to maintain city services and operations.
To help mitigate spending, the budget incorporates cuts such as halting hiring for open positions and delaying purchases of capital equipment and projects. Open positions that will not be filled include roles such as a grant specialist and IT help desk positions, as well as some part-time positions in the Parks and Recreation Department.
Mayor Mark Hutton and Council Members Margaret Feierabend and Rae Akard voted in favor of the budget, while Councilwoman Lea Powers was absent from the vote. Vice Mayor Vince Turner expressed concerns about the timing of new projects in light of the tax increase, indicating that the situation called for careful financial scrutiny.
The tax adjustment is expected to generate an estimated $3.8 million in revenue, aimed at supporting city operations in light of a Sullivan County property reappraisal. However, residents have raised alarms about the financial burden imposed by consecutive tax increases and rising home appraisals, which many feel disproportionately affects lower-income families.
In response to concerns regarding the financial hardships faced by citizens, city officials noted that there is a program in place for seniors and veterans to assess eligibility for tax assistance based on income.
City Finance Director Holly Verran detailed the budget’s intention to incorporate cuts designed to reduce overall spending while accommodating necessary increases in employee wages. Councilwoman Feierabend defended the city’s fiscal approach, referencing the city’s history of managing finances conservatively even in challenging times.
The newly approved budget is set to take effect in less than a month, as city officials prepare to implement the changes amidst ongoing dialogue about spending priorities and community needs. The decision to raise property taxes and the associated budgetary changes will be closely watched by Bristol residents, many of whom are concerned about how these financial measures will impact their lives moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- WJHL
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- Supertalk 929
- Google Search: Bristol Tennessee Property Tax Increase
- WCYB
- Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee Property Tax Increase
- MSN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
- Herald Courier
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee City Council Budget
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
