News Summary
The Sullivan County Commission has agreed to reduce the proposed property tax increase to $1.6602 per $100 of assessed value after budget discussions. The final vote on the tax rate and budget will take place on July 17, requiring approval from at least 13 commissioners. The budget committee is open to further amendments to lower the tax hike, with some commissioners advocating for cuts, while others push for employee pay increases. The community is encouraged to engage as discussions continue on the budget revisions.
Sullivan County, Tennessee – The Sullivan County Commission has reached an agreement to significantly reduce a proposed property tax increase following extensive budget discussions held on Thursday. The revised property tax rate is set at $1.6602 per $100 of assessed value, which is a reduction of nine cents from the originally proposed increase.
The final decision on the new tax rate and budget will be made during a regular commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 17, at 6 p.m. Prior to the vote, a public budget hearing is set to occur at 4 p.m.. In order to pass, the budget needs the approval of at least 13 out of 24 commissioners.
Budget Committee Chairman Dwight King expressed his willingness to consider further amendments aimed at lowering the tax hike even more. Finance Director Larry Bailey noted that the proposed compromise would keep the overall budget at $95,131,944, allowing for an increase in the fund balance allocated for future expenditures while still covering necessary budget expenses.
King issued a warning to commissioners to avoid making substantial spending amendments throughout the year that might disrupt financial stability. Commissioner David Akard emphasized a history of significant expenditures approved in prior years, hinting at the challenges posed by budgetary constraints.
Some commissioners, including Darlene Calton and Joyce Crosswhite, voiced their support for a 5% pay increase for county employees. In contrast, Commissioner Cheryl Harvey advocated for deeper cuts to bring the tax rate increase as close to zero as possible. Harvey highlighted a recent tax increase approved by the city of Bristol, Tennessee, which raised its rate to $1.87 per $100 of assessed value due to a substantial 21% increase.
Commissioner Travis Ward called for budget reductions to alleviate the burdensome tax increase initially proposed. This led to discussions regarding potential budget cuts that could affect the sheriff’s office and highway department. Commissioner Herschel Glover underscored the necessity of maintaining adequate funding for the highway department, commending its performance and contributions to the community.
A recent property reappraisal has significantly inflated the county’s taxable property base, which could influence future tax rates. As a result, the state-certified tax rate is expected to be adjusted following this reappraisal, which has resulted in higher property values across the county. Property owners who disagree with their reassessed values have the opportunity to contest these through the property assessor’s office.
With the commission planning to hold further meetings to discuss the budget revisions, the community is encouraged to remain informed and involved as the new tax rate and budget strategy take shape.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Courier
- Wikipedia: Sullivan County, Tennessee
- WCYB
- Google Search: Sullivan County Property Values
- Herald Courier
- Google Scholar: Property Tax Increase
- Johnson City Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sullivan County Tax Rate
- WJHL
- Google News: Property Assessors Office Sullivan County
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.
