Bristol, Tennessee, September 25, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol City Council held a meeting to discuss potential modifications to the city charter and introduce a tax freeze program for seniors. With a recent tax increase of 33 cents approved, Mayor Mark Hutton emphasized the need for these adjustments to alleviate financial strains on seniors. The tax freeze would allow eligible seniors to maintain their current tax payments despite property value increases. The council is set to vote on the charter changes in August, aiming to improve various city governance aspects. Additionally, discussions on adding new districts are ongoing.
Bristol, Tennessee – The Bristol City Council convened on Tuesday to deliberate on modifications to the city charter as well as a prospective tax freeze program for seniors. Mayor Mark Hutton expressed the necessity for these adjustments to ensure the city charter aligns with contemporary conditions and operational procedures.
The council has recently approved a tax increase of 33 cents, prompting discussions on how to mitigate the financial burden on citizens, particularly seniors living on fixed incomes. In light of this, the council is planning to consult with the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office regarding the implementation of a tax freeze program. If introduced, this initiative would allow eligible seniors, who meet specific income requirements, to maintain their current tax payment, even if increases in property values or tax rates occur.
This tax freeze program aims to provide essential financial relief for older adults. Mayor Hutton reiterated the city’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens are well taken care of during these challenging financial times. Currently, Bristol offers state tax relief that encompasses 25% of state-mandated relief along with a city tax credit of $149 against city property taxes for homeowners, which could complement the proposed freeze.
In addition to the tax freeze discussion, the council plans to vote on the proposed charter changes in August. The modifications would address several key areas:
- Shortening the time frame for an ordinance to take effect.
- Clarifying language surrounding elections.
- Redefining the council’s relationship with the local school system.
- Restructuring public comment procedures at city council meetings.
Further deliberation involves the possibility of adding two new districts to the existing three in Bristol, Tennessee, however, this topic is not yet on the agenda for a vote. The next council meeting will focus on finalizing these discussions and preparing for the vote in August.
In a separate matter, a report has emerged regarding Gary Calhoun, a 66-year-old man who was arrested by Bristol Virginia Police on Thursday. Calhoun had been evading authorities in Tennessee since 2012, after fleeing from probation/parole. He was taken into custody at a residence on Randolph Street and is currently held in the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail facing a fugitive from justice warrant.
Summary
- Bristol City Council proposes changes to city charter and a tax freeze program for seniors.
- Mayor highlights adjustments necessary for current city affairs and financial relief for seniors.
- Recent tax increase approved by the council: 33 cents.
- Currently offers state tax relief and city tax credits.
- Charter changes set to be voted on in August with discussions on adding new districts ongoing.
- Gary Calhoun apprehended by police in connection to an outstanding warrant.
FAQs
What changes are being proposed by the Bristol City Council?
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council is proposing changes to the city charter and a potential tax freeze program for seniors.
What is the tax freeze program for seniors?
The tax freeze program would allow seniors who meet specific income requirements to freeze their tax amount, maintaining the same tax payment even if property values or tax rates increase.
When will the Bristol City Council vote on the charter changes?
The council plans to vote on charter changes in August.
What financial relief does Bristol currently offer to homeowners?
Bristol, Tennessee currently offers state tax relief that covers 25% of state-mandated relief and a city tax credit of $149 against city property taxes for homeowners.
Key Features of the Council Meetings
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Charter Changes | Adjustments to city charter processes, including ordinance effectiveness, elections language, council relationship with schools, and public comment restructuring. |
| Tax Freeze Program | An initiative that allows seniors to freeze their tax payments based on income eligibility. |
| Current Financial Relief | 25% state tax relief and $149 city tax credit for homeowners. |
| Future Discussions | Potential addition of two new districts to current three districts in Bristol, Tennessee. |
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Additional Resources
- WJHL: Boat Crash on South Holston Lake
- Wikipedia: South Holston Lake
- WCYB: J. Frank Closing in Bristol, TN
- Google Search: J. Frank Bristol Closing
- WJHL: Bristol City Manager Statement
- Google Scholar: City Management Responses
- WCYB: Bristol TN Tax Freeze Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Property Tax Freeze
- WJHL: Hutton Resigns from Bristol TN City Council
- Google News: Hutton Resign Bristol City Council
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.
