Bristol, Tennessee, October 22, 2025
News Summary
The Bristol, Tennessee City Council has unanimously voted to lower the property tax rate by 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value following the collapse of plans for a new stadium. The new tax rate will be set at $1.845 per $100 and will take effect in 17 days. This decision comes after a prior controversial tax increase, as city officials reassess financial strategies in light of the failed stadium project aimed at boosting local revenue.
Bristol, Tennessee City Council has voted to lower the property tax rate following the collapse of plans to construct a new stadium for the Bristol State Liners baseball team. During a meeting held on Monday afternoon, the council made a unanimous decision to decrease the property tax rate by 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value. The new rate will now stand at $1.845 per $100 of assessed value and will take effect in 17 days.
This reduction comes after the city had anticipated an increase in revenue from the proposed stadium project, which aimed to entice the Bristol State Liners from Bristol, Virginia. City officials had originally intended to finance the stadium through a $5 million municipal bond. However, with the failure of the stadium plans, the bond and its associated tax increase were deemed unnecessary by the city’s mayor.
The recent tax decrease is notable following a prior increase of 33 cents earlier in the year, which raised the property tax rate from $1.54 to $1.87 per $100 of assessed value. The increase had stirred controversy among residents and city officials alike.
In light of this decrease, city staff are currently working to address procedural issues related to the tax rate adjustment. One of the key concerns involves determining how the decrease will affect property taxes already billed for the year, particularly as the new rate was adopted after the October 1 due date for property taxes.
Key Details of the Property Tax Change
– The property tax rate has been lowered by 2.5 cents.
– The new rate is $1.845 per $100 of assessed value.
– The rate change will be effective in 17 days.
– This change follows the failed plans for a new stadium for the Bristol State Liners.
– A $5 million municipal bond was initially proposed to finance the stadium.
Background on the Stadium Plans
The Bristol City Council’s decision comes on the heels of a significant investment proposal aimed at generating increased revenue through the construction of a stadium. The intention was to attract the Bristol State Liners to relocate from Bristol, Virginia, which officials believed would bring economic growth to the area. However, as these plans unraveled, it became clear that the anticipated revenue wouldn’t materialize, leading to the decision to adjust the property tax rate downward instead.
The prior property tax increase raised substantial concerns among residents in Bristol, as it significantly impacted their financial obligations. The reversal in policy with this new tax reduction indicates a shift in city planning and fiscal strategy.
As the city grapples with these adjustments and the implications of the recent tax decrease, officials continue to communicate with constituents to ensure that residents are informed about the changes, especially concerning potential refunds on taxes that are already levied.
Frequent Questions about the Property Tax Rate Change
What is the new property tax rate in Bristol, Tennessee?
When will the new property tax rate take effect?
Why did the City Council decide to lower the property tax rate?
What was the previous property tax rate before the decrease?
What procedural issues are being addressed due to the tax decrease?
Key Features of Bristol Property Tax Changes
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Property Tax Rate | $1.845 per $100 of assessed value |
| Effective Date | 17 days from the vote |
| Previous Tax Rate | $1.87 per $100 of assessed value |
| Reason for Decrease | Failure of stadium plans |
| Bond Proposal | $5 million municipal bond for stadium financing |
| Refund Issues | Potential refunds being addressed by city staff |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Bristol, Tennessee Reduces Property Tax Rate in Response to Stadium Project Failure
Bristol State Liners to Build New Multi-Use Stadium
Wealth Disparities Across Tennessee Counties Revealed
Bristol City Council Implements Two-Year Moratorium on Data Centers
Bristol City Council Votes for Moratorium on Data Centers
Kingsport Housing Market Experiences Significant Growth
Brightspeed Sues Bristol Over Discriminatory ROW Fees
Bristol City Council Appoints Matt Slagle Following Mayor’s Resignation
Bristol City Council Discusses Charter Changes and Tax Relief
Bristol City Council Considers Charter Changes and Tax Freeze for Seniors
Additional Resources
- News Source: WJHL
- Wikipedia: Bristol, Tennessee
- News Source: Supertalk929
- Google Search: Bristol Tennessee property tax
- News Source: WCYB
- Google Scholar: Bristol Tennessee property tax
- News Source: Supertalk929
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Tennessee
- News Source: WCYB
- Google News: Bristol Tennessee property tax
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.
