RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TN - A proposed property tax increase for Rutherford County residents that adds up to 16% will be discussed at a public hearing this evening at 7 o'clock (Tuesday, June 13, 2023). The public hearing will be in the Rutherford County Courthouse. The increase was proposed by County Mayor Joe Carr after the idea of an impact fee for Rutherford County failed in the Tennessee General Assembly. Previously, Mayor Carr attempted to get state legislators to allow Rutherford County to charge up to $5,000 on new residential construction. However, the Tennessee General Assembly voted down the proposal.
UPDATE: WGNS spoke to Rutherford County Commissioner Craig Harris about the proposed property tax increase on Tuesday morning. Commissioner Harris discussed tonight's public hearing and more about the reasons a property tax increase may be needed (hear the full interview here)...
Mayor Carr was on the air with WGNS May 31, 2023 and suggested a 16% property tax increase is needed. That 16% is based on a 26-cent tax increase. Rob Mitchell, Assessor of Property for Rutherford County, told WGNS in an email that a 26-cent increase would generate $40,303,802 in additional tax dollars.
Mitchell also told WGNS in an email, "The proposed property tax increase for Rutherford County is the greatest percentage increase since 1994." Mitchell posted information about the possible increase in property taxes on his campaign website. Mitchell went on to write homeowners with a house valued at $350,000, would be faced with an additional $227.50 annually if the property tax increases. At the end of the year, increased property taxes on a $350,000 house in the county would total $1,588.55, instead of the current $1,361.05.
With an emphasis on property values, many houses that sold for $450,000 five-years ago, are now being sold for $650,000 today. A home with a total market appraisal of $650,000 currently cost a homeowner $2,527.66 in county property taxes annually. If the increase is passed by the county commission in the near future, the property tax on that same $650,000 home will go up by almost $450, landing at $2,950.16 annually.
The full county commission will vote for or against the property tax increase on June 26, 2023.
Property Assessor Rob Mitchell posted on his website:
- $250,000 pays $162.50/ year $13.54/ month
- $300,000 pays $195.00/ year $16.25/ month
- $350,000 pays $227.50/ year $18.95/ month
- $400,000 pays $260.00/ year $21.66/ month
- $500,000 pays $325.00/ year $27.08/ month
Previous News Story on a Proposed Rutherford County Property Tax Hike (Read More)
Previous News Story on the Failed Impact Fee in Rutherford County (Read More)
