What do WE do now?
Published 7/30/25:
The commission passed the 16.1% property tax increase and set the new tax rate to 2.3053. This is a cost that will affect us ALL. But it was passed out of necessity and with the intent of catching OUR county up to years of a falsely balanced budget. A budget isn't truly balanced if its revenues cannot match its expenditures. For years, we have been balancing the budget by pulling from OUR savings account, which is a practice that is not financially sound. And believe it or not, even with this Tax Rate Increase, the commission still had to almost deplete one savings account and pull an additional $1.9M from OUR main savings account to “balance” the budget.
I will also answer the question about a potential Wheel Tax... We DO NOT NEED to discuss a WHEEL TAX any time soon. Unless it is a component of re-evaluating and lessening the Property Tax Rate next budget season, we need to look at alternatives in revenue via cuts or consolidation of services. Low Hanging fruit needs to be our next target. Our Property Tax Rate will have a forced reduction in 2027 when we are mandated to re-assess all County Property... maybe we can look at our revenue gains between now and then and discuss a potential break beyond that.
I will offer a few ways below to help US move forward now... These would be my suggestions if I were the current County Executive or if I'm elected.
Potential measures by the commission to offset the burden.
TAX RELIEF
TN Counties have the option to assist in Property Tax Collection.
1.) State Funded Tax Relief
Giles County currently offers this option to those who qualify. Approximately 600 citizens out of 688 applications are enrolled and received tax relief via the state to the tune of $146,013.
If you are 65 or older and your household income is less than $37,530, then you can apply - additional qualifications may apply. 100% Disabled Veterans may qualify as well as their surviving spouse.
Call or Email the County Trustee's Office for additional information. 931-363-1676 / gctrustee@gilescounty.gov
2.) County Match
This is currently NOT in place. I would highly recommend that the current commission prepare to include this in their '26-27 budget planning. It would be a low cost / high impact way to add additional support to those in need. It could potentially almost zero out costs for some who are 65 and older who qualify.
* Of the 600 citizens on tax relief now, 75% are qualifying citizens and 25% are disabled veterans.
3.) Tax Freeze
This is currently NOT in place. As I understand, this option is both difficult to obtain through the State and could be counter productive to gaining revenue for the County. But, I would recommend to the Trustee and the current Commission to investigate this option further as a possible way to truly help those in dire need of assistance.
MONTHLY / QUARTERLY PAYMENT OPTIONS
Like you, a huge burden that comes my way every February 28th is a lump sum payment on my Property Taxes.
1.) PRE-PAY
Currently, the Trustees office will accept pre-payments between your October tax bill and the February due date. Giving you the ability to break it up.
2.) SET UP MONTHLY PAYMENTS
This is currently NOT in place >>> I would HIGHLY recommend that the current commission work with the County Trustee to set up the option to pay your Property Taxes monthly or quarterly OVER THE CALENDAR YEAR (instead of in one lump sum or only during the 5-month pre-payment time frame.) A customer portal to accept online monthly or quarterly payments would be great or simply the ability to pay with cash or check on a monthly or quarterly basis throughout the year would definitely help.
DID YOU KNOW?
Our Tax Rate has been as high at 3.61... that was in 2004.
In 2005 it was set at 3.07.
In 2011 it was 2.77.
In 2017 it was 2.8247.
In 2022 it was 1.98.
The Commission is charged EVERY YEAR to set the Budget & set the Tax Rate. It can go up or it can go down... The new tax rate that was set on 7/29/25 is 2.3053 >>> Higher than last year, but lower than years past.
In an appraisal year (next one is 2027), YOUR taxes can down depending upon your property's classification.
ADDITIONAL INFO ON THE TAX RELIEF PROGRAM
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Copyright © 2025 Knox Vanderpool for County Executive - All Rights Reserved.
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