Late Monday night, Nashville’s Metro Council put forth a recommendation of a 15 percent property tax increase. While the council is in favor of putting forth legislation that would raise close to $150 million in new revenue, Mayor David Briley is sharply against the measure, hoping for a zero percent increase. Mayor Briley made the following remarks on Monday.
“A property tax increase requires an open public dialogue with time for residents to ask questions and get answers,” Briley said in a press release. “This conversation needs to include clear facts about why we need the increase and where the dollars would go. I do not believe the public has had time to understand the impact of or the merits of the proposed increases being considered.”
Mayor David Briley’s comments, sharply against a rise in property taxes
During the 2019 State of Metro Address, Mayor Briley proposed a $2.33 billion budget which supports a 3% raised for all Metro Nashville employees and a $15/hour government employee minimum. If the property tax increase goes through, it would be the first since 2012.
The current property tax rate is $3.155 per $100 of assessed value in the Urban Services District, or neighborhoods that receive more city services. Residents who live in cities within the General Service District such as Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and Oak Hill pay Metro Nashville $2.755 per $100 of assessed value.
Look for Mayor Briley to veto the next taxation. If the veto happens, 2/3 of the council will need to vote in favor to override the increase.
