Commissioners approve $5000 Deckard Technology contract for short term rental tracking

During the Operations Committee meeting held on March 10, 2025, in Anderson County, Tennessee, key discussions centered around the implementation of a new technology contract aimed at improving the tracking of short-term rentals, such as Airbnbs and VRBOs. Johnny Alley, the county property assessor, presented the Deckard Technology contract, which is proposed to cost $5,000 annually. This program is designed to assist county departments in identifying and managing short-term rental properties more effectively.

Alley highlighted the current challenges faced in tracking these rentals, noting that his staff had only managed to identify 18 properties despite estimates suggesting there could be between 65 to 180 in the area. The new technology is expected to streamline this process, providing essential data such as property addresses, rental rates, and occupancy details. Alley emphasized that the investment could yield significant returns, potentially generating between $50,000 to $80,000 annually in hotel-motel taxes and personal property taxes.

The committee discussed the urgency of moving forward with the contract, especially given that this year marks a reappraisal year for property assessments. Delaying the approval could result in lost revenue for the county, as the data extraction process could take several weeks once the contract is approved. A motion was made to support the contract, which passed unanimously, although concerns were raised regarding budget constraints for the upcoming fiscal year.

In addition to the technology contract, the meeting included a request from the mayor to authorize changes to a geographic agreement with the city of Oak Ridge, indicating ongoing collaboration between local governments to address regional issues.

Overall, the discussions at the meeting underscored the county's proactive approach to managing short-term rentals and maximizing potential revenue streams, while also navigating the complexities of budgetary limitations and intergovernmental agreements. The committee's decision to support the Deckard Technology contract reflects a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and fiscal responsibility in Anderson County.