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Kingsport approves one-time property tax relief program, sets $40 rebate for qualifying homeowners
Summary
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved an ordinance creating a local property tax relief program for qualifying low-income elderly, permanently disabled and disabled-veteran households. The one-time program is expected to cover about 1,108 homeowners and will provide a $40 rebate for those already paid and approved by the state.
Kingsport’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Tuesday approved an ordinance establishing a local property tax relief program for tax roll year 2025, aimed at elderly low-income homeowners, totally and permanently disabled taxpayers, disabled veterans and widowers of disabled veterans.
The ordinance passed on second and final reading by a 7-0 roll call vote. The city expects about 1,108 homeowners to qualify for the program and confirmed the relief is a one-time allowance for 2025.
City staff said the program uses the same qualifying criteria as the state program and requires state approval before local payments are issued. City staff member Chris told the board the city expects legal and administrative coordination with the state, and City Manager said, "Correct. If they qualify for this and they've already paid, they will get that $40." Alderman Mays said, "Anything we can help these vulnerable populations with, I think is good on our end."
Under the ordinance, applicants must be approved through the state process before the city issues payment. City staff explained that if the state has already approved an applicant, the city will accept that determination and issue the local payment. Board members emphasized the program is not ongoing; the city manager confirmed it is a single-year action for tax roll year 2025.
The measure was introduced by motion, seconded and approved in a voice and roll-call sequence. The board voted unanimously: Alderman Baker, Alderman Cooper, Vice Mayor Duncan, Alderman George, Alderman Mays, Alderman Phillips and Mayor Montgomery all voted aye.
The ordinance text included program eligibility categories and a fixed rebate amount for the 2025 tax roll. Staff said public information about how to apply is available online and that the city will publicize application steps after the approval. The city manager and staff also noted that if qualifying taxpayers have already paid their tax, they will receive the rebate once state approval is confirmed.
