Commission reviews school budget first reading as residents urge tax-rate relief after revaluation

The Sullivan County Commission accepted a first reading of the school system’s budget and heard public comments urging the commission to reduce the county property tax rate to offset recent reappraisals.

Commissioner King presented the school budget and moved first reading on item 14, a step that forwards the budget for further consideration. He said the school system’s proposed spending is similar to last year with roughly $3 million in total expenditure increases and capital outlays included.

Commissioner Jones told the commission, “There is no tax increase for the school board funding this year, and, they're using the money received from the state and out of their, reserve account in order to balance school budget.”

During general public comment, two residents raised concerns about property revaluation and the tax rate. Ken Taggart said one of his properties increased “230%,” and asked why taxpayers could not appeal appraisals with the tax rate known. He asked whether appeals on appraisals would be coordinated with setting the tax rate so residents can evaluate effective tax changes.

Cynthia Kessler, speaking for a family business that owns rental homes in Piney Flats and other parts of the county, urged commissioners “to do its part as it enters and works through the budget process to plan on reducing the tax rate so that the effective taxes that citizens of Sullivan County pay will not rise through the revaluation process.” She warned that higher property taxes can reduce housing affordability and be passed through to tenants and customers.

Commissioners noted the school budget was submitted on a schedule that allows for normal advertising and review; at the meeting they did not set the county tax rate. Several commissioners said the budget committee had accepted the school budget and that more work remains before final adoption.