Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Property Reappraisal topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission approves five‑year reappraisal plan; assessor warns of large assessment changes
Summary
Hamblen County commissioners approved a formal five‑year property reappraisal plan and related resolutions and memoranda of understanding. The county assessor told the commission the 2025 reappraisal will be substantial and that residential appraisals could show a countywide increase of roughly 60–70 percent versus the 2020 baseline.
Hamblen County commissioners voted Feb. 20 to adopt a five‑year reappraisal plan and a related resolution authorizing a continuous five‑year reappraisal cycle. The commission also approved a memorandum of understanding with the Division of Property Assessments of the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office to support the program.
County property staff told commissioners the plan covers roughly 34,000 parcels and that the assessor’s office aims to reexamine about one quarter of parcels each year (approximately 7,300–7,400 parcels annually) so the county completes a full reappraisal every five years. The presenter said the plan lays out the schedule by map and quarter and also holds staff and the commission accountable for funding and completion.
The assessor warned elected officials to expect sizable increases in assessed values compared with the last countywide reappraisal in 2020. "We're looking about a 60 to 70% increase in property values countywide," the presenter said, and added some areas will experience larger increases than others. County staff cautioned that a reappraisal does not automatically increase county revenues; state certification establishes the adjusted tax rate so the county cannot collect more total dollars solely because of reappraisal.
Commissioners asked about alternatives the state has discussed, including a state proposal to shorten reappraisal cycles to two years; staff said any change would require state legislative action and that implementation details were not yet final.
Action: The commission approved the five‑year reappraisal plan (item 9a), resolution 25‑07 authorizing a continuous five‑year reappraisal cycle (item 9b), and a memorandum of understanding with the Division of Property Assessments (item 9c). Roll call for item 9a (approval of the five‑year plan) recorded: Debbie Ahern (Yes); Danny Bell (Yes); Thomas Doty (Yes); Edna Green (Yes); Stan Harvill (Yes); Bobby Holmes (Yes); Tom Horner (Yes); Joe Huntsman (Yes); Katie Howe (Yes); Robbie Long (Yes); Mike Reed (Yes); Mike Richardson (Yes); Kyle Walker (Yes). Outcome: motion passed. Similar roll calls accompanied passage of 9b and 9c; all three measures passed.
Why it matters: A countywide reappraisal updates assessed values for taxation and will generate constituent inquiries; county staff warned commissioners to prepare for substantial increases in assessed values in many neighborhoods and to expect constituent calls when figures are published.
Speakers: County property staff led the presentation and answered detailed technical questions about parcel counts, the mapping schedule and how the reappraisal interacts with state processes. Commissioners asked about timing, staffing and the potential fiscal impact; staff said they will return with detailed results during the committee process and at upcoming meetings.
Next steps: Staff will present detailed sales and valuation data in a future committee meeting and continue the reappraisal schedule outlined in the approved plan. The commission directed staff to prepare communications for property owners to explain the reappraisal process and the relationship between assessed value and tax rates.
