Hamilton County asks state to return half of real-estate transfer tax for local infrastructure

The Hamilton County Commission on Wednesday adopted Resolution 2 25-48 asking the Tennessee General Assembly to allocate 50% of the state'collected real-estate transfer tax back to the county to fund recurring infrastructure projects.

Commissioner Sharp said the change would send recurring revenue to counties. "This is about $150,000,000 averaged over the last four years annually that would go back to counties across the state of Tennessee," Commissioner Sharp said, adding that the measure would mean roughly "$8,900,000 in recurring revenue for Hamilton County." He urged residents to contact state legislators in Nashville to support the proposal.

The resolution was moved by "Mister Grama" and seconded by "Mister Smith." With no sustained discussion and no public opposition recorded in the meeting, the commission approved the resolution by roll call.

Supporters framed the resolution as a step to create a local, recurring revenue stream to help pay for roads, wastewater work and school capital needs. Commissioner Highlander said the funds would not solve every need but would provide "a good shot in the arm" for infrastructure in Districts 9 and 10. Chairman Eversall called for unanimous support as the item moved forward.

The resolution does not itself change state law; it is a request to the state legislature. Commissioners and staff did not identify specific projects to be funded from any future revenues, and no implementation language or timeline was included in the county resolution.

Votes: the commission recorded a roll-call vote and the resolution passed.