Commission hears resolution asking state to return half of real-estate transfer tax to counties; commissioners pledge lobbying

Hamilton County commissioners considered a resolution asking the 114th Tennessee General Assembly to allocate half of the state’s real-estate transfer tax to the county where the tax was collected and to restrict use of the funds to infrastructure projects.

The resolution (caption read by the clerk as Resolution 2 25 dash 48) drew endorsements from multiple commissioners on grounds that returning a share of the transfer tax to counties would provide a stable revenue source for roads, sewer and other capital projects. Commissioner Sharp noted that a four‑year average of the returned share would have yielded more than $9 million for Hamilton County and said commissioners should urge the county’s state legislators to support the measure.

Commissioners also discussed the scope of allowable uses. Several speakers urged language that would require the money be spent on infrastructure, including wastewater and roads; the mayor said some delegation members had already signaled interest and that the proposal may require a sustained advocacy effort in Nashville.

Sponsors and supporters said the change would direct locally generated proceeds back to the communities that produced them and would help address long-term infrastructure needs. No formal county appropriation was involved; the resolution is a request for state legislative action and local advocacy.

Outcome and next steps: Commissioners signaled support and multiple members said they would press the county’s state delegation in Nashville. The resolution will be used to coordinate local advocacy but no final vote on county policy or budget reallocation was taken at this meeting.