Kingsport leaders apologize after duplicate tax notices; council sets modest local match for 2025 relief program

During public comment at the Oct. 7 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, resident Tim Sanders urged the city to recoup money for taxpayers after a third‑party billing error produced duplicate property tax notices.

“The first thing that’s the next phrase of that is Kingsport requested a refund,” Sanders told the board, and he urged officials to require contractors to repay the city for mistakes. “Give the people back the money. You screwed up,” he said, warning that duplicate mailings can lead seniors and other residents to pay twice.

City Manager (name not specified in the transcript) responded in the communications section of the meeting with a public apology and details about next steps. “I want to extend my sincere apology for any confusion or inconvenience this may have caused,” the City Manager said. The manager told the board staff has begun a review of internal procedures and system controls and is preparing to reimburse individuals who have already paid if the ordinance is approved on second reading. The manager also said the city is implementing a new customer information system next year and planning a new financial information system to modernize billing and reduce future errors.

When the board took up an ordinance to establish a local jurisdiction property tax relief program for tax roll year 2025, the City Manager explained that applicants who already have paid taxes this year would be reimbursed for the additional local match amount after second reading; those who wait until after second reading will receive the discount at payment. The board adopted the ordinance setting a $40 local match (in addition to an existing $96 sanitation fee waiver) by a 6-0 recorded vote.

The City Manager said staff expects to post application information online and provide customer service assistance at City Hall and the customer service counter; a staff flyer and on-screen information were also referenced during the meeting. The City Manager asked for patience while limited staff handles increased phone traffic and said the finance office will conduct a thorough review of the billing error. No specific vendor name or dollar amount tied to third‑party contract penalties was provided on the public record during the meeting.

Ending: The board approved the tax‑relief ordinance and staff will proceed with reimbursements and system improvements. Additional details about vendor culpability or exact counts of affected households were not specified during the meeting.