Franklin SSD board approves joining Tennessee property tax relief program, adds annual review

The Franklin Special School District Board of Education voted Sept. 8 to participate in the state of Tennessee property tax relief program for qualifying low‑income elderly and disabled homeowners, disabled veterans and their surviving spouses whose property lies within district boundaries, and to fund the district’s portion of the local match for eligible applicants.

The board approved a resolution that will take effect upon adoption and “will be revisited annually,” a change members added during discussion. Director of Schools Dr. Snowden recommended the resolution and said the district’s estimated expense for the program this fiscal year is $32,476.

The resolution authorizes the board chair and the director of schools to execute documents and coordinate with the Williamson County trustee and the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office to implement district participation in the state program in accordance with applicable state law and program guidelines. Board members repeatedly emphasized that the district’s participation can be modified or rescinded in future years.

During discussion, board members asked that the board review the district’s participation each year, in part because a prior ongoing partnership with the county did not produce the expected outcomes. Trustee Karen Paris and other board members agreed it would be appropriate to place the matter on the annual agenda — for example, at the same time the district adopts its budget — so the board can decide each year whether to continue funding the local match.

One board member asked whether approving the resolution would apply to the 2025 tax year; staff answered that the program would take effect in 2025 and the district is effectively approving the local match for that tax year. The board also clarified that the program being approved is the Tennessee state program rather than a separate Williamson County program; staff said applicants cannot receive the same tax‑relief benefit from another state (for example, Florida) if they receive it in Tennessee.

The motion to approve the resolution as amended passed on a voice/roll call vote with all members voting yes. The board’s roll call included Miss Stillings (yes), Robert Blair (yes), Lena Bell (yes), Robin Newman (yes) and Mister Townsville (yes).

The resolution text read at the meeting notes that the Williamson County trustee collects district property taxes and administers the state program for eligible applicants, and it authorizes coordination with the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office to implement the relief program.

Board members asked staff to notify the county that annual review could result in nonrenewal in future years so that county programs dependent on the match are aware of the board’s right to revisit funding.

Clarifying details discussed at the meeting included the district’s estimated fiscal-year cost of $32,476 and the staff recommendation that the resolution be placed on the annual agenda for review. No alternative funding sources were specified during the discussion.

The board took no other action on tax‑relief programs at the meeting.