District 5 resident urges commission to adopt property-tax freeze for seniors; commissioners approved separate 150% tax-match motion

Terry Lowe, who identified himself as a resident of District 5, used the July 21 public forum to urge the Cheatham County Commission to adopt a property-tax freeze for residents aged 65 and older.

"If the people on this side of the wall are fortunate enough to live to be a senior and be on social security with a fixed income, this could be you standing here where I am asking why property taxes are increasing at a ridiculous rate," Lowe said. He told commissioners he had seen property taxes nearly double on his property and thanked three commissioners by name for voting no on a recent tax decision.

Lowe asked the commission to consider a tax freeze for seniors 65 and older, saying, "Property tax freeze for seniors 65 and older until after the next year's election." He also criticized commissioners whom he said "rubber stamp" government decisions and encouraged them to ask whether proposals would help or hurt constituents before voting.

What the record shows: The commission did not adopt a freeze at this meeting. Separately during the meeting the commission voted to set a property tax-match rate at 150% for a tax-incentive program discussed in prior workshops; that motion passed on a roll call (12 yes, 0 no). The freeze Lowe requested was presented as public comment and no motion to enact a freeze or study it was recorded in the minutes.

Context and next steps: Lowe urged elected officials to consider seniors on fixed incomes when making tax decisions. Commissioners and staff did not indicate a formal action on a senior freeze during the meeting; any future action would require a separate motion and, if necessary, a written ordinance or resolution.