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Commission approves higher Adequate Facilities Tax after months of study; phased implementation adopted

Williamson County Board of Commissioners · November 12, 2025

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Summary

After public testimony and committee amendments, the commission approved raising the Adequate Facilities Tax on new nonresidential development, adopting phased dates and flexible capital use language; debate focused on rate, timing and eligible expenditures.

Williamson County commissioners approved an increase to the Adequate Facilities Tax (AFT) on new nonresidential construction after a lengthy public hearing and committee review. The final vote adopted a phased implementation that moves from $1.00 per square foot effective Jan. 1 to $2.00 per square foot effective April 1, with the commission retaining authority to adjust allocations and allowing the funds to be used for county capital projects consistent with the enabling act.

Speakers from business and civic groups urged the increase to fund infrastructure stresses from new development. "When we pass the AFT at $2, you can tell local businesses you are looking for ways to help reduce property taxes, or at least stall some of the future increases that get passed on to them," said Kim Coggin, a Brentwood resident who addressed commissioners during public comment.

Opponents cautioned that the tax could modestly raise costs for developers and recommended careful staging. Commissioners debated neighboring counties’ rates, potential competitiveness, and the appropriate time for implementation; the board adopted a compromise schedule and added an amendment to permit the proceeds to fund county capital projects (rather than being limited solely to ambulances and fire apparatus). The amended resolution passed 19–3.

What’s next: County staff will implement new fee schedules and return any technical ordinance language for the private‑act amendment to the state. The commission said it would monitor revenue and could revisit allocations if receipts exceed or fall short of projections.

At a glance: Adequate Facilities Tax increase (Private Act 118/1987) approved as amended; phased implementation Jan.1 ($1.00/sf) and Apr.1 ($2.00/sf); allowable uses broadened to county capital projects per amended language.