Kingsport residents tell board a recent property tax rise hit fixed‑income households hard

Two residents used the public‑comment period at the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Nov. 4 to describe financial hardship from recent tax and benefit changes and to urge action from city leaders. Michael Lowe of Saraco Drive told the board he believed the property tax increase was "40 plus percent," said the rise hit fixed‑income residents hard, and asked the city to consider a third‑party review of what caused the increase and what steps the city could take to mitigate future shocks. Mayor and staff acknowledged the concerns; Lowe said he had met previously with the city manager and CFO and appreciated that staff explained revenue and cost pressures.

Tim Sanders of Glendale Pike described work at H&R Block and recounted a client who began crying when he learned about a loan and the client’s food stamps being cut. Sanders linked that anecdote to his broader call for policy that protects residents and said he expects to press the board further in upcoming discussions about utility monopolies and related matters.

Neither public comment produced an immediate board action; the mayor invited citizens to speak and reminded them the board does not respond during the meeting, but staff said they would be available before and after the session. The concerns were recorded on the meeting record for follow-up.