Jefferson County approves 9-cent tax-rate increase to $1.43 to avert state intervention; budget amendments passed

Jefferson County commissioners voted 12–4 to raise the county's property tax rate to $1.43 per $100 of assessed value, a 9-cent increase from the state-certified rate, to preserve county services and avoid the state comptroller setting the county's rate.

Supporters said the increase was necessary to prevent a state takeover and ensure the county could operate through the fiscal year. In a floor address, the chairman said, "We gotta do the right thing" and warned that without action "the state will come in and set your tax rate for you." The finance director had earlier told the board the certified rate is $1.3431, and that raising the levy to $1.43 represents a roughly 5.9% change.

Opponents urged the commission to pursue alternatives to placing the burden on homeowners. One commissioner said the county had removed other revenue options from consideration and urged reconsideration of a wheel tax, noting a $75 wheel tax would raise roughly $3.6 million. Another member, explaining a no vote, said portfolio choices and transparency around debt service and hospital funds influenced their decision.

The vote followed public comment from residents who said recent reappraisals had roughly doubled assessed values in some neighborhoods and would sharply increase property-tax bills for seniors on fixed incomes. Staff explained state law requires valuation at 100% of market value (using sales from 2019'2024) and that the certified rate is intended to generate the same total revenue as the prior year.

In addition to the levy resolution, the commission adopted Resolution 2024-17 (appropriations for nonprofit organizations) as amended, restored one-time funding for several nonprofits using fund balance, and advanced multiple budget amendments allocating federal and other grant funds. The board reiterated it plans to study other revenue options this fall.

The county clerk announced several budget amendments and grant allocations that passed on voice votes or roll calls following the levy decision. The commission also noted the county's fund balance of roughly $3.3 million as it considered one-time nonprofit payments.

What the board did

- Approved Resolution 2024-19 (fixing the tax levy) setting the rate at $1.43 per $100 of assessed value (vote: 12 yes, 4 no). - Adopted amended nonprofit appropriations (Resolution 2024-17) and a set of budget amendments allocating fund-balance and federal funds.

What's next

Commissioners said they will revisit longer-term revenue options, including a possible wheel tax, and continue budget oversight through the fall. Several members called for greater transparency on debt-service allocations and more public outreach on valuation methodology.