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Commission approves short-term rental trash-site fees despite realtor objections
Summary
Sevier County adopted a fee schedule for short-term rental household garbage sites after discussion of collection methods and a petition opposing the fees; the resolution passed 19–2. Officials said the fee plan was informed by a Knox County survey and collection logistics remain under study.
Sevier County commissioners voted June 26 to adopt a fee schedule for solid waste services related to short-term rental household garbage sites, a measure that drew public opposition from local real-estate interests but ultimately passed 19–2.
Madeline Blum, a local realtor who said she owns a second home used as a short-term rental, said she spoke "for herself and clients against Item XVIII Fees for short term rental trash sites" and presented a petition started at noon the same day that she said had about 250 signatures. "Setting fees would hinder tourism in revenue and business," Blum said.
Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter and Senior Director Matt Rudder answered commissioner questions about the proposed fees and explained that the county used a survey of Knox County collection fees as a guide. Rudder said the resolution had passed through the intergovernmental committee and that details remain under discussion about how fees will be collected.
Commissioner Jack Parton and Mayor Larry Waters expressed reservations during discussion, but the motion moved by Bryan Delius and seconded by Ronnie Whaley passed by roll call vote: 19 yes, 2 no, 4 absent.
The commission did not finalize implementation details in the meeting; officials indicated further work is required to determine collection logistics, receipt issuance and how collected funds will be administered.
