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Sevier County urges state to return half of real-estate transfer tax revenue; board backs SB 1080/HB 0649
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Summary
At its Dec. 15 meeting the Sevier County Board passed a resolution asking the Tennessee General Assembly to fund SB 1080 and HB 0649, legislation that would return 50% of real-estate transfer tax revenue to the county where deeds are recorded; lobbyist David Seal told the board Sevier County generates about $8.5 million annually from the tax.
The Sevier County Board of Commissioners voted Dec. 15 to ask the Tennessee General Assembly to support SB 1080 and HB 0649, bills that would return 50% of real-estate transfer tax receipts to the counties where deeds are recorded.
David Seal, a lobbyist for Jefferson County, spoke during the public-comment period and said, "Sevier County generates about $8,500,000 of revenue from the real estate transfer tax each year," and that if the legislation passes Sevier County would receive roughly $4 million annually to use for road projects, debt service and capital projects. Seal also described the transfer tax calculation discussed in the bills — a per-deed assessment and a returned share to originating counties.
On the agenda, the board moved and passed Resolution 2025-12-11 asking the General Assembly to include funding for SB 1080/HB 0649. The motion carried by roll call, 24 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent. The resolution does not itself change county tax policy; it is a formal request that the state enact enabling legislation and funding consistent with the bills described at the meeting.
The board listed potential uses for returned funds, including road maintenance and as matching funds for state or federal grants. The meeting record did not provide a legislative text or fiscal note; the amount Sevier County would receive if enacted was presented as an estimate by the lobbyist.