Assessor: Tax Management Associates contract updated; per-account audit fees to rise July 1

Cheatham County’s Legislative Body approved a revision to the County’s contract with Tax Management Associates (TMA) for business personal property audits. Assessor Cindy Burney presented the revision and a fee schedule that becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Key fee changes shown in the packet include per-parcel audit-fee increases such as A-6 accounts (value $100,001–$200,000) rising from $700 to $825; A-7 ($200,001–$400,000) from $800 to $925; B ($400,001–$1,000,000) from $1,105 to $1,300; C ($1,000,001–$5,000,000) from $1,625 to $1,900; and D (over $5,000,000) from $5,200 to $6,000. The contract packet describes desk, field and field-review audit types and a $150 fee for accounts where the business is no longer in operation or does not respond to requests for financial information (V1 account size audit).

Burney told the commission the rate changes have been negotiated with TMA and "at this time, this increase will not require any additional funds." The Legislative Body approved the contract revision by roll call vote (9 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent). The contract terms in the packet indicate invoices will be issued upon completion of individual audits, and the County is responsible for postage costs and providing county records when requested.

Implementation notes: the new fees are effective 2025-07-01; the Assessor and Finance office will manage contract execution and review invoiced audits as they are completed.