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Commission passes ordinance to create annual property-tax relief match for low-income seniors, disabled residents and veterans
Summary
On third reading the commission approved an ordinance establishing an annual Shelby County property tax-relief matching program that dedicates at least $2.5 million per fiscal year beginning FY2026 to match the state's tax relief for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled citizens, and disabled veterans.
The Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 9 approved a third-reading ordinance creating an annual county matching program to supplement the Tennessee tax relief program for qualifying low-income seniors, disabled citizens and disabled veterans. The ordinance requires a minimum $2,500,000 dedicated annual operating allocation beginning in FY2026.
The clerk read the ordinance summary, which established a 100% minimum county match to the state's tax-relief amounts and uses the state's procedures and eligibility rules. Commissioners who sponsored the ordinance emphasized the program would expand local relief for vulnerable taxpayers and asked the administration to help raise awareness so eligible residents apply. Commissioner Brittany Thornton urged the administration to provide data on how many eligible residents are not currently participating to ensure the program targets unused need. The commission added sponsorships and approved the ordinance by recorded vote.
The ordinance does not change state eligibility rules; instead it commits local funding to match whatever relief the state awards to qualifying households. Commissioners asked the county trustee and administration to provide outreach plans and data on the eligible population as part of implementation.
