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Residents urge delay to property tax increase, raise concerns about AI data centers and development
Summary
At a public hearing and public forum June 29, multiple residents opposed a proposed property tax increase and raised issues including AI data centers, assessment methods, senior relief, and development constraints on vacant lots. Commissioners heard the comments before amending the budget.
Cheatham County held a public hearing on the proposed 2026-27 budget and related tax items at 5:04 P.M.; several residents spoke in opposition to the proposed property tax increase and voiced local concerns ranging from assessment methods to development barriers.
Public commenters included Candice Morris (District 2), who opposed both the proposed property tax increase and AI data centers in the county, and David Beigert (District 4), who argued property taxes should be based on the actual purchase price rather than appraised value. Other speakers asked for senior relief (Kenny Walsh), praised the Equalization Board for reducing an assessment after appeal (Paul Binkley), urged the county to enable development of vacant lots that lack county-maintained roads (Amanda Bell), and questioned school funding levels in light of declining enrollment (Kyle Graham). A late speaker, Robert Morris, also urged exploration of alternative funding methods.
The commission took the comments under consideration while debating multiple budget amendments later in the meeting. The public hearing closed at 5:23 P.M., and the meeting's public forum reopened briefly at 6:00 P.M. for additional comment.
