Proposed bill to cap property taxes draws opposing views between delegation, commission

Maury County legislators have voiced their support of a proposed bill that would cap property tax increases initiated by county governments across the state.

Some Maury County commissioners oppose the legislation, House Bill 0565, sponsored by Rep. Chris Todd, R-Jackson.

The bill proposes capping a property tax increase at 2% within one fiscal year. Any increase over 2% (plus inflation) each year or over a 6% increase within a three-year period would require a county-wide referendum to further raise the property tax.

Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, Rep. Scott Cepicky, R-Culleoka, and Rep. Kip Capley, R-Summertown, agree that the bill would protect taxpayers and give them a voice on future increases.

More: Maury County homeowners to see higher property taxes after 31-cent increase approved

More: School board votes to move forward with $63 million North Columbia Elementary School

"This is to protect the taxpayer, our citizens from high property tax increases at one time," Cepicky said. "People should have a say in raising taxes when it affects their bottom line. I also represent retired citizens, veterans and the elderly who live on a fixed income. Every time taxes are raised, it squeezes them more and more."

Todd says the bill originated to protect citizens from "dramatic property tax increases."

"Areas across the state county or municipalities some times pass an increase of 30-cents or more during one fiscal year, which is a huge increase," Todd said. "It's difficult for citizens to budget for that."

In 2022, the Maury County Commission voted to approve a 31-cent property tax increase, primarily spurred by rising school capital costs, an action that generated much debate before passing.

“Several local governing authorities in Tennessee have enacted crushing property tax hikes in recent years," Capley said. "It is unacceptable that residents and businesses are being taxed out of their homes and buildings, which is one of the reasons I support efforts to limit these increases. I was proud to support more than $400 million in tax cuts for families and businesses last year.

"I will continue working to ensure efficiency in government rather than raising taxes on hard-working Tennesseans.”

'Not a wise decision'

With growing infrastructure, county services and schools due to rapid population growth in Maury County, property tax increases have been an ongoing concern among commissioners.

Maury County Commission Board Chairman Eric Previti said he is against the bill, though the full commission has not formally opposed the bill.

"I am not in favor personally because it will hamstring counties," Previti said. "For example, when you have a $63 million new school to be built, you have to have the bonds and the income to pay for that. Many times, these are unfunded mandates that come from the state that counties are not prepared to implement.

"I don't think it's a wise decision."

Earlier in February, the Maury County school board passed $63 million to fund a new elementary school in north Columbia due to population growth in where Columbia and Spring Hill meet in Maury County.

Supporting the idea of a referendum, Hensley said discussions about a possible property tax increase should be left to the county and local commissions, not the state.

"They [county commissioners] are elected by the people and have to answer to the voters anytime they vote to raise property taxes," Hensley said. "They do not want to raise property taxes, but they are obligated to provide certain services and infrastructure for schools and growth."

The Tennessee General Assembly has also begun to pick up headway on other bills, ranging from school choice to growth solutions to public safety.

Education and school vouchers

Gov. Bill Lee's recent State of the State address drew many polarizing opinions regarding his push to allow students access to vouchers to attend a private or home school.

Hensley said, while the bill would allow more opportunities to low-income families, there are more details to be discussed first.

"The bill is supposed to give parents a choice for education of their child and allow those parents whose child is trapped in a failing school and cannot afford to send their child anywhere else," Hensley said. "This bill would provide an option for them, but we still do not have all the details for the bill that the Governor is proposing. We should get those details in the next few days."

In 2019, the Tennessee General Assembly passed the ESA pilot program for eligible public school students at the poverty level enrolled in underperforming schools scoring in the bottom 10% in academic achievement in the state, targeting struggling districts like Memphis Shelby County Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Cepicky has typically supported "school choice" in Maury County and across the state, emphasizing that he believes parents should have educational options for children who are struggling.

Cepicky recently supported the establishment of a charter school in Maury County, to be operated by American Classical Education group, though the proposal was struck down last summer by one vote by the Maury County school board.

"In theory, I support the governor's bill, but I have not seen the language yet," Cepicky said on Friday.

"It's beneficial for students whose needs aren't being met in the public education school system for whatever reason. It gives control back to the parents."

Hensley added that another education issue being discussed is the effectiveness of the 2021 third grade literacy and proficiency law, which determines whether a student has displayed "adequate growth" to move on to the fourth grade.

"The purpose of all the legislation is to just help make sure all students can read on grade level so they can achieve a good education moving forward in their school," Hensley said.

"I also have legislation that is helping with teaching math so that our students are not being left behind in math scores.  We have improved our reading scores in this state, but the math scores have fallen behind what they need to be. This legislation will help us teach math in the best and most effective way, so we can achieve the growth that our students need."

Flags in schools bill

Last week, the State House passed what some have deemed a controversial bill excluding the display of most flags in schools, including flags pertaining to a particular political party, religion or sexual identity.

The flag bill will continue to be heard by committees this week in the General Assembly where the bill already has support from Sen. Joey Hensley, R-Hohenwald, who says he will vote in favor of its passing.

"I believe that public schools should be free of any indoctrination of personal beliefs by teachers and faculty," Hensley said. "School should be for teaching the basics and not used to support any belief that should be taught by parents at home.  Any parent should be able to send their child to a public school in Tennessee without fear of their child being indoctrinated by beliefs that the parents oppose."

Cepicky also says he will vote in favor of the bill.

Firearms and public safety

In his weekly Capitol Hill report, Rep. Kip Capley addressed several bill approvals, some of which pertained to firearm safety and studends.

This included House Bill 2882, which provides students of appropriate ages instruction on firearm safety in public schools. The curriculum would include training on how to identify a firearm and safety risks.

It would prohibit the use of live firearms and ammunition, as well as remain neutral on political and gun-related issues. The bill is scheduled to be heard by the Education Instruction Committee on Tuesday.

There is also legislation to allow college students the right to protect themselves with non-lethal weapons on college campuses, including a pepper spray gun or gel, mace or stun gun.

Hensley, Cepicky and Capley are scheduled to attend the Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance's annual State Eggs & Issues breakfast panel starting at 6:45 a.m. Friday at The Memorial Building, where many of these issues will be discussed and shared with Maury County citizens.

Jay Powell is a general reporter for The Daily Herald. Get up-to-date news in your inbox by subscribing to The Daily Herald newsletter at www.ColumbiaDailyHerald.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury Co. legislators to support cap on property tax hikes, vouchers