Bristol TN residents will see property taxes increase 21%

The Bristol, Tennessee City Council passed a budget on second and final reading that includes cuts and a tax increase. The budget passed Tuesday night with the city’s property tax rate increasing 21 % to $1.87 per $100 of assessed value. City leaders had originally considered a 30% increase before narrowing it to 24%. That was unanimously voted down last month and officials then came up with the 21% increase instead. Cuts in the budget include a hiring freeze and delaying capital equipment purchases and projects. Open positions that wouldn’t be filled would be for non-essential roles.