Possible property tax increase coming for Elizabethton residents

Residents in Elizabethton are facing the possibility of a property tax increase as city leaders took a step forward in approving the municipality’s budget for the next fiscal year. The proposed increase would bring property taxes from $1.65 to $1.74 per $100 of assessed value. City officials say part of the tax increase is due to schools needing additional help, city departments needing more competitive pay, and damage from Hurricane Helene. But the biggest reason is the state of the overall economy. Taxes were last raised in 2023. The budget and tax increase were approved on their first reading and will still need a second approval.