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East Tennessee could see Hurricane Helene relief through property tax exemption proposal
Hurricane Helene is expected to be a major topic during the upcoming legislative session, and one proposal would exempt victims from paying property taxes.
WASHINGTON COUNTY, Tenn. — Many have been living with damaged or destroyed property throughout East Tennessee since Hurricane Helene, but relief could be on the way.
David Harris and his wife narrowly escaped with their lives during Helene, losing everything in the process. The couple has since been living in a camper on their property in the Nolichucky River Valley. They have a lot on their minds.
“We don’t want to think about property taxes right now,” Harris said.
Helene is expected to be a big topic when Tennessee lawmakers return to session in January. One piece of legislation that some are discussing is property tax relief.
“We’re trying to get all the relief efforts up here that we can,” said Tim Hicks, a Republican state representative.
Looking at the damage, Hicks hopes a bill he has backed is passed sooner rather than later.
“Any home or any family that was affected by the flood will be exempt from paying property taxes for the year 2024 and they won’t get taxed again for those property taxes until their property is made whole again,” he said.
This legislation would not only impact Hurricane Helene victims but also remain in effect for all future natural disasters in Tennessee. Hicks said the plan is to call a special session in January to get this bill and other Helene-related legislation passed before the property tax deadline in February.
“I would think that all legislators across the state will be on board with that,” Hicks said.
According to the trustee’s office, Washington County Tennessee alone collected more than $68 million in property taxes. Hicks said this legislation would use state dollars to lessen the impacts on individual counties.
“I just want to send a message of hope. It’s a tragedy we want to get back on our feet quickly so people will have hope,” Hicks said.
Property owners like Harris said tax exemptions could help them save money to use for rebuilding.
“It means a lot because when you lose everything you got to replace stuff and we’re retired with not such a great salary. It would mean a heck of a lot. A heck of a lot,” he said.