No Property Tax Increase, But Stormwater Fees For Some in Nashville Could Double: Mayor

NASHVILLE, TN — There will be no increase to the Metro property tax rate this year, but the stormwater fee may double for some, Mayor Megan Barry announced during a speech to the Downtown Rotary Club Monday.

Metro Water Services director Scott Potter has said that the city's aging stormwater infrastructure desperately needs improvements. Barry's predecessor Karl Dean created the current stormwater fee framework in 2009, but the structure has not been changed since then. Barry said residential property owners with less than 2,000 square feet of impervious surfaces — paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks and rooftops that prevent water from entering the ground — will continue paying $1.50 per month on their water bills for stormwater, but those with 2,001 to 6,000 square-feet will pay $6 under the mayor's proposal, double the current fee.

The fee for commercial properties is currently capped at $400 per month, but Barry wants to lift that cap with the largest landowners — those with more than 1 million square feet of impervious surface — paying $1,300 per month.

Parts of the city's stormwater system date back to the mid-19th century and in many cases do not comply with state and federal regulations. Barry's proposal will generate $34.6 million for system improvements, more than $20 million more annually than the existing fee structure, according to The Tennessean.

Barry also said she would not be asking for a property tax rate increase. Davidson County is currently undergoing its reappraisal, which is expected to show dramatic increases in property values. Metro will be required to lower its property tax rate after the reappraisal; under state law, local government revenue generated by property tax must remain the same after a reappraisal unless there's a vote to increase the rate.

Image via Metro Nashville