Sales tax referendum could return to ballot

A proposed sales tax increase, Tanyard Hill rezoning, jail funding, and Gateway litigation on Metro Council agenda

4:15 p.m. Aug. 11, 2026

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Moore County voters have said no twice. Metro Council may ask again.

Metro Council will consider a proposed quarter-cent sales tax increase Monday, a move that could put the question before Moore County voters again in November.

The proposed ordinance would send the quarter-cent increase to voters for approval. If voters approve it, Moore County’s combined sales tax rate would rise from 9.5% to 9.75%.

If it reaches the November ballot, it would be the third vote on the same quarter-cent increase since March 2024.

Voters rejected the increase in March 2024, with 590 voting against it and 378 in favor. It returned to the ballot that November, when 2,234 voted against the increase, and 1,259 supported it.

Sept. 9 is the deadline to place an item on the November ballot. Council could approve the measure on first reading Monday, but would need a special meeting before the end of August to complete the process.

When the measure was debated in 2024, supporters said the additional sales tax would bring in more revenue from visitors, while opponents objected to another tax increase. At the time, the quarter-cent increase was estimated to generate roughly $80,000 to $100,000 annually.

• Meeting Agenda

Tanyard Hill rezoning returns

Another rezoning request involving property at 3152 Tanyard Hill Road will come before the council.

The proposal would rezone 9.4 acres of Tax Map 037, Parcel 037.00 from A-1 agricultural-forestry to R-2 residential. The property is owned by Joseph Denby, and the Planning and Zoning Committee recommended the change Aug. 4.

The ordinance is scheduled for first reading. Denby, Steele Carter, Charles Millsaps, Nick Northcutt, and Mike Sparks are listed for public comment.

Two other rezoning ordinances return for second reading: Kaycee and Steven Edwards on Woosley Road – Tax Map 010, Parcel 019.03 from A-1 to R-2; and Rodney and Jennifer Ervin on Highway 55 – Tax Map 020, Parcel 039.00 from A-1 to C-1.

Jail renovation funding

Council will consider a budget amendment tied to the $983,498 Moore County jail renovation, along with an agenda item to verify funding for the project.

The amendment would place money in the county’s debt service fund and establish accounts for project expenses, principal, and interest under a 12-year repayment schedule.

State raises school reserve concerns

Council will receive the Tennessee Comptroller’s review of Moore County’s fiscal 2027 budget.

The state approved the budget, finding projected revenues and available funds sufficient to cover anticipated spending, but raised concerns about reserves in the cafeteria and General Purpose School funds.

The cafeteria fund is projected to finish the year with less than one month of average spending in cash. The General Purpose School Fund is budgeted to finish with less than two months of annual expenditures in reserve.

It is the second consecutive year Metro Council has approved a school budget that relies on fund balance, with this year’s budget projecting use of 27% of those reserves.

The state recommended maintaining at least two months of recurring expenditures in reserve and urged Metro Council, the Board of Education, and finance officials to develop structurally balanced budgets.

The letter is listed for information only.

Appointments and other business

• The ongoing Gateway Development litigation against Metro Government is set for discussion, with County Attorney Bill Rieder listed for the item. No council action is listed on the agenda.

• Council will consider several appointments and nominations, including Michelle Parkin to the 911 Board, Tara Groce to the Planning and Zoning Committee, and Payton Keller to the Utility Board. Joseph D. Taylor and Lorie M. Burtts are listed for appointment as notaries public, while Tamera York is listed for a notary bond.

• Metro Council is also taking applications to fill the District 1 School Board seat after Ed Cashion did not seek reelection.

• Council will also consider the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System employer contribution rate for fiscal 2026-27. The minimum rate listed in the packet is 6.24%.

Metro Council meets at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17, at the American Legion. A public hearing begins at 6:20 p.m.