Tax bills strike sparks in Bradley

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Bradley County is saving money on printing and mailing new property tax forms, and Cleveland has decided not to impose a fee for paying taxes by credit card.

But there's not much local elected leaders can do about higher property tax bills triggered by a property reappraisal the year before county elections.

County Commission Howard Thompson said during a recent commission meeting that he continues to get complaints from taxpayers.

"This commission did not raise taxes this year," he said. "I don't want this hanging over my head this year that I raised my hand for a tax increase."

County Trustee Mike Smith said his office had estimated a savings of $2,500 from the new tax bill form. The actual savings was $5,400, the trustee said.

Meanwhile, city council members voted 4-3 not to impose a processing fee for people who pay their city taxes with a credit card. The city pays a convenience fee of about $20,000, officials said.

City Councilman Richard Banks argued that imposing the fee now would be unfair because some people already have paid their taxes. The deadline is Feb. 28, 2010.

"It would not be fair to change in the middle of the stream," Mr. Banks said.

Councilwoman Bambi Hines agreed and said her constituent phone calls are saying the same.

County Commissioner Lisa Stanbery said local taxpayers could save even more if the city and county would collect taxes jointly.

"We need to remember there are additional tax savings available if we can learn to work together," she said.

Mr. Smith said the city previously has declined to participate in joint collection, but he would work with city officials if they change their minds.