Governor Lee,

I realize your time is very precious and there are numerous obligations which demand your immediate attention. Therefore I have provided a summary of information to assist you in this matter.

The average household income in the US in 1973 was $10,500. The income limit was $4,800 to qualify for assistance. That is 46% of the average wage to qualify for assistance.

The average home price was $30,900. The value of the home subject to relief was $5,000. 16% of the value was subject to relief payments.

The average household income in 2022 is $65,380. In 2022 the qualifying income was $33,640. That is 51% of the average income to qualify for assistance.

The average price of a home in Tennessee in 2022 was $311,678. The value subject to relief was $30,900 in 2022. That is .099% of the home's value upon which relief is provided.

Over the last 50 years the percent of the home's value subject to relief has dropped by 6% while the income limit to qualify has risen 5%.

While the intent to provide assistance has been demonstrated, its impact has been diminished through a myriad of economic forces which were impossible to have been foreseen 50 years ago.

I believe it is proper to revisit, expand and reform our current tax relief program.I believe those who have lived in our communities the longest and who have paid for and built our communities should be those to whom we first strive to reward.

I look forward to an opportunity to explore and discuss possible options on how best to secure and preserve the financial security of our golden citizens.

Sincerely,

Rob Mitchell
Assessor of property
Rutherford County Tennessee