Shelby County Assessor of Property Melvin Burgess has asked the Tennessee comptroller for guidance in how his office can relieve the tax burden for citizens who have been financially impacted by the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Burgess sent the letter to Comptroller Justin Wilson last week asking for direction on what can be done to help taxpayers who have been financially impacted by COVID-19.

History shows budget problems predate pandemic, Burgess says

“I want people to know that this office is working very hard to try to find some kind of relief,” Burgess said.

Because the operation of the office must follow state law, Burgess petitioned Wilson.

“Homeowners are out of work, small businesses are closed and local government has announced possible layoffs. Very clearly local property values, sales volume, and taxpayers’ ability to pay their property tax obligations will be negatively impacted by this crisis,” Burgess said in the letter.

“In response, I instructed my staff to review the Tennessee Department of Property Assessment regulations and Tennessee statutes in order to ascertain if there might be anything that my office can do to assist Shelby County taxpayers. It appears that any relief that might be available would have to be directed by your office.”

This kind of assistance is also being looked at in other communities, he said, including Davidson County and Cook County, Illinois.

What kind of relief will be available will depend upon the comptroller’s response, Burgess said.

For example, he said, with the state’s approval, he could potentially raise the income cap for seniors who are allowed a tax freeze under state law, which is now set at $30,000 and it could lower the age requirement from 65 to 50.

Or the county could be given the authority to lower assessments on real estate and tangible personal properties.

The comptroller has received a copy of the letter and is reviewing it, said John Dunn, director of communications.

Harris proposes $1.4 billion budget that’s ‘lean and balanced’

On Monday, County Mayor Lee Harris presented his proposed $1.4 billion budget that includes cuts for nearly every area of county government, raises the wheel tax by $16.50 and uses $6 million from the county’s fund balance.

The mayor’s office has projected that with the COVID-19 pandemic, revenues will fall.

The assessor of property collects revenues for the county.

It’s also unclear if any relief granted by the state would be permanent and would have to be paid back by the taxpayer at a later date, Burgess said. 

However, it’s possible that federal funds could come in to help offset any county budget shortfalls, he said.

“Maybe there’s something we can get from a federal program or grant to the supplant that loss,” Burgess said.