Dickson County Considers Continuing Property Tax Relief for More Than 1,000 Participants
The county’s projected contribution could exceed $317,000, potentially requiring additional funding beyond the $225,000 budgeted.
CHARLOTTE — Dickson County commissioners moved forward a proposal to continue the county’s property tax relief contribution for qualifying residents after officials reported that 1,030 people participate in the program.
During the commission’s October 5 work session, the county trustee presented projected figures for 2026 showing that the local contribution could exceed $317,000. Approximately $225,000 was included in the county budget, meaning an amendment could be needed to cover the difference.
The program helps qualifying elderly residents, disabled residents, veterans and surviving spouses of veterans pay their property taxes. The state provides assistance, and Dickson County supplements that relief with a local contribution.
The trustee asked commissioners to continue supporting the county match, which officials said has been provided for years.
Commissioners voted in favor of advancing the proposal during the work session. That action moves the request forward for consideration at a regular commission meeting.
The participation figures presented included 613 elderly residents, 55 disabled residents, 313 veterans and 49 surviving spouses of veterans.
Elderly residents accounted for the largest share of participants, representing more than half of those listed in the report.
How the County Contribution Works
The trustee described the county contribution as $125 for qualifying elderly and disabled participants and up to $650 for qualifying veterans.
The veteran contribution cannot exceed the participant’s property tax bill. The trustee emphasized that the county does not pay someone more than the taxes owed.
The state’s projected payments and the county’s contribution were presented separately. The potential local match of more than $317,000 represents the county’s portion of the assistance.
If the county contribution reaches that projection, it would exceed the amount currently budgeted by more than $92,000.
Officials described the figures as projections rather than final expenditures. The trustee said the county has needed to amend the program’s budget in previous years.
The trustee also attributed some of the growth in veteran participation to additional applications associated with Agent Orange-related disability eligibility.
Income Rules Discussed
The trustee reported that the 2026 income limit for elderly and disabled applicants is $38,470.
A commissioner asked whether the limit applies to an individual’s income or household income. The trustee explained that the program’s income calculation includes income from people listed on the property deed.
As an example, the trustee said that if a parent and an adult child are both on the deed, both incomes must be counted. The trustee identified that requirement as a state rule.
The discussion highlighted how property ownership arrangements can affect eligibility, even when someone otherwise appears to qualify based on age or disability.
The income limit presented was specifically discussed in connection with elderly and disabled applicants. Residents seeking assistance through a veteran or surviving-spouse category should have their eligibility reviewed by the trustee’s office.
Additional Funding May Be Needed
The immediate request was to continue the county match. The presentation also alerted commissioners that the existing appropriation might not cover the projected cost.
Any additional funding would need to be addressed through the county’s budget process. The work session discussion did not establish a final amendment amount.
For participants, the county’s decision determines whether local assistance will continue alongside state tax relief. For commissioners, the next step is to consider the request at a regular meeting and account for any funding needed above the amount already budgeted.