TennesseeHB 1437114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT to amend Chapter 519 of the Private Acts of 1953; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 55 of the Private Acts of 2014; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the Charter for the City of Crossville.

Sponsored By: Cameron Speaker Sexton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Crossville

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

9 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

Mayor and council pay tied to county

The city mayor’s pay equals 15% of the Cumberland County Mayor’s salary. Each council member’s pay equals 5% of the city mayor’s salary. Any raise from this change starts at the beginning of the next term after the next election.

Stronger liens and penalties on property taxes

City property taxes become a lien on your real estate starting January 10 of the tax year. Unpaid balances face a 1.5% monthly penalty beginning January 1 after the tax year, unless the council sets another date. The Finance Director certifies delinquent properties for collection, and they can be sold under state tax sale rules. The City can also sue in chancery court to collect special assessments, and may join many owners in one case. The City Council may, by ordinance, change due and delinquent dates, allow twice‑a‑year payments, or offer early‑pay discounts.

Owners can owe entity property taxes

If you own part of a business that is inactive, dissolved, revoked, or ended, you can be personally liable for its unpaid property taxes. This liability is joint and several and can include interest, attorney fees, and court costs. It applies to parcels assessed to that entity.

Who can vote in city elections

The $5,000 property value rule for voting is removed. If you are otherwise qualified to vote in Cumberland County and you own taxable freehold property, you can vote in Crossville. Show ownership by a recorded deed at least 3 months before the election or a tax assessor certificate. If you vote based on living in the city, you must have lived in Crossville for at least 3 months before the election.

Council meetings and mayor duties updated

Regular City Council meetings are set by ordinance. Until changed, they are at 6:00 p.m. on the second Tuesday each month. Special meetings need at least 48 hours written notice and a posted agenda, and they can address only the stated business. The mayor presides, has a vote, signs final ordinances and records, and may sign contracts. The City Manager may also sign contracts if an ordinance allows it.

City boundaries and annexations updated

The law updates Crossville’s official boundaries to include listed annexations. It notes Ordinance 359 is repealed and Ordinance 398 was void. Annexations made by resolution must be kept on file with the City Clerk.

How Crossville sets and records taxes

Each year, after the assessment roll is done, the Finance Director reports total taxable value and last year’s revenues. The City Council then sets the year’s tax levy by ordinance. After that, the City Manager must enter the levy on the city tax books, like county trustees do. These steps set up the city’s official tax roll.

One city charter rate now 3%

A percentage in the city charter rises from 2% to 3% in Article XI, Section 7. This increases the rate or cap that section controls.

City court hears ordinance cases

Crossville now has a city court with a city judge to hear ordinance violations. The City Council chooses the judge by majority vote. The judge serves a two‑year term. The council may set the judge’s qualifications and pay by ordinance.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Cameron Speaker Sexton
Republican • House

Cosponsors

John Crawford
Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 144 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/22/2025

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 4/22/2025

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2025

FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/21/2025

Yes: 86 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2025

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/16/2025

HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

Yes: 16 • No: 0