Tennessee Republicans outside of Nashville have called for a state intervention into a city tax hike on lower Broadway’s honky-tonks, but Gov. Bill Lee doesn’t seem keen to turn the matter into another special session.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, and Sen. Jack Johnson, R-Franklin, want lawmakers to return to the statehouse to address higher property taxes for Music City’s biggest tourist draws. Only Lee can call a special session, though, and with just a few months left in office, the term-limited governor hasn’t been rushing to do so.
At a press conference today, Lee signaled support for a more collaborative fix for Nashville businesses.
“It’s really important that we listen to business owners,” Lee said. “It’s also important to remember that the city makes collections for those business owners.”
Lee said he’s spoken with Mayor Freddie O’Connell on a more permanent solution that balances the business owners’ need for relief and the city’s budget. O’Connell’s office confirmed those talks, but wouldn’t discuss specifics.
Earlier this year, O’Connell released a budget that held the city’s spending flat, rather than raising taxes again.
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