Expanding senior tax freeze program, new fire chief

See the full Aug. 5 City Council agenda here

Tax freeze program

City Council will vote on increasing the income limit for seniors to participate in the city’s tax freeze program. The new cap would be a $60,000 combined household income, up from about $48,000.

Through the program, Chattanooga property tax bills remain the same year-to-year regardless of changes in home value or the city tax rate. The freeze does not affect county tax bills.

Participants must be 65 or older and have to apply each year. The next application deadline is April 3, 2026, and taxes would be frozen based on the 2025 value of property.

Residents can call 423-643-7274 for help applying. Go here to learn more about program requirements.

New fire chief

Mayor Kelly seeks approval to appoint Terry Knowles as fire chief following former chief Phil Hyman’s retirement last month. Knowles has served in the department for two decades and was an assistant chief since 2022.

State road maintenance

The following agreements with the state Department of Transportation are up for vote:

• Maintenance on Cummings Highway around the base of Lookout Mountain from Old Wauhatchie Pike to Browns Ferry Road.

• Rockfall repairs along Cummings Highway and Scenic Highway, which climbs the mountain. Scenic Highway would be closed during repair.

$22 million for wastewater contracts

The wastewater administrator looks to sign 22 four-year contracts with engineering and consulting firms. Each contract totals $1 million per year.

Attend next week’s meeting

When: Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: City Council Building, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or: Watch the meeting live on YouTube @chattanoogacitycouncil8743

Chattanooga City Council is open to the public.

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Contact William at william@chattamatters.com