WCAR Puts Dollars Behind Sales Tax Referendum Support

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The Williamson County Association of REALTORS® (WCAR) is planning to spend $50,000 in a campaign to help educate voters on the upcoming sales tax referendum on February 6th, 2018. They will join Williamson, INC as the two largest professional organizations in the county to come out in support of the referendum.

“Williamson County is fortunate to have a strong school system, with it’s high schools ranking among tops in the nation. When we as REALTORS® are working with our clients, it is a priority to find a home in a good school district for families. As an association and as leaders in our community, we want to help educate our clients, colleagues, and fellow Williamson County residents on why this sales tax referendum is important not just to those who have children in our school system, but to all of Williamson County,” said Matt Daniel, 2018 Board of Directors President for WCAR.

He continued, “Our school system and overall quality of life here are the crown jewels of our county. With such a hot real estate market and the growth of Nashville and surrounding area, people are looking to get into Williamson County specifically for our schools. That affects everyone’s property values.”

In November of 2017, the Williamson County Commission passed a resolution to take a potential sales tax increase to the voters of Williamson County. The referendum is to move the local option sales tax from 2.25% to 2.75%. The cities of Brentwood, Franklin, Nolensville, Spring Hill, and Thompson’s Station have all agreed that their local portion shall be allocated back to Williamson County for the first 3 years. The funds from the sales tax will be used for the construction of 12 new schools and the renovation or expansion of 13 existing schools. It is estimated that the new sales tax could generate around $60 million over 3 years.

Bo Patten, Government Affairs Director for WCAR, also added, “Of course a fair, broad spectrum tax increase that affects everyone is a more favorable option and not one that just puts all the burden on the backs of homeowners in the form of a property tax increase. If this sales tax increase does not pass, a property tax increase is almost a certainty. Our Association, along with the National Association of REALTORS®, is fortunate to have the resources and ability to educate our county residents and voter base on important issues like these. We will continue to expand our footprint in the community through not only political advocacy, but also other community endeavors.”

WCAR will tap veteran political consultant Layne Provine of Tennessee to assist them in their campaign. Election Day for the sales tax referendum will be on February 6th, 2018. Early voting will begin on January 17th and run through February 1st. The last day to register to vote for this election is January 8th.

About Williamson County Association of Realtors

Williamson County Association of Realtors® is a leading regional REALTOR® trade association in middle Tennessee with over 2500 members. More information about WCAR is available at wcartn.org or by calling 615-771-6845.