Knoxville TN, September 29, 2025
News Summary
City Councilman Andrew Roberto has voiced his opposition to Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase from 2.25% to 2.75%. This shift in stance follows a significant property tax hike and reflects widespread concerns among residents regarding the local government’s financial strategies. The council plans to present the tax increase to voters during a November referendum, sparking varied reactions from other council members about its potential impact on the community.
Knoxville, TN – City Councilman Andrew Roberto has announced his opposition to Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase, which would raise the local sales tax from 2.25% to 2.75%. This decision marks a significant shift in Roberto’s political stance as he considers a future run for the mayoral position.
The proposed sales tax increase follows a controversial 40% hike in property taxes implemented recently in Knoxville, creating a climate of discontent among residents. Roberto’s newfound opposition aligns with a broad coalition of dissenting voices across both the left and right of the political spectrum, reflecting widespread concerns regarding the local government’s financial strategies and tax policies. Many voters feel the city government is overreaching and fear that ongoing tax increases may impose further financial hardships on homeowners.
Until now, Roberto had supported the property tax increase but is now eager to distance himself from any further tax hikes. Mayor Kincannon and the majority of the city council have promised that the additional revenues generated from the increased sales tax would support essential services, arguing that such measures are necessary for “affordability.” Critics, however, assert that these tax increases, including property taxes, typically lead to higher rents and mortgages for the general population.
The city has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding its spending practices, with critics framing the continual increase in property taxes as a means to fund defined benefit pensions rather than address critical services. Furthermore, some city council members have pointed out a lack of specifics concerning the projects that would be funded by Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase, intensifying their skepticism.
Roberto highlighted that Kincannon’s sales tax proposal was not discussed in crucial budget meetings and lacks urgent justification. Although the city released a Five-Year Neighborhood Investment Plan outlining projects to be funded via the proposed tax increase, questions regarding transparency remain unresolved.
The proposed sales tax increase will be presented to voters during a referendum scheduled for November. Different city council candidates have varying perspectives on the measure, with:
- Karyn Adams remaining undecided, seeking further details and holding the mayor accountable.
- Lindsey Jaremko opposing the increase out of concerns it may lead to misallocation of funds.
- Becky Jones reflecting her constituents’ opposition to the tax hike.
- Charles Van Morgan expressing conditional support if a decrease in property taxes accompanies the sales tax increase.
- Nathan Honeycutt advocating for a cautious approach, emphasizing that tax hikes should be a last resort.
- Melody Watts opposing the increase due to perceptions of excessive government spending.
- Doug Lloyd and Frank Ramey both opposing the increase but agreeing on allowing voters to decide in November.
- Numerous other candidates expressing significant doubts about the impact of the proposed increase on residents already facing economic challenges.
If approved, the sales tax increase could generate an estimated $47 million in additional revenue annually, which Mayor Kincannon insists would be allocated to critical infrastructure, sidewalks, and affordable housing initiatives. Importantly, the proposed sales tax will not apply to groceries, a provision that aims to alleviate some financial burden from low-income families within the community.
Key Facts About the Proposed Sales Tax Increase
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Sales Tax Rate | 2.25% |
| Proposed Sales Tax Rate | 2.75% |
| Estimated Annual Revenue Boost | $47 million |
| Pending Referendum Date | November |
| Recent Property Tax Increase | 40% |
FAQ
What is the current sales tax rate in Knoxville?
The current sales tax rate in Knoxville is 2.25%.
What is the proposed sales tax rate?
The proposed sales tax rate is 2.75%.
How much additional revenue is expected from the sales tax increase?
The sales tax increase could generate an estimated $47 million in additional revenue annually.
When will voters have the opportunity to decide on the sales tax increase?
Voters will decide on the sales tax increase during a referendum in November.
How much was the recent property tax increase in Knoxville?
The recent property tax increase in Knoxville was 40%.
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Additional Resources
- Knox News: Knoxville Sales Tax Increase Vote
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
- WATE: Councilmember Opposes Sales Tax Increase
- Google Search: Knoxville Sales Tax Increase
- WBIR: Knoxville Sales Tax Weekend
- Google Scholar: Knoxville Sales Tax
- Knox News: Knoxville Sales Tax Hike Details
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sales Tax
- WATE: Knoxville Voters and Sales Tax Increase
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
