OUR COUNTY
D. GARY DAVIS
COUNTY MAYOR
Why do we Pay Property Taxes?
The property tax is often called "the tax people love to hate." While it may be unpopular, it is a primary source of stable revenue for most local governments in the United States. Without a stable, steady and strong flow of revenue, local governments cannot govern.
Opinion polls show most property owners, me included, dislike paying property taxes so I try to think of it as an investment in my community. This investment pays for essential services such as public education, law enforcement, EMS, the Health Department, the county court system, salaries, office supplies, the county road department, the public library and many other things that contribute to Bradley County’s quality of life.
Property taxes make up 43% of the county’s total annual revenue. The property tax income is then divided between various departments and projects. 57% is designated for Bradley County schools, with a portion going to the Cleveland City School System. 25% is designated for the county’s General Fund which pays for the day-to-day operation of county government. The Road Department receives 7% while the Cleveland/Bradley County Public Library receives 2% of the property tax. 3% is designated for debt service on the Bradley County Jail and Juvenile Center. The balance is used for Community Development and capital projects.
The rest of the county’s annual budget comes from fees, licenses and the sales tax which fluctuates with the economy. This is why a stable source of income, such as the property tax, is so important to the efficient operation of your county government.
Property tax statements are sent to each property owner by the County Tax Assessor in October. Taxes are paid to the Bradley County Trustee and are considered delinquent if not paid by February 28th. You can pay your property taxes by mail or in person at the County Trustee’s office, located on the first floor of the Bradley County Courthouse.
The office is open Monday – Thursday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and on Friday from 8:30 AM until 5 PM. If you prefer to drop it in the mail the address is; Bradley County Trustee, 155 N. Ocoee St. Room 104, Cleveland, TN 37311. Make your check payable to Bradley County Trustee.
Bradley County is blessed with good law enforcement and fire protection, good schools, and our EMS and EMA departments are considered among the best in Tennessee. The County’s Community Development is outstanding, attracting such industries as Wacker and StarPlex while retaining Whirlpool as a major part of our manufacturing base. These things would not be possible without the payment of property taxes.
While the property tax may be an easy target of complaint, I am proud that Bradley County still has a tax rate that is among the lowest in the state. As Mayor I have never proposed a property tax increase, yet we have been fortunate to increase services this year with the addition of a new fire hall and pumper truck and a dedicated vehicle for the County Medical Examiner.
The property tax pays dividends because it stays in Bradley County and supports the community’s quality of life. So when you write your check to the County Trustee, try to think of it as an investment in schools, public safety and economic growth. It is essential in making Bradley County "Tennessee at its best.”