Nashville relief plan offers help with taxes, utilities after ice storm
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Nashville residents hit by last month's ice storm could get help with their property taxes, water bills and electric payments under a proposal introduced Tuesday by Mayor Freddie O'Connell.
Why it matters: Damage from the storm was widespread. The proposal seeks to address the financial toll the storm had on thousands of families.
The latest: The city opened disaster assistance centers at Hadley Park and Smith Springs Community Center, where residents can be connected to help.
- The mayor's office is calling its relief efforts "Restore Nashville."
🏠 Housing: O'Connell is pitching legislation in partnership with the Davidson County Assessor of Property that would allow property owners to get their home's value reassessed if it was damaged in the storm.
- A new assessment could lower an owner's property tax bill.
🚰 Water: O'Connell directed the water department to seek an "across-the-board credit" on water bills. Metro Council legislation to provide the water bill credits will be filed this week.
- Many residents kept water running in an effort to keep pipes from freezing and bursting.
- The water department is also offering payment plans for residents who can't afford to pay their full bills. Metro Water won't charge late fees or disconnect customers through the end of the month.
🔨 Rebuilding: Metro Codes is suspending permit fees for property owners seeking to rebuild after the storm.
- O'Connell's office is working with codes officials on council legislation to pause the fees.
⚡️ Electricity: The Nashville Electric Service is also taking steps to help cash-strapped customers. The department suspended all disconnections and late fees through June.
What he's saying: "This is the worst ice storm in modern Nashville history and, like any disaster, is resulting in unforeseen costs for Nashvillians," O'Connell said in a statement.
- "We want to ensure residents are supported in whatever needs they have and are rolling out Restore Nashville, which is focused on restoring people beyond restoring power."
What's next: O'Connell encouraged residents affected by the storm to fill out an online needs tracker, which will help city and nonprofit leaders know where to direct aid.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include more details about the mayor's legislation package.