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MURFREESBORO, TN – In response to recent findings from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, Rutherford County Assessor of Property Rob Mitchell has called for increased collaboration and investment to address operational challenges driven by the county’s rapid population growth and mounting demand for public services.
“The Comptroller’s findings provide valuable guidance to strengthen our operations,” said Mitchell. “These observations are not a reflection on the dedication of our team or management’s efforts, but rather highlight the resource constraints we face in serving a county that has grown to nearly 389,000 residents. I remain committed to working with the County Commission to ensure our office has the tools necessary to deliver accurate and timely property assessments.”
- Click Here to see the Assessor of Property Report, “Addressing the Challenges – Underfunding Rapid Growth,” as released by Property Assessor Rob Mitchell.
Over the past five months, the Assessor’s Office has conducted two reviews of 20,000 parcels from Rutherford County’s 134,000 total parcels, in addition to completing the state-mandated annual review of 45,000 parcels, managing new growth, and handling routine responsibilities. However, Mitchell noted that limited resources continue to challenge the office’s ability to keep pace with the county’s rapid development.
Key Challenges Identified:
- Budget Constraints: Although Rutherford County has surpassed Hamilton County in population, it operates with a $3.63 million budget—19% less than Hamilton’s $4.49 million. This disparity contributes to inefficiencies, such as minor sketching errors noted in the Comptroller’s report.
- Staffing Shortages: The office is currently funded for 30 positions (28 full-time, 2 part-time), compared to 39 full-time positions in Hamilton County—a 23% gap that affects service accuracy and efficiency.
- Salary Competitiveness: With a salary budget 21% below that of Hamilton County, the Assessor’s Office faces challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled professionals, impacting consistency in assessments.
- Growth Pressures: As one of Tennessee’s fastest-growing counties, Rutherford needs updated funding models that reflect its expanding population and service requirements.
“An under-resourced Assessor’s Office risks inefficiencies that could impact the revenue needed to support schools, public safety, and infrastructure,” Mitchell added. “This is not about expanding government—it’s about ensuring we have the capacity to meet our responsibilities and uphold public trust.”
Mitchell urged the Rutherford County Commission to consider strategic investments to align resources with community needs. “The Comptroller’s findings are an opportunity for improvement,” he said. “By working together, we can ensure that our office continues to serve the residents of Rutherford County with accuracy, transparency, and excellence.”
The Assessor’s Office remains committed to fiscal responsibility and fair taxation. Mitchell encourages community members and stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue aimed at building a more responsive and effective property assessment system.
About the Rutherford County Assessor’s Office - The Assessor of Property is responsible for assessing and maintaining records on approximately 134,000 real estate parcels and 18,000 business tangible personal property accounts in support of fair and accurate property taxation. The office serves nearly 389,000 residents with a commitment to integrity and high-quality public service.
- Click Here to see the Assessor of Property Report, “Addressing the Challenges – Underfunding Rapid Growth,” as released by Property Assessor Rob Mitchell.
