JC Commission sets property tax relief amount, Flock debate continues

Johnson City commissioners approved a resolution Thursday that will provide those eligible for a statewide property tax aid program with an added $129 in relief for the 2026 tax year.The $129 is an additional city match on top of the relief each eligible taxpayer receives from the state program. The state's property tax relief program is available to low-income elderly and disabled homeowners, and disabled veteran homeowners or their surviving spouses.More than 1,000 Johnson City homeowners were approved for the state relief program in 2025, according to the city's finance director, Stephanie Laos. Statewide, the program had over 152,000 claims totaling more than $43 million last year.To receive the additional city match, those interested must provide confirmation they're eligible for the state program. According to Laos' presentation to commissioners, the local matches for the 2026 tax year are estimated to cost the city $131,838.Homeowners can learn more about the program at the city's property taxes webpage, johnsoncitytn.org/services/finance/property_taxes.php. Public concern of Flock continues Two local politicians spoke during public comment Thursday night in opposition to the city's use of Flock cameras. Tricia Korade, one of the 10 candidates running for a seat on the Johnson City Commission, called on commissioners to "pull to plug" on the city's contract with Flock Safety. "Over the course of the past several months, the community has brought forward information and data that has helped to cast light on, at minimum, weaknesses — and in some cases, failures — in our Flock system," Korade said."When we're considering the topic of privacy, one of the most foundational Constitutional rights we have, when is enough, enough?"Brad Batt, Democratic nominee for Tennessee House District 6, also called for the city to halt its contract with Flock, citing an error made by city police leadership in network sharing permissions. The city's deputy police chief, Mike Adams, admitted in September that an extended period of nationwide data sharing was an "oversight" on his part."This isn't criticizing the police. This is drawing attention to technology that's being misused, that's dangerous and probably illegal," Batt said. "But many cities are taking this down and I would like for y'all to do the same."Batt is also the executive committeeman for the Washington County Democratic Party,The city's contract with Flock is part of what it calls its "Safe City Project." After this year, the contract for the cameras will cost the city a little under $1 million annually. The city has doted its successes with the technology, citing that it has helped police recover more than $300,000 in stolen property since the contract's inception. Following the public comment period, Mayor Greg Cox briefly addressed the speakers' concerns. "Flock is a continual conversation, so I just want everybody to know that we do hear it," Cox said. The commission approved all other items on its agenda for Thursday night.