CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Montgomery County is weighing a proposal to raise its local litigation tax from $50 to $60 per case, with the additional revenue earmarked for courthouse and jail needs.
County Commissioners held their first reading of the measure at Tuesday’s informal meeting. The resolution would “levy additional litigation taxes in Montgomery County, Tennessee to be used for jail and court expenses” as allowed under Tennessee Code Annotated §67-4-601. A two-thirds vote is required for the proposal to pass.
Mayor Wes Golden said the county already collects litigation tax, but the proposed change would expand how the funds can be used and increase the total amount to $60. The tax applies to all civil and criminal cases filed in Montgomery County courts.
“These are just typical court costs fees and they’re designated for a specific purpose,” County attorney Tim Harvey said. “So if the purpose exists, which is security and care for the courthouse and jail, you can have this tax up to this amount.”
Harvey noted that judges can waive the fee in certain cases, though that decision is left to their discretion.
Golden said the additional revenue could support “capital improvements and projects” for both the jail and courthouse. The County Commission is scheduled to vote on this resolution at the Monday’s formal meeting.
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