News

Many citizens are concerned about a project on State Route 1 / State Route  64, the John Bragg Highway.

The construction of a J-turn (U-turn) at the Intersection of SR 1 (US 70) and SR 64/Bradyville Road in Cannon County, Includes a closure of the current median crossover at SR-64/Bradyville Road. A raised concrete median will be installed in its place, and the existing caution lights will be removed. Grade work will be necessary to complete the new crossover, turn lanes, merge lane, and bulb out (extra roadway surface area allowing larger vehicles to make a U-turn safely). In addition, the contractor will resurface the intersection and install new signs, pavement markings, and guardrail.

Drivers traveling East on SR-64 and West on Bradyville Road will only have a right turn option at the SR-1 intersection.

Drivers traveling East on SR-1 will not have a left turn option at Bradyville Road. To access Bradyville Road, drivers will travel through the current intersection and make a U-turn at the new crossover, followed by a right turn onto Bradyville Road.

Drivers traveling West on SR-1 will not have a left turn option at SR-64, they will be required to complete a U-turn at the Barker Road intersection followed by a right turn onto SR-64 West.

According to TDOT;  Lane closures are necessary as part of this project to construct these proposed improvements. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each directions on SR 1 (US 70) through the work zone until the project has been completed. These traffic shifts will be implemented in phases beginning with a right lane closure in both directions. Additional lane closures will be required for milling and paving operations; flaggers will be present during this work assisting with the flow of traffic through the work zone. At least one lane will remain open in each direction at all times, but drivers should use caution and expect delays. Drivers are encouraged to reduce their speed and watch for construction equipment and personnel working in the area. Once completed, this project will improve safety and operational efficiency of the intersection.

Unfortunately, this intersection has experienced many crashes. In fact, the crash rate for this intersection exceeded the statewide average crash rate for similar types of intersections. A multi-disciplinary team was assembled to visit the intersection, study the crash trends, observe driver behavior, and search for ways to reduce the number of crashes and/or lessen the severity of crashes.

As part of the study, TDOT assessed whether the intersection might meet signal warrants as prescribed in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which the State of Tennessee has adopted as State law. There was not enough traffic to warrant a traffic signal, so TDOT explored other intersection designs. Moreover, in rural areas with high speeds such as this, traffic signals often present new problems. When the traffic signal changes from green to yellow, some motorists have difficulty determining whether to stop or to proceed through the intersection. The term for this is called “the dilemma zone.” In fact, the number of rear-end crashes increases at signalized intersections simply because of this reason. Taking these factors into consideration, the department selected the J-Turn design, which is an alternative design that other states have successfully employed to mitigate the type of situations that are encountered here. TDOT has already installed J-Turn’s at twelve intersections across the state with great success. The department is optimistic that drivers will grow to appreciate this alternative design in Cannon County.

Friday regional leadership held a meeting with some local officials, state reps and stakeholders to hear their concerns and see if there are any additional improvements or modifications that can be made to the intersection.

As a result, the current map graphics and explanation of the current plan may be subject to change depending on the outcome of that meeting. I’ll be sure to touch base and keep you updated if/when additional information becomes available.

In addition to all of this, drivers can email TDOT.Comments@tn.gov with any questions, comments, concerns, etc. – and their inquiry will get routed to the appropriate staff and leadership for an accurate and prompt response.

Contractor: Tinsley Asphalt  Cost: $2,072,516.68

Construction Start Date: 1/10/23  Scheduled Completion Date: 8/21/23

Scope of Work: SR-1 (US 70)

Agricultural and forestry businesses have a new opportunity to strengthen or expand operations with an innovative program.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) joins Governor Bill Lee in announcing the Tennessee Forestry, Agriculture, and Rural Markets (FARM) cost share.

“Agriculture drives Tennessee’s economy, and this strategic investment will ensure that the industry continues to thrive,” said Governor Lee. “We remain committed to rural Tennessee, and I am confident that the FARM program will strengthen farm families and agribusiness across our state.”

“We appreciate the Financial Stimulus Accountability Group for the allocation to support Tennessee’s farming and forestry families with this FARM cost share,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “We will disperse this funding to bolster rural economies and to maintain agriculture and forestry as the top industries in the state.”

The fund will provide financial assistance to agricultural, food, forestry, and nonprofit agricultural entities in Tennessee. Applications are accepted online from March 1 until March 31, 2023.

The FARM cost share program will fund projects that promote stabilizing and strengthening the supply chain to prevent future challenges. Businesses that receive financial assistance from the FARM program are not required to repay the funds. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursement basis.

TDA will conduct two webinars on Feb. 15, 2023 with information on the FARM program, the eligibility guidelines, the program timeline, and the application process. There is no charge to attend but registration is required at https://hornellp.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n3o-b9yySpqfsiGszystXA.

FARM cost share details can be found online at www.tn.gov/FARM. Contact TDA’s Business Development Division at business.development@tn.gov with questions.

For the first time in five weeks the Tennessee gas price average moved less expensive. Over last week gas prices declined nine cents, on average. The Tennessee Gas Price average is now $3.19 which is 20 cents more expensive than one month ago and nearly six cents more than one year ago.  

“We’re starting to see pump prices move lower thanks to a sharp drop in the oil and gasoline futures markets,” said Megan Cooper, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “Right now, a combination of domestic and global factors are working together to place downward pressure on pump prices. However, keep in mind that the market still remains volatile. This week, barring any big changes in the crude oil market, it’s likely Tennesseans will continue to see pump prices fluctuate lower.” 

Quick Facts

• 11% of Tennessee gas stations have prices below $3.00 
• The lowest 10% of pump prices are $2.95 for regular unleaded 
• The highest 10% of pump prices are $3.50 for regular unleaded
• Tennessee is the 10th least expensive market in the nation

National Gas Prices

The national average for a gallon of gas barely budged over the past week, drifting lower by three cents to $3.47. Last week’s decision by OPEC+ to maintain current production levels and not make any cuts led to lower oil prices. But Friday’s blockbuster U.S. report of 517,000 jobs added in January, dropping the unemployment rate to a 54-year low of 3.4%, may have the opposite effect. Are recession fears fading, and could a healthier global economy lead to more demand for oil and higher prices?

According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.14 million to 8.49 million b/d last week. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks increased by 2.6 million bbl to 234.6 million bbl. Despite rising gas demand, total supply growth has helped limit pump price increases.

Today’s national average of $3.47 is 18 cents more than a month ago and four cents more than a year ago.

Tennessee Regional Prices 

• Most expensive metro markets – Memphis ($3.26), Nashville ($3.22), Jackson ($3.20)
• Least expensive metro markets – Cleveland ($3.14), Clarksville ($3.16), Kingsport ($3.16)

Tips for How to Keep your Children and Teens Safe Online

“The internet can be a dangerous place for children and teens to explore without adult supervision,” said Cannon County Child Advocacy Center Community Education Coordinator Presley Hosford. “Our world relies heavily on technology and it can be difficult to keep our kids safe.  It is important for us to talk to our children and educate them to keep them safe from online predators on Safer Internet Day and every day.”

Talk about online safety with your children and teens. Make sure that kids know not to share any personal information on the internet; the less information they put out there, the better. They should never send personal information or images to strangers or even friends. Some teens believe that sending nude pictures over apps such as Snapchat is safe because the image disappears after a specified amount of time. But once they send an image like that, it can be screenshot or saved and sent to other people who they did not intend to see it. Online predators can use these same apps to lure children and teens into sending explicit images under the guise of making new friends online. According to the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, “in 2022, more than 3,000 minor victims, primarily boys, were targeted with sextortion crimes.”

Checking security settings for apps is crucial for online safety. Familiarize yourself with the security features of popular social media platforms. Almost all apps can be used safely, but many people don’t know some security features need to be manually enabled. For example, Snapchat has a feature called SnapMaps. SnapMaps gives you the option to click on someone’s bitmoji and receive directions to their location. Using the default privacy and security settings, anyone can see your location, even a user who isn’t “friends” with you. That is why it is so important to make sure that the location permissions are turned off. The same can be true for Instagram’s “Stories” feature. You should make sure your kids have their profiles set to private so that only people they know can see their content.

Setting ground rules online is just as important as setting them in the real world. Actions and consequences might make sense to an adult, but children and teens don’t have as much experience to draw from. Explain to your kids that you don’t want them to accept friend requests from people they don’t know or post pictures of themselves with the location tagged. Crucially, explain why you’ve set these rules. A rebellious teenager might disregard your rules if they don’t realize how important online safety is. The most important thing is for you to let them know that they can come to you if they think they have made a mistake online. Be supportive and do not criticize. Help them with the situation and seek out appropriate assistance if needed.

For more information, or to schedule a free Darkness to Light child sexual abuse prevention training, contact Presley Hosford at the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center at 615-563-9915 or phosford@cannoncac.org or Carrie Norvell in Rutherford County at 615-867-9000 or cnorvell@cacrutherford.org.

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Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered his fifth State of the State address and presented budget and legislative priorities for the upcoming year to a joint session of the General Assembly and fellow Tennesseans.

Key highlights are noted below, and the full speech as prepared for delivery can be found here. A Fiscal Year 2023-24 budget overview can be found here. 

“Tennessee is leading the nation as a guiding light for opportunity, security and freedom,” said Lee. “I’m proud to propose a budget and strategic policies that ensure our state continues to be a shining example for educational opportunity, strong families, innovation and economic prosperity.”

Our state’s strong fiscal stewardship places Tennessee in one of the strongest budgetary positions in history and allows for investments to secure continued success. Lee’s proposed $55.6 billion budget includes strategic funding to modernize transportation, ensure economic and educational opportunity, preserve our natural resources, protect children, strengthen families and more. 

Notable highlights from Gov. Lee’s FY23-24 agenda include: 

Transportation & Infrastructure Modernization

• $3B to the Transportation Modernization Fund to alleviate urban congestion and fund rural road projects across the state
  • $750M allocated to each of TN’s four TDOT regions
• $300M to expand the State Aid Program for local road projects
• Proposing new comprehensive legislation centering on Alternative Delivery Models, Public-Private Partnerships, Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Fees

Economic Opportunity & Tax Relief

• $288.3M for a one-time three-month sales tax holiday on food from August 1 to October 31, 2023, providing tax relief for Tennessee families
• Beginning a three-year transition to Single Sales Factor for franchise and excise taxes to improve TN’s ability to compete for jobs and investment
• $64M to simplify tax administration and conform with the federal bonus depreciation provisions of 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, allowing businesses to more quickly recover costs and further incentivize investment in Tennessee production
• $37.8M for Small Business Excise Tax Relief, establishing a standard deduction from excise tax for up to $50,000 of reported net income, earning taxpayers a maximum of $3,250 in direct savings for Tennessee businesses
• $20.3M for Small Business Franchise Tax Relief that exempts up to $500,000 of property from the franchise tax, giving small- and medium-sized businesses that own property in Tennessee up to $1,250 in tax savings on their annual franchise tax liability
• $7.9M for Small Business Relief from the Business Gross Receipts Tax, increasing the filing threshold for business tax from $10,000 to $100,000 to ensure that only businesses with $100,000 of gross receipts or more will be subject to the business tax. This includes funding to hold local jurisdictions harmless.
• $7.3M to establish a state paid family leave tax credit against franchise and excise tax for a two-year pilot period that will mirror the federal tax credit

Skilled Workforce

• $370.8M to update outdated facilities in seven TCAT campuses state-wide
• $386.2M to invest in new buildings, expansions and improvements to sixteen current TCAT campuses
• $147.5M to build six new TCATs to better serve more students across Tennessee

Strong & Healthy Families

• $18.7M to increase the income threshold for pregnant women and caregivers to expand access to TennCare Services
• $5.2M to provide 12-month continuous TennCare eligibility for low-income children
• $4.7M to permanently extend postpartum health coverage under TennCare
• $100M for Crisis Pregnancy Provider Support Grants supporting crisis pregnancy centers statewide, improving access to healthcare and information for expecting mothers
• $10.25M for TN Fosters Hope grant funding to elevate high quality care for children and families impacted by foster care and adoption, allowing providers to expand their services to foster and adoptive families
• $27M to expand programming for children with complex or special needs that face challenges being placed in a traditional foster or adoptive home by further developing the provider network and providing respite and long-term care
• $15M to fund the Summer Youth Employment Program to connect youth and young adults ages 14 to 24 with career exploration opportunities and paid work experiences

Protecting Tennessee’s Children

• $33M to increase bed capacity in the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) provider network to reduce the time children and youth spend in offices and children’s homes
• $39.8M to increase the rate of payment for providers in the DCS provider network that offer residential and clinical services to children in state custody
• $7.3M to support foster families and incentivize foster care and adoption of sibling groups and teens
• $15.9M to align DCS case manager salary with market salary regionally and in the private sector
• $11.4M to contract short-term private case managers to alleviate the burden on DCS case managers
• $5M for Juvenile Justice Youth Intervention Partnerships to increase collaboration with community-based partners to support youth stepping down from juvenile facilities
• $31M to replace the Tennessee Family and Child Tracking System (TFACTS), the DCS case management and payment system

Great Schools

• $350 M in additional funding to local education agencies through Tennessee Investment in Student Achievement (TISA), including $125 M for teacher pay raises
• $60.8M to extend summer learning camps and expand eligibility age from 4th grade to Kindergarten through 9th grade
• $10M for Summer Bus Transportation
• $20M in School Safety Grants to enhance school security
• $29.7M for the TN School Safety Initiative, expanding staffing to place at least one Homeland Security Special Agent in each of the state’s 95 counties to provide threat assessments and collaborate with local law enforcement
• Expanding the Grow Your Own apprenticeship program to help solve teacher shortages, serving 600 new apprenticeship candidates per year
• Five percent salary pool increase for higher education employees to ensure they attract and retain the best employee base possible

Safe Neighborhoods

• Adding 100 Highway Patrol Troopers and related support staff and 25 Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Forensic Services staff
• $30M addition to the TN Law Enforcement Hiring, Training, and Recruitment Program (Year 2)
• $50M expansion of the Violent Crime Intervention Fund
• $357M for network expansion of the Tennessee Advanced Communication Network (TACN) to transition remaining state agencies into TACN, improve coverage and provide infrastructure grants for local agencies to join TACN
• $10M to support successful re-entry by expanding Evidence-Based Programming Grants in prisons and jails with a focus on mental health

Brighter Future

• $66.5M for the Natchez Trace Recreation Area, establishing a sportsman’s themed park with a lodge, cabins, campgrounds and a shooting range
• $28.3M to create Scott’s Gulf State Park, a 9,000-acre park uniting Virgin Falls State Natural Area with surrounding nature areas into a single wilderness park
• $30M to revitalize the Heritage Conservation Trust to support public-private partnerships through a matching grant program
• $15.4M for trail infrastructure and development of the Cumberland Trail
• $10.3M to address critical gaps along the Wolf River Greenway, a 26-mile paved trail meandering from the Mississippi River to Germantown
• $6.3M to expand the Tweetsie Trail in Carter County, connecting four communities, two bike parks and a pedestrian bridge
• $70M to TN Clean Initiative, cleaning up state superfund sites, Oak Ridge and all 47 known dry cleaner sites
• $6.3M for the Rural Brownfields Investment Act to revitalize 175 known brownfield sites, creating a new state-administered grant and technical support program for remediation and economic development of existing brownfields
• $4.7M grant funding to improve local water quality by optimizing wastewater treatment plants, collaborating with agricultural partners to practice best management principles and supporting cities with reduction of nutrients in stormwater

Asset Management

• $1.7B to address capital improvements and maintenance, including Tennessee State Parks and TCATs
• Ensuring more than $2.8B of recurring revenue is allocated to one-time expenditures, allowing the return of these resources for review and budgeting next fiscal year

 In 2022, the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (“TDCI”) returned $11.49 million to Tennesseans through its mediation and restitution efforts.

This figure represents the largest amount of money ever repaid to consumers in a single year in the Department’s history.

As part of the mediation and restitution process, TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services team mediated 3,249 complaints between consumers and insurance companies. These efforts resulted in previously denied claims being overturned and additional benefits identified and paid to consumers.

“I am truly proud of TDCI’s Consumer Insurance Services team for their record-breaking work on behalf of consumers,” said TDCI Assistant Commissioner Bill Huddleston. “Consumers often feel frustrated and overwhelmed dealing with insurance-related issues, and our dedicated Consumer Insurance Services team is ready to assist, at all times. Filing a complaint is always an option for consumers who feel as if an insurance claim has been unjustly denied, or if they have questions or concerns about their insurance policies.”

TDCI regulates all lines of insurance and encourages consumers to contact the Consumer Insurance Services team with any insurance-related question or concern. Among consumers’ top complaints are claim denials, claim delays, unsatisfactory settlement offers, and out-of-network benefits.

Consumers should review these tips when working with their insurance company:

• Verify that an insurance company and an agent are licensed in Tennessee.
• Read the policy documents so you understand its provisions before filing a claim.
• Retain pictures and/or receipts for all contents on your property. Digital tools such as the NAIC Home Inventory App can assist when it comes to filing claims after a fire loss.
• Know your coverage limits for your auto policies, and what is required by state law.
• Visit a healthcare provider that is in-network with your insurance carrier.
• Purchase a new life insurance policy with the assistance of a licensed agent to help make the choices that are best suited for your personal needs. Life insurance policies often require personalization as well as require certain health factors to determine your eligibility for coverage.

If you have questions about consumer insurance, visit our website or contact us at 1-800-342-4029 or (615) 741-2218. 

 Nearly every county in Tennessee ended 2022 with lower unemployment rates, according to the December 2022 data released by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development.

Eighty-nine of the state’s 95 counties reported rates that decreased in December. Three counties experienced steady unemployment during the month, while unemployment increased in the remaining three counties.

Williamson County led the state with the lowest unemployment rate. At 2.1%, the county’s rate dropped 0.4 of a percentage point from the revised November rate.

Cheatham, Moore, and Wilson counties had the next lowest rate in the state at 2.2%. In Cheatham and Moore counties, the December rate dropped 0.3 of a percentage point when compared to the previous month. Wilson County’s rate was down 0.4 of a percentage point.

In Cannon County, December’s unemployment rate was 2.5%. That translates into 171 county residents looking for work. The December rate of 2.5% was a decrease from November rate of 2.6%.

Bledsoe County’s rate was the highest in the state, but at 5.3%, unemployment in the county did drop by 0.1 of a percentage point in December.

With a rate of 4.8%, Perry County had the next highest unemployment for the month. Its rate was down 0.2 of a percentage point when compared to the previous month’s rate. Lake County’s unemployment ranked next on the list at 4.7%, down from a rate of 4.8% in November.

An in-depth analysis of Tennessee’s December 2022 county unemployment data is available here.

Statewide, Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady in December at 3.5%. Nationally, unemployment for the month dropped from 3.6% to 3.5%.

Unlike statewide unemployment rates, county data is not seasonally adjusted to take into consideration seasonal impacts on unemployment.

Employers across the state need a skilled and qualified workforce to help their businesses grow, which will help the state’s economy continue to thrive. Job seekers in Tennessee can search through hundreds of thousands of job openings at Jobs4TN.gov. They can also learn more about free Adult Education or college prep classes, find a Registered Apprenticeship Program to become a part of, or locate the American Job Center closest to them by logging onto TNWorkReady.com.

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is releasing new data showing the response to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the state.

The three-digit number for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched in mid-July 2022 after two years of planning, preparation, and expansion.  In Tennessee, that included distributing about $2.8 million in federal funding to community-based crisis call centers to hire dozens of new staff.

The preparation paid off with about 21,000 Tennessee calls to 988 in the last six months of 2022.  That’s an increase of about 500 calls per month over the previous 10-digit National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number.  Tennesseans are also taking advantage of 988’s ability to text or chat.  In the last half of 2022, there were nearly 10,000 texts to 988 and chats with 988lifeline.org from people in Tennessee.

“It’s never been easier to connect with mental health care in a crisis thanks to 988. Our state has an amazing network of crisis services and community mental health providers, and 988 is unlocking the door to mental health help that so many people need right now,” said TDMHSAS Commissioner Marie Williams.  “We are grateful to our community partners who expanded to meet the demand and continue to respond to needs in a caring and compassionate way.”

Even with the increased demand for assistance, Tennessee’s crisis call centers are meeting or exceeding national benchmarks for in-state answer rate and time to answer.  The federal agency that funds the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline sets targets at 90% in-state and 30 seconds.  Any call that’s not answered promptly in-state rolls over to a national backup call center so that no call goes unanswered.

“The power of 988 and Tennessee’s crisis services continuum means that not only are you talking to someone in Tennessee, the call-taker is probably in your region and knows the resources and probably has personal contacts who can help,” said TDMHSAS Director of Crisis Services and Suicide Prevention Jennifer Armstrong.

After the strong start in 2022, TDMHSAS is adding additional capacity in Nashville, Knoxville, and West Tennessee utilizing $1 million in supplemental funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and existing Mental Health Block Grant Funding.  The department previously expanded chat and text capabilities in September 2022 to meet the demand during peak times.

“We’ve long said that we were going to follow the data in our approach to 988, and we’ve done just that.  We’re constantly learning more about how Tennesseans want to access help in a mental health crisis, and increasingly that doesn’t involve speaking to someone on the phone.,” said Matt Yancey, LCSW, TDMHSAS Deputy Commissioner for Community Behavioral Health Programs.  “We’re grateful for the flexibility of our crisis call centers and their amazing staff as we work together to meet the need and connect people to care.”

Tennesseans are invited to join the inaugural ceremony and worship service for Tennessee Governor Bill Lee’s second inauguration on January 21, 2023. 

“The Lord has been faithful and poured His great favor over Tennessee,” said Gov. Lee. “Maria and I invite Tennesseans to join us for a celebration of our state, as we thank God for our many blessings and seek His wisdom in the days ahead.”

The 2023 Inaugural Ceremony and Worship Service on Saturday, January 21 are both free to the public with registration. Tickets can be reserved here based on seating availability.

Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris McClarney, Nicole C. Mullen, Chris Tomlin, the Fisk Jubilee Singers from Fisk University and other acclaimed performers will headline the Inaugural Worship Service at the legendary Ryman Auditorium at 8:30 a.m. CT.

Immediately following the worship service, Gov. Lee will take the oath of office at the Inauguration Ceremony at 11 a.m. CT on Legislative Plaza. The oath will be administered by Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Roger Page. The event is a joint convention of the 113th General Assembly.

‘Tennessee: Leading the Nation’ celebratory events will take place January 20-21 in Nashville. With the exception of the ticketed Saturday evening events, all activities are free and open to the public with limitations based on venue capacity. Registration is required for all events. Event details, tickets and registrations are available here.

The Tennessee Department of Revenue and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture remind farmers, timber harvesters, and nursery operators that they can buy more items tax-free in 2023.

Under a new state law taking effect January 1, 2023, qualified farmers and nursery operators may purchase building material, fencing material, warranties, and most other items of tangible personal property used primarily in agricultural operations exempt from sales and use tax.

“Farming is an important industry in our state, and we were pleased to work with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, members of the Tennessee General Assembly, and other stakeholders to expand the agricultural sales tax exemption,” Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano said.

“The new tax exemptions will greatly benefit Tennessee’s farmers and foresters when purchasing what they need for their operations to thrive,” Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, D.V.M. said. “As Tennessee’s number one industry, when agriculture is strong, everyone benefits. We appreciate our policymakers for recognizing the importance and impact of ag.”

To purchase farm equipment and machinery tax-free, farmers must show their Tennessee sales tax exemption card. To obtain a card, famers should complete the Agricultural Sales and Use Tax Exemption application.

Automobiles, trucks, household appliances, and gasoline or diesel fuel used in vehicles operated upon public highways remain subject to sales tax. Additionally, contractors and subcontractors who use property in the performance of a contract with a qualified farmer or nursery operator are subject to sales and use tax on that property.

For more information about the agricultural sales tax exemption, read this important notice and this tax manual on the Department of Revenue’s website. For questions, please call 615-253-0600 or email revenue.support@tn.gov.

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The department collects around 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2022 fiscal year, it collected nearly $20.9 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $4.3 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.