Nashville Transit Opponents File Last-Minute Appeal Against Tax Hike

Nashville: So, here’s the scoop. Opponents of the transit referendum in Nashville are making a last-ditch effort to block it. They filed an appeal just days before a tax hike kicks in.

This whole thing started after they lost a civil trial. Emily Evans, a former Metro Council member, and her group, the Committee to Stop an UnFair Tax, are pushing back. They’re not happy about the $3.1 billion plan that was approved by about two-thirds of voters last November. It’s set to raise the sales tax from 9.25% to 9.75% starting February 1.

The plan aims to revamp the city’s bus systems, sidewalks, and traffic signals over the next few years. But Evans isn’t backing down. She’s been a real thorn in the side of Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who’s all about improving transit. After a recent court ruling went in his favor, he expressed relief and excitement to move forward.

Evans and her crew argue that some projects in the plan aren’t allowed by state law and that voters were misled about what they were voting on. She’s hopeful that the appeals court will take a fresh look at everything.

Metro Nashville has until January 27 to respond to their request for an injunction. It’s definitely a tense situation, and everyone’s watching closely to see what happens next.