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Archivist

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1. Where can I find Death Records after 1956?

They can be found at:
The Office of Vital Records, Tennessee Department of Health
421 Fifth Ave. N.
Nashville, TN 37247
Ph: (615) 741-1763
Website

2. Where is a good starting point to search for past family members in Madison County?

Census Records is a great place to start. These can be found at the Jackson-Madison County Library.

3. Where can I find past tax records?

The actual records are kept at Madison County Archives. However, they can be viewed on microfilm at the Jackson-Madison County Library.

4. How long are certain records retained?

Most public records have a retention schedule of six years, if they are not minutes, deeds, plats, rule dockets, etc. The records that can be disposed of in the six-year time span are kept just for auditing purposes. Records that are readily disposed of in these time periods are usually kept in a records center and not the archives itself. The archives are a holding area for all permanent records.

5. What is the length of time before disposals are made?

Once the records have been declared as non-permanent they must be measured in the time frame given for auditing purposes (usually six years). Once the records have been declared for disposal, a letter is then written by the archivist requesting permission by the public records commission to dispose of them in accordance to the County Technical Assistance Service (CTAS) manual which has numerated definitions of each type of record. Once the public records commission has approved the request, the letter is then sent on to the Tennessee State Library and Archives (TSLA) for final approval. Once permission is granted, the records can either be shredded, burned, or buried in a landfill.

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Assessor of Property

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1. How can I find what my house is appraised for and why?

You will find information regarding your property on the State of Tennessee website for online appraisal and assessment information or you can call us at (731) 423-6063 and provide your street address to learn of your property’s current market value and description.

You may also visit our office at:
New Southern Hotel
118 E. Baltimore St.
Second floor, Suite 4
Jackson, TN

Our office is on the south-side of the County Courthouse.

2. Does the Assessor’s property appraisal determine the amount of property taxes I pay to the City of Jackson and Madison County?

Tax rates are established individually by the Jackson City Council and the Madison County Commissioners. When set, these rates apply to your property’s assessment to determine the amount of taxes you pay. An assessment is a percentage of your appraised value. For residential properties the assessment is 25% and for commercial properties, the assessment is 40%.

3. What should I do if I do not agree with the Assessor’s appraisal of my property?

Contact the Property Assessor's Office and request a “review” of your property tax card. A clerk will ensure the information we have on our tax card is correct by asking questions; he/she will then record any reasons you have for believing your appraisal is incorrect. One of our field appraisers will review this information to ensure that your appraisal is accurate.

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Building Department

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1. When should a Building Permit be purchased?

A Building Permit should be purchased for any construction job that exceeds the cost of $100.

2. What are requirements needed prior to purchasing a Building Permit?

In the county you must have at least 100 feet of road frontage and a Health Department Letter of Approval before a Building Permit can be issued. You can also call our office at (731) 423-6014 to check on any other issues; such as zoning and setbacks on your property.

3. What other permits does our office issue?

Our department also issues Plumbing and Gas Permits in the county. These are needed when you are on a septic tank and natural gas and your service is through Jackson Energy Authority. A permit is not required when you are on a well or on propane.

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Circuit Court

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1. Will the Clerk's Office give me legal advice?

By law the Clerk's Office is prohibited from answering any legal questions.

2. How are people chosen to serve on jury duty?

The TN State law requires the Clerk's office to purchase from the Dept. of Safety a disk of all valid D/L holders in the state. The jurors are randomly picked by a computer with this disk.

3. How do I obtain a background check?

Circuit Court has two public access computers you can use to check records.

4. What if I can't afford an attorney?

In a criminal case you will be given an Affidavit of Indigency Form to fill out and see if you qualify for an appointed attorney. If you do you will be appointed one by the Circuit Judge. If you file a civil case and you can't afford an attorney you can contact Legal Services to see if you qualify for help.

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Code Enforcement

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1. What is Code Enforcement?

Code enforcement is responsible for enforcing codes which address property maintenance issues, including regulations related to rubbish, garbage, specific nuisances, removal of vegetation, zoning, housing, dangerous buildings, and inoperable and unlicensed vehicles on private property. Enforcement actions are taken both proactively and in response to requests for action received from citizens.

2. How do I notify the County of a possible code violation?

There are three ways of filing a request for action.

You may call the Code Enforcement Department at (731) 423-2041, leave your information, and the Director can call you back

You may use the Online Complaint Form

You may mail, email, or fax in a letter to:
Code Enforcement
Attn: Terry Stroud
100 E. Main St.
Suite 312
Jackson, TN 38301
Ph: (731) 293-8799
Fx: (731) 427-3421

You may come in person and talk to the Director

Your request will be investigated as soon as possible by the Code Enforcement Director and prioritized by seriousness of the complaint. Life / Safety issues take priority over nuisance complaints. All complaints are investigated to see if a State or County Resolution has been violated.

3. What types of complaints does the Code Enforcement Director investigate?

Substandard or dangerous buildings

Public nuisances such as trash, debris, and inoperable and unlicensed vehicles on private property

Zoning and land use violations

Public Health hazards

Tall weeds and grass

Illegal buildings / structures

Illegal businesses (improper zoning, not licensed)

4. How does a complaint get processed?

If a resolution or regulation is being violated, the Code Enforcement Director would then send a Notice of Violation, via certified mail, indicating that the violation(s) are to be remedied within a certain amount of time, along with outlines of the penalties for the violation. The notice of violation also includes an estimated cost and a possible fine if not remedied within a certain amount of time.

If total compliance not met, the County shall cause the condition to be remedied and the costs shall be assessed against the owner of the property. A lien will be placed on the property and the County will seek a judgment in a Court of Law for the costs expended in the enforcement of these regulations.

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County Clerk

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1. What are the requirements for a marriage license?

These are the requirements for a marriage license in the State of Tennessee:

Both parties, groom and bride, must come together to apply.

You must bring both your driver's licenses (or State IDs) and social security numbers (can also use birth certificates).

If you are an alien, you must have a birth certificate translated into English and a visa, green card, or passport (something showing that you are in this country legally).

You must know your parents' full names, including your mother's maiden name, and the state your parents were born in.

If either party has been married before, will need to know date of divorce or date of death.

The cost is $34 if you have a certification of completion for the premarital preparation course. The certification must be on a State approved form. Without the certificate, the cost is $94.

There is not a waiting period if both parties are 18 years or older.

No blood test is required.

After you purchase the license, you have 30 days to use the license. It maybe used anywhere in the state of Tennessee.

2. How do I apply for title and registration on a motor vehicle?

In order to apply for a Tennessee title on a vehicle purchased from a dealer in Tennessee, the owner will need to present this office a title and bill of sale showing the amount of sales tax collected.

If purchased from an individual, we will only need the former owner's title properly signed over to the new owner. If the owner is coming into Tennessee from another state, we will need the title from their home state.

Should the vehicle not be paid for, we will need the current registration and the name and address of the bank or credit union that is holding their title. Sales tax will be collected by this office on those vehicles that have not been paid for.

3. How do I obtain a license for my new business?

A new business located in Madison County will need to complete an application for a new business license and present it to this office. Zoning laws will apply if the location listed is not a commercial zone. It is possible that applicants will need to talk with the Madison County Building Department about zoning laws.

For more information, please view Information on Required Permits.

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County Commission

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1. Who are the members of a specific Committee?

A listing of the committee members is listed on our website.

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Election Commission - Campaign Activity at the Polling Place

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1. How close can a candidate or a candidate’s representative(s) hand out campaign literature and/or solicit?

A candidate cannot come closer than 100 feet from the entrance to any polling place where there is voting taking place, unless the candidate is voting. A voter cannot wear any type of campaign shirt, button, or anything else that shows support for or against any candidate or measure on the ballot. However, if a voter is willing to cover the shirt, hat, etc., so no one else can see it, then the voter will be allowed to vote.

2. Can a voter carry a sample ballot in to vote with him or her?

Yes, as long as the voter does not show it to any other voters. Each candidate is allowed to appoint a poll watcher at each precinct.

3. What if a voter has a campaign sign or sticker on his/her vehicle when they come into the polling place to vote? Are they allowed to vote?

Yes, as long as they go straight inside to vote, then vote, and leave immediately. The vehicle cannot be left inside the 100 foot boundary once the voter has completed voting.

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Emergency Communications District (9-1-1)

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1. What are the 9-1-1 rates for landline and wireless telephones?

Madison County is pleased to have the lowest landline rates in the State of Tennessee. For residential telephones the rate is set at $0.45 per telephone line per month. The monthly rate for each business telephone line is set at $1.64. The monthly rate for all wireless devices is set by the State at $1.

2. Who do I contact to get an address for my property?

The Madison County Emergency Communications District assigns all addresses within the City of Jackson and Madison County. If you have a question about your address or are uncertain what your correct address is, please contact our office for assistance.

3. What should I know about dialing 9-1-1 from a wireless device?

When the public safety dispatcher answers your call, please be able to give the correct location of the emergency. The District implemented a GIS mapping system in 2002 to assist dispatchers in locating you during an emergency when you dial 9-1-1. This will enable the dispatchers to locate most 9-1-1 calls within 300 meters of their origin.

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Finance Department

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1. When is payday?

County employees get paid on the 15th and last day of each month.

2. What time can checks be picked up by department heads?

Department heads can pick up checks at the Finance Office after 2:00 pm, the day before payday. This process differs for JMCSS employees.

3. Will I get my money faster if I choose to have Direct Deposit?

Generally, those having Direct Deposit will have their money at midnight the day before payday. However, it is not guaranteed until payday.

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General Sessions Court

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1. Do I need an attorney to represent me in General Sessions Civil Court?

No, you may represent yourself unless you are filing as a business that is incorporated.

2. What happens if I miss my Civil Court Docket date?

A default civil judgment will be taken against you.

3. How do I collect my Civil Judgment?

A civil money judgement may be collected by issuing a wage garnishment or execution against the defendant.

4. How can I stop a wage garnishment against me?

You may file a motion for installment payments (also known as slow pay motion) to stop the garnishment for a fee of $25.00.

5. Do I qualify for an Order of Protection?

To qualify for an Order of Protection, you must be subject to threats of, or placed in fear of, physical abuse, domestic abuse, stalking, or sexual assault by a relative or person in a relationship with you.

6. What happens if I miss any Criminal Court date?

The judge may issue a warrant for your arrest due to failure to appear.

7. Does General Sessions Court offer Traffic School for traffic citations?

The judge does offer traffic School as an option on traffic citations. You must appear in court in order to qualify.

8. What happens if I miss my Traffic Court date?

A suspension notice will be sent to the state for failure to appear and suspend your Driver's License until the citation is paid in full.

9. What happens if my traffic citation is not paid on time?

A suspension notice will be sent to the state for failure to satisfy citation and suspend your Driver's License until the citation is paid in full.

10. How do I reinstate my Driver's License that is now suspended?

Past due citations must be paid in full and fees must be paid to the state. You may need to contact the Department of Safety for a full list of requirements to reinstate your Driver's License. See the quick link on our website.

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Health Department

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1. What are your hours of operation?

We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. If you are getting a Birth or Death certificate, please arrive before 4:00 pm.

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Highway Department

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1. Does the Highway Department install driveway culverts / pipes?

The Madison County Highway Department will install a driveway culvert if the property owner supplies the pipe. Call the Highway Department at (731) 422-1651 to determine the pipe size you need to purchase and to schedule the culvert installation.

2. Who mows the grass along the roadsides?

The Madison County Highway Department mostly sprays the roadsides with herbicides to keep the weeds minimized and the Bermuda grass growing. However, the Highway Department does mow select areas where the weeds have grown tall and are obstructing view. Please call the Highway Department at (731) 422-1651 or fill out the online form to request roadside mowing.

3. Does the Highway Department pick up trash or yard waste (tree trimmings, leaves, grass clippings)?

The Madison County Highway Department does not provide these services.

4. Will the Highway Department pick up my garbage?

Unfortnately the Highway Department does not provide this service.

5. Does the Highway Department pick-up roadside litter?

No. The County does provide this service, however, through its Anti-Litter Grant. To request this service, submit an online County Road Trash Complaint Form.

6. How do I report illegal dumping of trash and garbage?

To report illegal dumping you may submit a report online.

7. Who do I call about a pothole?

You may contact the Highway Department at (731) 422-1651 or submit a request online.

8. What is the right-of-way width of my road?

The right-of-way width varies from road to road. Contact the Highway Department at (731) 422-1651 or submit an online request.

9. What size driveway culvert do I need?

A member of the Highway Department staff must visit your site and determine the size of the culvert needed. To request this service, submit a request online.

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Human Resources

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1. Where do I find open job positions?

Open positions are posted on the first floor of the Madison County Courthouse and on the Jobs webpage. Open positions are posted a minimum of five working days.

2. How can I apply for a job with Madison County?

Applications can be completed two ways:

In the Human Resources office located in the Madison County Courthouse at:
100 E. Main, Suite 303
Jackson, TN

Print an Employment Application and return by mail to the above address or fax to (731) 988-3836

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Juvenile Court

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1. Whom do I contact when I need information concerning child custody, child support, or probate?

Please contact the Juvenile Court Clerk's Office at:
110 Irby St.
Jackson, TN 38301
Ph: (731)-423-6146

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Can I reserve a Picnic Pavilion?

Yes. We do reserve all our group Picnic Pavilions. There is a $25 charge and a refundable $75 cleanup deposit required. Call (731) 988-3850 to reserve a Picnic Pavilion.

2. Can I fish in park ponds?

Yes. Fishing is allowed in all park ponds. A Tennessee fishing license is required.

3. Can I ride my horse at the Bourne Horse Arena?

You can ride at both of the arenas unless there is a scheduled horse show that week. Call (731) 988-3850 to check availability.

4. When are registrations for programs?

Printed resources are available throughout the year that detail sign-up dates, registration fees, activity locations, and more. All of our programs are announced through the schools and local newspapers. Feel free to call us for more information at (731) 988-3850 or email us.

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Register of Deeds

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1. Is all the information available to the public?

The short answer is yes. That is the main purpose of the office - to have this information available, whether it is for an attorney doing a title search or someone finding out how much their neighbor paid for his/her house.

2. Can I get copies of all information available in this office?

Yes, we copy each document for our records and store them in books. As of November 13, 1995, we scan the documents into the computer, and obtain copies that way. All information needed to do a complete title search is available from 1821 to present.

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Trustee

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1. When are taxes due?

They are due the first Monday in October and become delinquent the last day of February.

2. Can I make a partial payment?

We are set up to take two payments.

3. Do you take credit cards?

Credit cards are accepted for payment online only. Visit the Tennessee County Trustee's Association website to pay your bill online.