| Greenfield budget approved; property tax hike included | | Posted: Thursday, June 14, 2012 9:10 pm
| The Greenfield mayor and board of aldermen approved the third and final reading of the 2012-13 budget after some heated discussion during the public hearing at Tuesday’s meeting.
The budget proposal, which includes a 35-cent property tax increase, narrowly passed the board with a 4-3 vote. Aldermen Danny Nanney, Mike Caudle, Troy Jones and Paul Richmond voted in favor of the proposed budget, while aldermen John Liggett, Paul Grooms and Cindy McAdams voted against it.
The increase would raise property taxes from $1.25 per $100 of assessed value of property to $1.60. The budget also includes an increase from $37.30 for water, gas and sewer each month to $40 each month with a 3,000 gallon minimum of water usage.
The proposed property tax would increase the current property tax income from $270,000 to $347,872. The proposed total income for the city would increase from $1,044,750 to $1,124,172.
Many local residents came out to be heard during the public hearing, which occurred during a recess from the regular board meeting. Several residents acknowledged they were unhappy with the proposed increase in taxes, especially with the proposed salary increases in the budget.
Some residents also wanted clarification on where the money from the increase in taxes would be spent. According to the board, some of the money will “go to the streets” so the City of Greenfield can pave more roads in the area.
The board announced sales tax collections for April were $33,827.14. The board agreed to pour the sidewalk on South Front Street in front of the new El Vallarta Mexican Restaurant.
Rick Williams with the Greenfield Advancement Association announced the group was officially able to accept dues. He added there was a community block party July 21, and he encouraged the board to support the event.
The board also decided to approve a motion to promote a farmers’ market in Greenfield. It would be open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until the produce has been sold.
The farmers’ market will be operating from June through October and will be located at the middle block of Front Street. There will be a $15 monthly permit fee, which can be paid at Greenfield City Hall, for anyone interested in setting up a booth.
The money from the fees will go to help with advertising for the market. If a vendor wants to sell anything that is not homegrown, then Tennessee state law requires the vendor to purchase a business license from both the City of Greenfield and the Weakley County Clerk’s Office.
The next Greenfield Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting is set for at 5:30 p.m. July 10 in the Fire Station, and as always, the public is invited to attend.
Published in The WCP 6.14.12 | | | | |
