Image Credit: Ben Collins / CC
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
After its second and final reading, a budget was passed by the Bristol City Council on Tuesday night.
In a 4-1 vote, with only Council Member Vincent Turner voting against the budget, the council passed the series of budget cuts and an increase in property taxes.
Residents will see city property taxes rise by 21%, bringing the rate to $1.87 per $100 of assessed value. This is slightly less of an increase than had been previously proposed.
Officials initially proposed a 30% increase, but opposition from the public led them to lower that to a proposed 24%. However, that amount was unanimously vetoed last month, driving them to lower it to the finally approved 21%.
According to News Channel 11, the city previously stated that it would cut the budget by opting not to fill some vacated positions, including that of a grant specialist, an IT support specialist, and several part-time jobs with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Additionally, cuts will come in the form of a temporary delay in purchases of capital equipment and new programs.
