by Emily Luxen
NASHVILLE, Tenn.- After months of debate, Metro Council Members are ready to vote on city budget that includes a property tax increase for Nashville residents.
Tuesday, council members will vote on one of two plans. Mayor Karl Dean's plan which includes a 53 cent property tax increase. The city would use the new revenues to raise starting teacher salaries by $5,000, retain 50 police officers whose federal grant funding soon will run out and give a 4 percent pay raise to most city employees. Also on the table is Council Member Sean McGuire's substitute budget. It also calls for the same property tax increase, but it puts four cents from the increase into a debt reserve, and makes financial cuts to multiple programs proposed in the mayor's budget.
At Monday's Budget and Finance Committee meeting, several council members proposed amendments to the substitute budget ranging from reducing to eliminating the property tax increase. Opponents argued in a still struggling economy, it isn't right to increase taxes on financially strapped residents.
"It is a disappointment," said District 33 Council Member Robert Duvall, "so many people in Davidson County have contacted us and begged and pleaded. They are being ignored."
"When you have a belief something is right you are going to stand up for it," said Council Member at Large Charlie Tygard, "I think taking money from citizens and putting in savings is not the best expenditure of money."
Despite the vocal opposition, all of the amendments were defeated, and the committee voted to support the substitute budget. It was a gesture Council Member McGuire appreciated.
"We're trying to be responsible, and reduce spending as much as possible," said McGuire, "My hope is the substitute budget is approved by the council. I think it is the best fiscal plan for the city going forward."
The property tax increase is the city's first in 7 years and would generate $100 million in additional revenue.
Tuesday the full council will vote to support one plan or the other. The fiscal year starts July 1.
