NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Metro Council members will vote on one of two proposed budgets at their meeting on Tuesday night.
The full council will hold a final vote in a meeting scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
Despite last ditch efforts from citizens Monday night, the two options council members will review are Mayor Karl Dean's budget, and a substitute budget presented by councilmember Sean McGuire with proposed amendments. However, both of the options include 53-cent property tax increases.
The "substitute budget" puts four cents from the property tax increase into a debt reserve, and makes financial cuts to multiple programs proposed in the mayor's budget.
Monday night, all of opponents' attempts to reduce or eliminate the property tax increases were voted down, which paved the way for Tuesday night's vote.
"My hope is that my substitute budget is approved by council. I think it is the best fiscal plan for the city going forward," said councilmember McGuire.
Neither options were popular for those who were hoping to see the proposed property tax reduced or eliminated.
"When you have a belief that something is right you are going to stand up for it. I think taking money from citizens and putting in savings is not the best expenditure of money," said Councilmember at Large Charlie Tygard.
Mayor Dean released a statement saying in part either option will help keep the city moving forward.
The property tax increase is the city's first in seven years and would generate $100 million in additional revenue.
The fiscal year starts July 1.
