After many Greenbrier residents spoke out against a proposed property tax increase, city leaders are proposing keeping the property tax rate the same.
During a work session involving the board of Mayor and Alderman, they discussed keeping the city’s property tax rate at $1.07 per $100 of assessed property value.
This comes after the board was considering a 78 percent increase that would have bumped the property tax rate to $1.90. During a meeting last week, many residents voiced their concerns about the proposed increase and said it would be too much of a financial burden. Greenbrier hasn’t had a property tax increase in more than 12 years.
The increase would bring in an additional $1 million. This money would help fund a full-time fire department for the city. Currently, Greenbrier has a part time and volunteer department. The department relies on help from neighboring White House and Ridgetop firefighters.
Fire Chief Kyle Hamill says the additional money would fund nine full-time firefighter positions. Hamill said this would help increase the department’s response time, and ultimately make the city safer.
“I understand it’s a huge request,” said Chief Hamill. “My job is to explain to city leaders what our limitations are, and if growth is coming to the city, we need to start progressing as well.”
Hamill said he was still hopeful the city would consider a tax increase in the future to help fund the department.
City leaders encourage anyone with a tax question to call City Hall at (615) 643-4531.
A special called meeting will be held July 31 to vote on the city budget.
