Metro Council members listened to several hours of public comment as they debate how to spend tax dollars in next year’s Metro budget proposed by Mayor David Briley.
Several people advocating for the Mayor's budget were nonprofits that will benefit from the spending plan, like the United Way and the Financial Empowerment Center.
They argued that Briley's budget will help those groups do work that will benefit some of the people most in need in Nashville.
One student attending college in the fall said the non-profit In Full Motion helped him get there.
“I have to thank In Full Motion for that, because without them, I probably wouldn't have been getting anywhere close to that, said Marcus Debose.
An even bigger group of people lined up to speak out against the budget as it's currently proposed.
That's because the budget does not fund Metro Schools to the level Superintendent Shawn Joseph requested.
Also, the budget forgoes a three percent raise that many city employees were promised.
They're advocating for a budget proposal from Councilman Bob Mendes and others, that would include raises and the full school budget, but at the cost of a property tax increase.
The Service Employee International Union organized a rally ahead of the meeting, and many members spoke out against the current budget.
“I am opposed to this budget until we correct the tax rate that needs to be given to respect all of us who are dedicated to the city,” said Odessa Kelly.
Council members have until the end of the month to pass a budget.
