NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Watch the video to see the moment Nashville leaders approved the budget, originally proposed by Mayor Freddie O'Connell.
It's millions of dollars for schools, police, fire and other city services you count on. Nashville's Metro Council approved the city's spending plan that begins next month, in a unanimous — and relatively quick — vote.
The new plan does not include a property tax increase.
Metro leaders say this is a challenging budget year, in part because federal COVID money the city has used for schools over the past few years is now coming to an end.
That federal money paid for things like textbooks, a free breakfast and lunch program, and nurses for every school.
Under the new plan, the city will be dipping into its savings accounts starting next month to keep those school programs going.
The new budget includes a 4% cost of living adjustment and implements a $20 minimum wage for general government employees.
The new budget also expands a program pairing up mental health professionals with paramedics as they go out on calls, to nights and weekends.
It also provides funding to make sidewalks to area schools safer with things like signage and crosswalk markings.
Our viewers are the best! When Hannah McDonald highlighted the plight of Serenity Sumler, so many of you immediately stepped up. Serenity stopped to help a driver after spotting a wreck and was hit by another car, resulting in terrible injuries. Without the funds to pay for physical therapy, she was at a loss. Because of the kindness of others - she now can rehab and get back to school. Best of luck to her as she trains to become a chef!
- Carrie Sharp
