McKenzie City Council proposes nearly 20 cent tax increase

MCKENZIE, Tenn. — We hear from one mayor that is looking at the possibility of raising taxes.

McKenzie’s city council board is proposing an almost 20 cent tax increase. This would increase payroll dollars, street paving and industrial projects.

“It was originally recommended by the comptroller to reduce our rate to 0.6218 and the council approved the first reading to increase to 0.8218, so a 20 cent increase per 100,000 dollars,” said McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin.

In order for residents to not receive a tax increase, certain services would no longer be given. These services would include emergency services, streets and parks and recreation.

The city of McKenzie has not seen a tax increase like this in almost 20 years.

“So if we look at a 0.82–which is where we currently are, that’s gonna cost an average citizen about $1, almost $2, and they’re gonna receive $2.50 with of services each day,” said Mayor Griffin. “We could have been looking at 20 cents per year over the last two decades and we would’ve been right where we needed to be. Because of cost of expenses–rising cost of living–it just has caught up with us now.”

Tuesday night’s meeting opened with a public hearing that allowed residents to ask some questions. Mayor Griffin appreciated hearing from residents.

“I think what we did not do well is educate. I think we need to communicate more, but because we were in a reassessment year I drug my feet into getting a budget ready. I did not want to look at an increase,” said Mayor Griffin.

The city has also applied for a dump truck that would be the first of its kind in the area.

“[We] Just recently applied and feel very confident that we will receive an EV grant that will be able to take one of our old trucks that’s diesel powered and will be fully electric,” said Mayor Griffin.

Along with the budget, a multi-field soccer complex will help bring in revenue to the city.

“We partnered with the industrial board to have a total of 6 acres that’s gonna be converted into 10 fields. One regulation size that will be able to partner with the high school and the school system on that,” said Mayor Griffin.

As of Tuesday evening, the board wasn’t able to vote for the approval of the budget.

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