LEBANON, TN (WSMV) -
Another Middle Tennessee community is locking horns over property taxes. Earlier this month the Wilson County Commission Budget Committee approved a 22-cent property tax increase. But the full commission still has to approve the hike.
Right now the tax rate is $2.50 per $100 assessed value. Under the proposal, it would jump to $2.72. That money would, in part, help pay for a 4 percent raise for county employees, fund school building projects, and boost the county's general fund to $6 million, which right now sits at $2 million.
Finance Director Aaron Maynard told the Wilson Post the fund would cover two months' worth of operating expenses in case of emergency.
Commissioner Jerry McFarland spoke with Channel 4 Saturday. He says he plans to vote against the increase.
"We're living in a deep recession since the Great Depression. I went across the public square in Lebanon today and there were 12 cars on the public square. Now, that doesn't tell me we're in a robust economy," McFarland said.
McFarland admits the county needs to fund services but believes there are better ways to do it. He said they should take a closer look at the current budget.
"There's over a million dollars in purchase orders that are active from last year. I personally think they should probably be eliminated, put that money back in the fund balance and not be going back to taxpayers."
The county commission will hold a public hearing Monday, August 27 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by a vote. McFarland said the proposal needs 13 votes to pass and he just doesn't think they'll have it.
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