CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has released an updated property tax rate proposal to raise money for first responder pay.
He is now suggesting the rate be set at $1.93, six cents lower than the initial proposal of $1.99.
The mayor’s office says the average city property tax bill would still cost roughly four hundred dollars more per year, or $1.10 more per day, which would raise $44.8 million for the city budget.
He says the mayor’s office will cut technology licenses and professional tests, of which one of those discussed in a hearing last week was a personality test that cost the city $15,000.
The mayor’s office is also looking to fund 15 new firefighting positions and a new fire truck for Station 21 in East Brainerd, along with $7.5 million for paving and $5 million for affordable housing and eviction prevention.
There is additionally a counter proposal from several city council members such as Chip Henderson and Jenny Hill that would set the rate 24 cents lower at $1.69.
Both of these tax proposals will be discussed at a public hearing next Tuesday at 3:30 p.m.
