CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A standing room only crowd came to the Chattanooga City Council Tuesday afternoon to give their views on a proposed property tax hike.
The Chattanooga City Council was filled with first responders who hope a pay raise is coming soon.
This would be achieved through a property tax rate, as many of them say that short term pain would be worth the long term gain.
One Chattanooga Police Officer, Sydney Casavant, said, “I believe what we’ve been asking for is more than reasonable. I fear that if there are no significant changes, if there is the bare minimum change, the Chattanooga Police Department will see a mass exodus, leaving the city to save itself.”
These dire warnings from the numerous first responders who spoke, all in favor of Mayor Kelly’s $1.93 property tax rate.
This rate would average to about $34 dollars more per month for the average property tax bill, or roughly $400 more per year.
Chattanooga Police officer Andrew Peaker, who meets with other officers when they resign, said, “Many times now, I see tears welling up in their eyes. They don’t want to go.”
Roughly 34 people spoke in Tuesday’s meeting, many first responders or city employees.
By our count, 22 of those spoke in favor of the mayor’s proposal, 8 spoke against it, while 4 did not offer an opinion.
While many did speak in favor, some residents spoke against saying this property tax hike is an undue burden on taxpayers.
Resident Daniel Bradley said, “Now, let me be clear, I support and respect our police officers and firefighters. I have many of them that are my friends. But this is a trojan horse. You’re using them to push a massive tax grab that will benefit city leadership.”
Resident Joe DaGaetano added, “We can have services, we can have the best fire and police available. We can treat them well, but we can also come to a compromise that would add another 34 dollars to everybody’s bill. That’s not nothing to a family that’s coming in on fumes every month. Just keep that in mind. What’s 34 dollars? Perhaps it’s their student’s band instrument for the month.”
However, more speakers said the mayor’s proposal is necessary to ensure essential services remain.
UTC Student Body President and resident Beeta Baghaevaji argued, “It ensures that Chattanooga remains a place where students and families alike can feel safe, connected, and supported. Cutting this budget would only weaken essential services, and also send a message to students and young people that Chattanooga is unwilling to invest in its future.”
There will be another hearing next Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. on the alternative tax proposal by Councilman Chip Henderson of $1.69.
After that hearing during the normal City Council business meeting, the Council will select which tax proposal to move forward with.
