By a 12 to 9 vote, the Greene County Commission approved a nearly 30% increase to Greene County property taxes.
The almost $.38 increase raises the rate to $1.65 per $100 of taxable property. The rate for property inside Greeneville is a penny lower at $1.64. The increase is expected to raise an additional $7.9 M in revenue, most of which is geared toward pay incentives with the exception of teachers.
Those voting in favor were Commissioners Kathy Crawford, Robin Quillen, Brad Peters, Jason Cobble, Teddy Lawing, Hoot Bowers, Paul Burkey, Nick Gunter, Jan Kiker, John Waddle, Jeffery Bible, and Tim Smithson. Voting against were commissioners Tim White, Larkin Clemmer, Pamela Carpenter, Bill Dabbs, Chase Murray, Josh Arrowood, Lisa Anderson, Gary Shelton, and Lyle Parton.
Two Public Hearings were held prior to the approval. County Mayor Kevin Morrison asked every one to respectfully keep it classy and be civil. The courtroom was packed with so many people that others had to listen from the hallway, but all who wanted to speak were given the chance with a 3-minute limit.
Everyone mostly agreed it’s not that they don’t want departments like sheriffs and EMS to get paid what they deserve; it’s more of why are the taxpayers the one with the burden. Residents feel it’s too much too soon and asked that the budget be re-done.
Commissioners did vote to pass the fiscal year budget for 2024. The approval of the resolution didn’t sit right with some commissioners and a reconsideration of the budget was requested by commissioner Chase Murray. After back-and-forth discussions a 14 to 7 vote was made and the budget was approved as it stands, with two last-minute amendments from Director of Finance Danny Lowery. Those amendments include an increase to the Sheriff’s Department and a half million-dollar reduction in capital projects. He stated numbers were tweaked, as some salaries for the Sheriff’s Department were incorrect.
Before adjourning, commissioners Paul Burkey and Robin Quillen wanted to spread the word about help with taxes for low-income households and veterans. Quillen said the Trustee’s Office could answer questions relating to assistance.
