Mayor W.T. Daniels cast a tie-breaking vote to approve the 2022-23 budget during Tuesday’s Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting.
The board approved the budget on first reading during the June 7 meeting. The initial budget included a 6-cent property tax increase to help fund the new HVAC system at Greeneville Middle School. The board approved the budget on first reading without the property tax increase, with the understanding that funds would be shifted to balance the budget.
During Tuesday’s meeting, the board discussed shifting those funds, with some disagreement over what should be cut. The board ultimately voted on a budget that included cutting a volleyball pavilion, tennis court upgrades, and construction of a pickleball court at Hardin Park. Aldermen Kriston Girton and Ginny Kidwell voted to approve the budget, while Aldermen Tim Teague and Scott Bullington voted no. Mayor W.T. Daniels then cast a tie-breaking vote to approve the budget.
The approved budget leaves the property tax rate the same and includes a three percent cost-of-living increase for town employees, as well as a 2.5 percent step increase.
In other items, Tim Teague was voted as vice mayor. Also approved were resolutions for grants for the Greeneville Police Department with the Safety Matching Grant Program for $3,000 and Bulletproof Vest Partnership for around $12,500. Each grant will require a 50 percent match from the town.
The board also approved the purchase of equipment for the Emergency Operations Center at the new fire station. Central Technology will be donating $14,000 for the equipment, with the town responsible for $10,000.
Also approved were the reappointments of Lindy Riley and Ben Brooks to the Greeneville Municipal Planning Commission and Angelo Botta to the Greeneville Parks & Recreation Advisory Board.
Meeting as the Beer Board, on-premise consumption permits were approved for the Brewfest event to be held downtown September 10 and for The Greene, a new business on Tusculum Boulevard.
The Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen will next meet on Tuesday, July 5.
