Two aldermen vote against tax increase – 7-cent hike still passes
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The budget, which calls for a 7-cent tax increase for city residents, received two no votes from Aldermen Rick Barnes and Billy Wood.
Barnes voted no because of all the increases made recently, including the rise in garbage rates, water rates, sewer rates and now the property tax rate. Barnes says all the cost increases could be a bit much on the 18 percent of McMinnville residents who are 65 and older.
On top of the increases, which negatively affect those living on a limited income, the city does little for their seniors in return.
‘Out of an $11 or $12 million budget, we can’t find $6,000 for 18 percent of the citizens of this city,’ said Barnes, who requested $10,000 for the Senior Center but received $4,000. ‘That’s embarrassing. I asked for $10,000 for our Senior Center and didn’t get it. One in five of the citizens of the city are senior citizens. One in five is a big voice and on election day I hope they use it.’
As for Wood, he says the city’s tax-and-spend mentality led to his no vote.
‘When you run for public office it is your responsibility to watch people’s money like you would your own,’ said Wood. ‘We were hit with a 25-cent tax increase before I was elected last year. I could see no justification for another 7 cents this year. We have got to take care of the taxpayers. That is why we are here.’
According to Wood, the 7-cent tax increase could have been avoided by doing without. On his list of things he believes the city could do without is $92,000 for six new police cars, safety equipment for these vehicles, $25,000 for a grant writer, and more than $200,000 in charitable donations.
‘These (non-profit organizations) are all noteworthy causes,’ said Wood. ‘The problem is when you forcibly take tax dollars from people and give it to charities, they no longer have a say. You are supposed to be their voice. I believe the general public has had it with tax and spend.’
Aldermen Patti Nunley, Donald Hillis and Bobby Kirby voted for the budget, with Alderman Jimmy Haley absent. Mayor Royce Davenport added the final yes vote that was needed to pass the budget on its first read.
The budget must pass one more reading. The next Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting is scheduled for July 24.