BOMA approves a higher tax rate

news@theheraldnewspapers.com

Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously passed the resolution to increase the certified tax rate to 31 cents per $100 of property value at Monday night’s meeting.
The tax rate certification is required by the state after they complete a property value reassessment every four years. BOMA already passed a budget using a tax rate of 30.32 cents, so rounding up to the next penny was necessary to balance the budget. According to City Recorder Lynn McClurg, the 31 cents was the city’s estimated during budget approval time. Last year’s tax rate was .38 per $100 of property value.
The certified tax rate is set by the state which takes into account the increased property values. This will allow the city to collect the same amount of taxes even though property values increased. According to state law, the city had to reduce the tax rate to 30.32 cents or hold a public hearing to keep the 31 cents.
Other business included the approval to spend $59,660 on Winterfest displays. New holiday lights include 250 snowflakes, 2 ground displays and upgraded power sources for the Visitor’s Center. The proposal also includes 12 bear paws for Dolly Parton Parkway, which will be built by Sevier County High School.
Approval to purchase new dumpsters for $14,153 was also given. The dumpsters will be leased out to local businesses and developments. A $9,871 police access control system purchase was also approved.
Several properties unanimously passed the second reading of the Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map.
§ Property on Cates Road, Parcel 49, on Sevier County Map 61, was rezoned from R-1 to R-2.
§ Properties on Old Douglas Dam Road, was rezoned from R-3 to C-3.
§ Properties on Ridge Road and Park Road, was rezoned from C-2 to C-3.
§ Property located at 113 Hardin Lane and West Main Street, was rezoned from C-3 to C-4.
§ The Scarlett Meadows Subdivision located at Scarlett Meadows Drive near Summerfield Lane was rezoned from R-1 to R-2