NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Mike Osborne) -- Four competing city budget proposals face off Tuesday night in Metro Council, with the threat of a state takeover looming over the debate.
Mayor John Cooper is proposing what he’s called a “crisis budget” to address the city’s pandemic battered finances. The Mayor’s plan includes a 32 percent increase in property taxes.
A proposal by Councilman Bob Mendes includes an even larger tax increase while adding to appropriations for Metro schools.
Councilman Steve Glover’s plan asks for a smaller tax increase, along with cuts to city services.
Councilman Freddie O’Connell’s budget would tap a federal program to buy up the city’s debt.
The Metro Council has just two weeks to agree on budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1.
Tennessee State Comptroller Justin Wilson recently inserted himself into the debate over Nashville’s troubled finances. Wilson wrote a letter to councilmembers that seemed to endorse the mayor’s plan.
The comptroller threatened city leaders with a state takeover of Nashville’s finances if budget problems are not addressed quickly.
