Posted: May 01, 2012 5:36 AM CDT
Updated: May 01, 2012 11:03 AM CDT
Posted by Scott Sutton - email
NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) -
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean unveiled his new budget Tuesday morning, which included a proposal for a 53-cent property tax increase to Davidson County residents.
At the annual State of Metro address, Dean said the property tax increase will raise $100 million in additional revenue. The proposal will raise the tax on a $145,000 home to $192 more a year. "As long as I'm mayor, I am going to do everything I can to grow our tax base and grow more jobs for our citizens. In my mind, it's a choice between doing what it takes to keep our city strong, or letting our city fall backward," said Dean.
Dean said he also wants to hire 100 new teachers and increase the salary of first year teachers to $40,000.
Also, the mayor said he would like to increase the salary of Metro employees by 4 percent.
Dean proposed using $300 million for school capital spending, including renovations to Stratford High School and the gym at Hume-Fogg High School.
"Even with this adjustment, the effective tax rate will still remain lower than it was when I took office," said Dean.
City leaders have been busy with budget hearings over the past month. Several departments said they need more money, including schools, police and fire.
Dean delivered his speech at the new Cumberland Park on the East Bank.
The mayor and the city's finance director will go over the entire spending proposal with the City Council this afternoon.
