Agenda 06/24/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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May 27, 2003 Council considered conducting a Public Hearing relative to the proposed real property tax increase resulting from the recent real property reassessment. Ruth Krauss, Commissioner of the Revenue, presented an overview, stating that the 4.43 percent increase will generate a total of $555,225,615 in revenue with the current rate. The sale of Memorial Hospital accounts for 40 percent of the increase. State Code requires a public hearing when the increase exceeds one percent. Mayor Teague declared the Public Hearing open. John Sanders, of 308 Starling Avenue, spoke in opposition to any increase in taxes. Mayor Teague declared the Public Hearing closed. Council considered providing an additional $2,057 for the Henry-Martinsville Department of Social Services in the FY04 budget, which represents the City's share of a proposed 2.25 percent pay increase effective December 2003. Earl B. Reynolds, Jr., City Manager, stated that the County of Henry approved the raise contingent on the City's approval of same. Council Member Ferrill stated that the City needs to hold costs down, speaking in opposition. Council Member Cobbe added that if the raise is not approved, it is not a reflection on the job the department is doing. Vice Mayor Roop moved to provide the additional money for the raise, effective December 1, 2003; the motion was duly seconded and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 3 - 2; Yeas (3) - Dallas, Roop, Teague; Nays (2) - Cobbe, Ferrill. Council considered setting a Public Hearing for June 10, 2003, on the City's Budget for Fiscal Year 2004 and establishing tax rates for same. Vice Mayor Roop moved to set such Public Hearing; the motion was duly seconded and carried by the following vote, with all members voting: Vote 5 - 0; Yeas (5) - Cobbe, Dallas, Ferdll, Roop, Teague; Nays (0) - None.