Minutes 04/13/1997 - Laserfiche WebLink

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TUESDAY. MAY 13. 1997 seen; Ms. Severt also suggested a City sales tax be used as a source of revenue; (30) Toy Cobbe, 1303 Country Club Drive, citing a comment by a previous speaker, stated that the Piedmont Arts Association building project still needed $700,000 to reach its goal; (31) James Hayes stated the proposed budget contained tax increases which were too high; and (32) George Brown, 709 Prospect Hill Drive, expressed concern that there was too little land within the City limits which could be developed and stated that Martinsville needed a way to expand its boundaries for the long-term financial health of the City. There being no other comments, Mayor Adams declared the public hearing closed. Council conducted a public hearing on the advertised real estate tax rate for fiscal year 1997-98 of 8.96 per hundred dollars of assessed valuation. James Crigger, 1122 S. Askin Street, stated that the real estate tax rate was high, however, the proposed projects contained in the budget were needed. Mr. Crigger expressed support for renovation of the Brown Street gym for youth programs. There being no other comments, Mayor Adams declared the public hearing closed. Council Member Haskell stated that real estate taxes were a more progressive form of taxation than were other increases. Council Member Dallas concurred with Council Member Haskell. Council Member Teague suggested that Council take no action at this meeting on any item relating to the proposed budget so that Council would have time to give consideration to the comments made at the public hearing. Council then decided to continue these items until May 15, 1997 at 9:00 a.m. Upon motion, duly seconded and by unanimous vote, Council approved, on first reading, Ordinance No. 97-10 amending Chapter 21--Taxation, Article I--In General, by adding Section 21-8--Other Classifications of