News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Celina Board of Aldermen tabled its first reading of the city’s budget that includes a property tax increase Tuesday.
Alderman Bruce Rhoton said after hearing recommendations from the city attorney, the board decided to seek some clarity about the six cent increase before voting.
“We need a better understanding of what the ratio and the state recommendation is,” Rhoton said. “Based upon that, they are going to contact the state, get a full understanding, let us know how that is and then, we can better base that budget moving forward and how to set the tax rate.”
Rhoton said he is confident that the board will pass the budget in time for June’s deadline. The state Comptroller’s Office made the recommendation that Celina increases its property tax to 93 cents, a six cent hike from the current rate.
However, Mayor Tonya Spears said the timing is a concern. Spears said she wants the budget passed before a new round of Aldermen are sworn in. Spears said a special called meeting will likely have to take place in order to make this happen.
“We need to get the budget passed, because it is election year and that is June 1st,” Spears said. “We’ll have all new aldermen coming in, and it would be nice to go ahead and get the budget passed for next year in this next meeting.”
In other business, Celina has found a new codes inspector. Beverly Herron was approved for the job by the board Tuesday. Herron is serving the position as a contractor and will be paid $700 monthly and take a 70 percent cut of permit fees.
Two new stop signs are also on the way at East Lake to West Lake.
