City Council Sets Tax Rates

The Brandenburg City Council set their 2020 tax rates during their regular monthly meeting Monday (9/9) night.

At the beginning of the meeting, Mayor Ronnie Joyner gave the oath of office to Brandenburg Police patrolman Tyler Mitcham. Mitcham’s wife pinned the officer’s badge onto his uniform just before the oath was administered with several family and friends in attendance.

As the council entered into their business session, Mayor Joyner recommended the city council to take a four percent increase in real and personal property taxes for residents in the city in order to keep city finances in line. The recommendation drew opposition from some council members about a possible sudden increase just a few months on the heels of a increase in the city’s insurance tax rate. Mayor Joyner told council members the increase was needed to maintain the current costs of operating the city. If city leaders took the state compensating rate as they have in the last several years, the rate increase would be around two percent. The four percent increase would add an additional $37,000 to the city funds for operation. After some discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Bill Basham and seconded by Scotty Applegate to take the four percent increase which was approved by the council on a 3 to 2 vote.

City residents will pay .214 cents per $100 of value on real property and .4223 cents per $100 of value on personal property. They also set the motor vehicle and watercraft rate at .3280 cents per $100 of value. The rate will be official after a second reading of the tax ordinances during a special called meeting scheduled for 5 pm on Thursday (9/12).

In other business, the council approved a resolution updating the city street with the Lincoln Trail Area Development District to update the maintenance records for future grant applications. City leaders approved the closure of a alley way at Green and Front Street which would be under a residence. The Council recognized Mark and Colleen Ledford as the Yard of The Month.

Council members approved the installation of a handrail along the sidewalk on the hillside at the monument and a new concrete sidewalk near the murals on the riverfront. Public Works Director T.J. Hughes said that works is underway to finish and paint the handrails along the new overlook anchor before the next concert in the riverfront park. City Clerk Amy Haynes reported to the council that the audit of the city finances has been completed with findings to be presented to the council at a upcoming meeting. Mayor Joyner presented a check of $1,500 to the Andrew and Beth Woolfolk organizers of the Meade County Civil War Heritage Association for the upcoming 2020 reenactment.

Police Chief Brian Hagg said his department will host Coffee With A Cop on Wednesday, October 2 from 8 until 10 am at McDonald’s. The next regular meeting of Brandenburg City Council will be held on Monday, October 14 at 7 pm at Brandenburg City Hall.