ATHENS —
Prepare for a 1-cent increase in sales tax beginning Jan. 1.
Athens City Council members tentatively agreed today to pass a 1 percent increase in the city's sales tax at their regular meeting Monday night. The increase, which is expected to generate about $4.4 milliion annually, would be spent on infrastructure; the General Fund, including more police and firefighters; city schools and on contingencies such as economic development, tourism and recreation.
All five council members said during a work session today at the Police Department that they plan to vote "yes" on the proposal at the regular meeting Monday night. Their comments came after presentations by Shane Black, city attorney, and Annette Barnes, finance director, on why the tax is needed and how it would be spent.
About a dozen resident were then allowed to voice their opinions about the proposed tax hike, but most were particularly angered that council members had made its decision even before they spoke.
One resident, Deborah King of Elkmont, said she rented property to people who sometimes cannot even afford to pay their rent, tearfully scolded council members for what she believed was ramming through a tax hike without considering the public's input. She walked up to each council member where they were seated, pointed her finger at them and accused them of "laughing in our face." She also questioned how they would be able to "sleep tonight."
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UPDATE: Athens council to approve 1-cent sales tax increase
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