4-2 vote against re-opening Newbern budget talks

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

A week after deciding to delay approving a 2008-2009 budget until the property tax rate is set, Newbern Mayor K.W. Dennison called a meeting to approve the numbers before the traditional July 1 deadline.

But the motion to rescind last week's decision in favor of going ahead with the budget approval failed by a 4-2 margin in the 20-minute meeting.

"I wanted to see if maybe we could work on the budget," said Dennison.

A two-thirds vote of the six-member board is required to reverse a prior decision, said city recorder Jason Roberts.

Voting against approving the budget were Mary Dycus, Robert Hart, Larry Fesmire and Olen Parker.

Voting for rescinding last week's vote and approve the new budget were Bill Parks and Kathy Clements.

Parker questioned why Dennison was set on approving the budget when the property tax values have not been set for the current year.

"Dyersburg, the county and Trimble are holding off until they get the numbers because they're not sure," said Parker. "Can we be certain our tax rate will be the same?"

Dennison said the budget could be amended as needed.

Clements said she didn't understand why this year's budget was any different than previous years.

Parker said this budget year is different because of the property tax appraisal and the large number of residents contesting their respective appraisals.

Dycus said she remembered in previous reappraisals Newbern held off on voting for a budget.

"You're telling me you don't want to pass this budget, talk about insurance, the utilities?" asked Dennison. "How long have you been on this board that we've not had money for the budget?"

Hart said he was concerned the economy could sour further and "it wouldn't hurt to delay it. It's not going to cost us anything."

"I think you thinking something negative's going to happen is wrong," said Dennison.

"I think people want to know what their water and sewer rates are going to be," said Clements. "And the people who work for the city would probably like to know what their salaries are."

After the vote, Clements called the debate over postponing adoption of the budget "grandstanding."

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this is not on the subject but i have clled everybody i could think and noboby knows the answer i heard that there wasnt going to be a firework show this year has any one else heard if this is true

-- Posted by blabbermouth on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 11:51 AM

A difference of opinion is what makes a horse race..................

-- Posted by treasons on Wed, Jun 25, 2008, at 3:35 PM

Just curious, but aren't there state statutes requiring dates for cities and counties to approve their budgets and have them submitted to Nashville?

-- Posted by cadizpub on Thu, Jun 26, 2008, at 9:06 AM