City passes tax-relief resolution for flood victims

Residents with property in Dyersburg affected by the recent flooding of the Forked Deer River have until Sept. 1 to apply for tax relief from city taxes.

Members of the Dyersburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved two resolutions at Monday evening's regular meeting allowing residents and businessmen with damaged property within the city limits to apply for prorated tax relief from city taxes.

City Recorder Gleyn Twilla said those affected may make application to the Assessor of Property at the Dyer County Courthouse Wednesday, July 21 through Wednesday, Sept. 1.

"If you go into the Courthouse on Sept. 2, you won't receive (the relief)," said Twilla, who said the paperwork will have to be filed Sept. 1 with the state in order for the relief to be recognized.

Alderman Lewis Norman asked Twilla how much revenue will be affected by the tax-relief program. Twilla said there was no way to tell how much property has been affected and how many people will take advantage of the program.

Alderman Charles McCright asked how those affected by the flood can find out about the program. Twilla said the news will be distributed through an article in the State Gazette, the city board's broadcast of the board meeting on Channel 4 and word of mouth.

"If you know anyone in South Town who needs tax relief, they need to make contact with the Assessor," said Twilla.

Norman pointed out that Dyer County recently passed similar resolutions to aid residents with their county taxes.

Alderman Bob Kirk moved to approve the resolutions, with Norman adding a second. The motion passed, unopposed.

In aldermen reports,

* Bart Williams commented on the recent "wanton act of vandalism" at Dyersburg Activity Center and encouraged the community to "treasure what we have and keep it as nice as we can."

In light of the recent close call for two members of the Dyersburg Police Department's Bike Patrol, Williams also commended all members of the Dyer County community who place their lives on the line each day.

Kirk complimented DPD Police Chief Art Heun on the Bike Patrol's training to keep them safe in the situation.

* Jewell Horner reminded everyone to vote.

* Dennis Moody said he received several calls concerning the weeds at Fairview Cemetery. City Purchasing Agent Greg Williams said the recent rain following weeks of dry weather caused the weeds to grow swiftly and officials were called to the cemetery Monday to spray again.

Freeman Dudley said there are limbs in the driveway of the cemetery - sometimes for a week at a time - and the employees at Fairview should do a better job of keeping the cemetery picked up.

* Lewis Norman asked Heun if the recent Supreme Court decision concerning handguns will affect the city's vote not to allow residents with concealed weapon permits to bring their guns into parks within the city limits. Heun said it is his understanding that the decision only dealt with the city of Chicago's order that residents could not own firearms in their homes.

* Charles McCright asked what the city could do about providing a place for residents to walk without sidewalks. McCright said he is concerned for the children walking in the street and those gathering on street corners.

"These young parents, they don't teach like I think they should teach," said McCright. "I guess when someone is injured something will be done."

Mayor John Holden said residents should call the police department when they see something that concerns them. Heun said police officers will then come out to the scene and determine how they can handle the situation.

Kirk, Kevin Chaney and Dudley had nothing to add to Aldermen Reports.

Mayor Holden invited members of the board to a meeting at the golf course at 11:30 a.m., on Thursday, July 22, to honor the late Glenn Barr for his work in the community and discuss ADA compliancy and grievances.