The Greenville City Council voted 2-2 on a proposed 5% tax levy increase at Tuesday’s night’s regular meeting.
The proposed 5% increase would have meant a levied amount of $809,754 or an increase of $38,560 over last fiscal year. That increase was voted down in a 2-2 tie, with John Gillard and Mike Heath voting “no” and Kenny Hampton and Roger Sanders voting “yes”. Mayor Alan Gaffner was not able to attend the meeting due to a work conflict out of town.
City Manager Dave Willey was also not able to attend, so City Clerk Sue Ann Nelson asked Heath and Gillard about their concerns. Heath said that he felt the city could absorb some more of the tax burden and that he did not agree at a previous meeting that the tax levy needed to be raised. Gillard pointed out that the new utility tax was projected to collect $400,000 this fiscal year.
Since the levy did not pass, a special meeting will be needed to discuss, and possibly pass, a different levy amount. Mayor Gaffner could be the tie breaking vote if the 5% increase is suggested by the City at the special meeting.
No date has been set for the meeting as of publication of this story.
