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Budget discussions continue
The Cocke County Budget Committee now is preparing to whittle down a proposed 2014/15 budget so that a property tax increase will not be needed. At a Tuesday evening meeting, Director of Schools Manney Moore told the committee he can live with the same property tax rate as last year; 53.5 cents for General Purpose School Fund and 21 cents for the School Transportation Fund. But he went on to say the school system used $600,000 from it's ending fund balance, to balance the budget. The committee was told some major bond issues for the school system will be paid off over the next several years. The school budget does include funding for three new full-size buses and two smaller buses. That is fewer than in earlier years because state education officials are allowing local school boards to operate their buses for longer periods. Committee member Calvin Ball asked Director Moore about raises for non-professional personnel and in response, the director said when teachers are given raises other personnel also usually receive raises. In recent years, he said, employees have been given a bonus. He argued for giving employees in the General Fund a two percent raise costing, $142,323, but holding the property tax at the current level of $2.40. Commissioner Robert Green also argued against a wheel tax to increase revenue. Green also argued the commissioners should see a reduced pay if they do not attend meetings. Currently a commissioner receives $360 per month whether meetings are attended or not. The chairman receives an additional $25.00 monthly. Chairman Norman Smith said the budget proposal as it currently stands, would require an 18 cent increase in the property tax rate to have a balanced budget. In a clarification from the Tuesday evening meeting of the Finance Committee, Smith said when he made a suggestion that the EMA Director position and the position of Fire and Emergency Coordinator be combined, he was referring to the position that was previously held by Patrick Sheldon, who is no longer employed by the county.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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