City Manager David Bolling did not  add any  increase in the budget he sent to council for review , however he  did state  that there was a 17 cent  increase  mentioned  in  work sessions and last night that was presented by Vice Mayor Tara Stockton and seconded by Councilwoman Stephanie Wright . The two voted in favor of raising the tax rate along with member’s Randy Childs, Becky Humphreys and Mayor Tim Neal. The two lone no votes came from Tony Brown and Wiley Brackett. The second and final vote on the proposed increase of 17 cents will more than likely come on the 27th of this month in a special called session.

The proposed tax increase cannot be approved until after a public hearing that would allow residents a chance to weigh in on it.

The water and sewer rates were also on the council’s agenda. Those rates will stay the same for the next year.