During its recent meeting, the Harriman City Council approved the city’s annual budget for the upcoming fiscal year on first reading. Boosted by an approximate 8 percent increase in sales tax revenues over last year’s projections, the proposed budget avoids a property tax increase. While it does not currently include salary increases for city employees, Mayor Wayne Best noted that upcoming budget workshops will explore the feasibility and potential amounts of employee pay raises.

Additionally, the council approved an annual agreement with the Roane County Animal Shelter and a $17,000 interlocal cooperation agreement with the Roane County Government for comprehensive municipal planning services. In personnel news, City Manager Scott Mason has submitted his resignation after nearly five years of service; he will continue in an interim capacity to assist with the transition while looking for new opportunities.

Concluding the meeting, the council received a positive audit report for the past fiscal year, presented by auditing representative Richard Hill.