The city’s financial health is robust, with approximately $168,000 in revenue exceeding last year’s budget, enabling a 3 to 5% wage increase for city employees. Due to high property reappraisals from the county and state, the tax rate was adjusted to $0.70 per $100 of assessed value, down from $1.09, to maintain revenue neutrality.

The council also approved purchasing two new police cars from a Columbia, Tennessee Dodge dealership through the state bid program for about $96,000 and passed the first reading of a budget amendment for the previous year’s budget. The meeting can be viewed in its entirety on the Harriman City Facebook page, with a live broadcast scheduled for next Monday after 7:00 p.m. on channel 1086.

Following the regular session, the council held a work session to discuss potential amenities for the newly acquired former Harriman paper mill site, now under city control. Although no residents attended to provide input, council members noted that constituents have expressed a strong interest in developing a new boat ramp at the site along the Emory River.

Other proposed features include extending the walking trail from Riverfront Park and adding pickleball, basketball, and possibly volleyball courts.

No final decisions have been made, and further meetings are planned to determine the future of the paper mill property.