CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan announced her proposed 2015-2016 fiscal year city budget Monday, May 18, which is just over $393 million and includes an increase to $1.36 property tax along with many projects for improvements in the city including sidewalks, parks, and a splash pad.
The new budget includes improvements for city parks such as lighting at city ballfields at Swan Lake, and a splash pad and playground for Heritage Park in partnership with Clarksville Rotary Clubs. New sidewalk construction and expansion of the Ajax Turner Senior Citizen Center are also part of the spending plan.
Funds for geo-technical work for the next phase of a potential Athletic Complex and downtown Performing Arts Center is also being proposed. McMillan said the Nashville Predators are still very interested in partnering with the city considering those options for an Athletic Complex.
The Mayor talked about money to match the Corps of Engineer’s commitment to a grant allowing stabilization along the banks of the Cumberland River and prepare for possible extension of the Riverwalk. That work is scheduled to begin this summer.
The Mayor said the property tax increase of $1.36 per $100 of assessed property will primarily be used for the city’s increased needs for public safety, including police, fire and rescue and for street and road improvements.
McMillan said the proposed increase in the tax rate will impact the average homeowner in Clarksville only $4.72 a month in additional taxes. The Mayor added she believes taxpayer’s money should work to provide the services they need when they need them.
“This is not a recommendation I make lightly. Over the next two years the improvements and resources for public safety and streets will add more than $7.2 million to the city’s general fund budget,” said McMillan.
The Clarksville Street Department will also benefit with money for paving projects and salt for roads in winter. Work is being looked at to extend Cardinal Lane to Professional Park Drive and also plans for improvements to help traffic problems on Warfield Boulevard.
Areas of Warfield Boulevard near the intersections of Rossview Road, Ted Crozier Boulevard and Dunbar Cave Road are also proposed projects with the help of the Tennessee Department of Transportation. One other project is an upgrade to the Franklin Street and University Avenue intersection near Austin Peay State University.
The construction of a new north police precinct near Minglewood Elementary School was already in the current city budget but the Mayor said new police officers, staff and resources are needed to make it effective.
Work is underway on two new fire stations, one near Exit 1 at I-24 and also in the Industrial Park, two areas that have had tremendous growth over the years. Plans are to hire an additional 39 fire and rescue personnel along with three district chiefs.
The Mayor’s city budget proposal goes to the Clarksville City Council who will meet in two working sessions in May followed by a public hearing and first vote by the council June 16. A second vote is scheduled for June 25 to have the city budget approved by July 1.