Human Relations Commission gets increased support in revised city budget

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Human Relations Commission is set to receive significantly more funding in 2021-22 under the new city budget being presented today.

The budget proposal includes a $35,000 increase for the HRC, totaling $49,000, according to a news release by Mayor Joe Pitts’ office. That amount mirrors what Evans asked for at Thursday’s meeting.

Ward 11 council member Ashlee Evans requested an increase of $46,000 at the Tuesday, June 15, meeting. She returned the following Thursday with the reduced amount as a compromise.

“I’m obviously relieved,” Evans told Clarksville Now. “I think that we can get a lot done with what we have, and I’m glad that it is included in the new proposed budget.”

Evans said the funding would be used for events hosted by the HRC to promote inclusivity and diversity in Clarksville. These events include, but are not limited to, Pride, Juneteenth, Hispanic Heritage and a recidivism conference.

During Thursday’s meeting, the increase drew criticism from some council members, including Ward 5’s Jason Knight, who suggested the proposed increase be discussed at the Budget and Finance Committee.

Ward 4 council member Wallace Redd spoke against the increase, telling council members “we should focus on what we have in common.”

“We are only hearing about how we are different,” Redd said. “I just believe we should look at what brings us together.”

Redd went on to cite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in his comments, drawing criticism from some in attendance.

“I think history has spoken for itself that government effects change,” Little said. “A previous speaker mentioned the pledge of allegiance was written in 1892. Well, segregation didn’t end till 1965 when the government stepped in. … Government has stepped in countless times to make sure people have been treated equally.”

Evans’ amendment passed 11-2 on Thursday. Voting no were Redd and Trisha Butler.

“The work of the HRC is very necessary, but also painstaking,” Evans told the council. “This is the only city entity whose mission is to celebrate diversity through community building.”

The council will vote on the new budget at a special-called meeting today, June 28, at 4:30 p.m. at City Council chambers, with a second reading to be held on Wednesday, the due date for a city budget.