Lee Erwin reporting
lerwin@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Kim McMillan announced details of her 2014-2015 proposed Clarksville city budget at a press conference Monday, May 5. McMillan talked about a balanced budget with a wage increase for city employees and no tax increase.
Over the past few weeks city department heads have been presenting their requests for departmental budgets in open meetings which are available on the City of Clarksville website, www.cityofclarksville.com. The mayor said the overall budget for the City of Clarksville is just over $360 million.
“This proposed budget contains funds that will continue to meet our obligations, allocations for new projects that will create tremendous opportunity for the City of Clarksville, and most importantly, continue to provide the infrastructure and framework for growth our citizens deserve,” said McMillan.
The new budget proposal includes a 3.05 percent general wage increase for city employees to take effect July 1 after the new budget is approved by the City Council. McMillan said maintaining a well-trained, dedicated and responsible workforce is essential to meet the demands of a growing city.
Other highlights of the proposed budget include construction of a new police station on Cunningham Lane and funds for hiring eight new police officers along with the required patrol cars and equipment. Also, a new fire station will be built at Exit 8 in the Industrial Park which will include a new truck and equipment.
The mayor also mentioned major improvements to the city’s roadways and talked about recently accepting a check for over $800,000 from the Tennessee Department of Transportation which will be used to install sidewalks, bus shelters and other safety measures to make access to public transportation easier for citizens.
Passing a budget in Clarksville requires a public hearing and two City Council votes. The detailed budget is being provided to council members for their review. The public and voting days are scheduled for May 29 with the second reading on June 5. The budget will also be available on the City’s website for viewing.