No one really wants to pay taxes, but since most people have to do it, any relief is appreciated.

Mayor Randy Carroll and the Shelbyville City Council are trying to give taxpayers a break by reducing the annual rate paid per $100 of assessed value to $1.48, down from $1.59. The number was discussed during a budget workshop last week.

City Treasurer Kay Parker was tasked with revising the budget for 2023-24 based on the $1.48 figure. The new budget and any related documents will be considered at the June 29th council study session.

During the workshop administrators in all city departments informed council members of their needs, especially possible cost of living pay increases, the need to prevent employees from moving to other cities or counties for better pay and benefits, and the ability to hire new staff. It was proposed, but not voted on, to provide six percent across-the-board raises for city employees.

At the $1.59 rate, the estimated revenue is $8,800,014. The $1.48 rate would provide revenue of $8,191,208. A proposed $1.36 rate would drop revenue to $7,527,058.

“You see what our needs are in Shelbyville right now,” Mayor Randy Carroll said. “We need police officers, firemen, and people needing money to keep up with the cost of living.

“My recommendation is to go to $1.48, a $600,000 reduction in revenue. I think that is the safe thing to do. The council can do what it wants to do. We do not want to reduce any services. We want to improve services. Council members can have their own opinions but $1.48 is what I personally recommend for our next fiscal year.”

Carroll added that sales tax revenue could make it possible to decrease the property tax rate, even more, the next year.

“Thank you, Mayor, for bringing up the property tax rate,” council member Henry Feldhaus said. “A couple of years ago we set the tax rate at $1.59 based on what we saw the employees needed and the city needed to fill the ranks of the police, fire, public works, and the recreation departments.

“It worked. They are basically at full employment. We need to send a message the City of Shelbyville is proud of its employees and keep others from cannibalizing our employees. I would like to see it stay at $1.59.”

City Manager Scott Collins admitted there are several things to consider.

“I’m an eternal optimist,” Collins said. “I think our sales tax is going to continue to increase. I am very optimistic on the future of Shelbyville. I am very optimistic on the future of Shelbyville.  And apparently, the State of Tennessee is too because they are investing millions in us through MTSU and Duksan.”

“There are some investments the city has made that are going to begin to pay dividends. We have to keep the momentum going. The $1.48 gives us a cushion to make sure all of these investments come in as expected. This keeps us solid with stability.”

Collins also agreed with Carroll that the city needs to pay its workforce.

“We need to be cautious,” Collins said. “We need to do the best we can to take care of our employees.”