Councilman's Corner

By Charlie Tygard

May 1st, 2009

Last week, at a specially-called meeting of the Metro Council, Mayor Dean presented his annual State of Metro address at the newly-opened MTA Transit Center. In a tough economy, Mayor Dean began his speech by confirming what had long been rumored – he would not be presenting a property tax increase to Metro taxpayers this year.

Many in the crowd breathed a huge sigh of relief because of the recently enacted water rate increases along with a new, dedicated funding source for stormwater improvements. Coupled with the reappraisals that are now being distributed to property owners, many people, especially seniors and retirees living on fixed incomes, are reaching a tough financial position.

Mayor Dean also emphasized that public education and public safety (police, fire, EMT’s, etc) would also remain a priority, although he was quick to point out that no departments would be spared from budget reductions. Other points of emphasis were those “quality-of-life” departments like parks and libraries, although these two departments would also see cuts.

Among the other items discussed were those capital expenditures that Mayor Dean viewed as investments in the city. Chief among these was the new Music City Convention Center, where Mayor Dean will be asking the Council to approve funding to begin land acquisition. Another investment he touted was the long-talked about 28th Avenue Connector, which would connect North Nashville/Jefferson Street with the Vanderbilt/Charlotte Pike area at the west of Centennial Park. Mayor Dean touted the economic development possibilities and increased potential tax base of this connector. For Parks’ supporters, Mayor Dean also stressed that funding to assist the Friends of Warner Parks with their acquisition of the 330 acre Hill Farm property on Highway 70S would be included, along with funds to acquire additional land adjacent to Peeler Park in Madison. Continued support of Metro greenways along the Harpeth River is also included. New Police Precincts for Madison and Antioch are proposed, which should lessen the pressures on the West Precinct serving Bellevue and West Nashville.

I thought Mayor Dean made an excellent presentation and stated his priorities very clearly. Budgets are never fun in down economies, but Mayor Dean is making the tough decisions that will benefit taxpayers in the long run by streamlining government.

As always, please feel free to contact me at P. O. Box 210945, Nashville 37221 or 256-7146 (work) or 243-3295 (cell) if I can be of service.