Mayor Andy Berke

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Chattanooga officials unanimously approved the $212 million budget which includes an increase in road paving and a rise in city police officers.

Council members also voted on the first reading of an ordinance that Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke said will tackle unruly event halls currently not under oversight.

The recent violence, multiple shootings and deaths, at East Main Street hall and around the corner on Dodds Avenue at "Da Building" reached city hall weeks ago when local activist Gary Ball complained to the City Council.

City officials held meetings and locals testified that the violence was out of control. Then Berke announced last week revising a current special gathering permit could crack down on unruly the places.

Event hall owners that serve alcohol, charge admission, operate after midnight and have 50 people or more at the event will be required to get a special gathering permit or face being shut down.

See tomorrow's Times Free Press for complete details.