It took the city of Soddy-Daisy approximately 10 minutes to officially pass the city's $7 million budget on second reading with no opposition from the crowd June 2, despite the resultant 32-cent property tax increase.
"I am glad you raised the property taxes to a dollar because we need new fire and police equipment," said Soddy-Daisy Planning Commissioner Margaret Chastain. "This is a thank you for looking out for the city. We have paved roads and repaired equipment."
The city's proposed fiscal year 2011-2012 budget lists $7,190,700 for the general fund; $510,000 for the special revenue fund; and $90,000 for the drug fund. The property tax is now set at $1 per every $100 of property evaluation.
City recorder and finance director Burt Johnson said city employees will not receive raises. He said some budget funds will be used to purchase equipment and vehicles for public works, the city police department and the city fire department after Jan. 1.
"We will operate on the cash we have now until January 1," said Johnson. "We receive property taxes at the first of the year."
In other business:
• Soddy-Daisy's Ronnie McNew asked the board of commissioners if he could install his 183-foot-long and 45-foot-high water slide at the city's Fourth of July celebration. He said he would charge a fee to use it, but he would give a portion of the proceeds to Soddy-Daisy Vietnam Veterans Chapter 942. He requested to put it up behind Soddy-Daisy Kids Club Park for one month, but commissioners said seven days is the most they would agree to.
• Commissioners approved for people to camp out for the Fourth of July weekend on Saturday, Sunday and Monday around Soddy Lake, despite Soddy-Daisy resident Arnold Stulce Sr. expressing related concerns.
"I'm concerned about people camping all weekend, and now we will put up a ride," he said. "The police chief says he needs a lot of men to work at the Fourth of July. If you ask around, it's not the best behavior that goes on when people camp. Where else can people go to camp for free? I hope this group will take the time to decide if we want to get involved in these situations."
The next Soddy-Daisy Board of Commissioners meeting will be June 16 at 7 p.m. at Soddy-Daisy City Hall.