Chris Dorsey is seen in this file photo when he was city manager of Red Bank. East Ridge City Manager Chris Dorsey gave more than 30 taxpayers good news at Mayor Brian Williams’ monthly May citizen meeting: The upcoming city budget will not include a property tax increase.
Dorsey, who started as city manager on May 6, said he expects the budget to be presented on June 13 and have its final reading and vote on June 27.
East Ridge’s 2019-20 total budget stands at $24,503,824, which includes seven segregated revenue funds for things like public works and parks.
The proposed general operating budget for the 2019-20 fiscal year is $13,667,059 and the millage rate is 1.338 per $100 of assessed value.
Williams, who is in his first term as mayor, holds a Saturday meeting monthly at different East Ridge locations. He addressed several issues, including the temporary closing of the Waverly Hotel and concerns over a new extended-stay hotel. Williams also discussed the financial benefits of the investment by Chattanooga Red Wolves owner Bob Martino and answered questions regarding potential flood and sewer issues around the site.
Dorsey discussed his first week as city manager and his meeting with different city departments. Danny Lance, owner of Local Coffee where the meeting was held, talked about the financial benefits of expanding the arts in East Ridge. A local art enthusiast, he’d like to see the city build an arts economy similar to what Chattanooga has done.
Email Davis Lundy at davislundy@aol.com.