Cleveland, Tenn., to raise property taxes

Janice Casteel

CLEVELAND, Tenn. – Cleveland property taxes will increase by 18.51 cents in the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.

The tax hike is primarily intended to fund the current level of city services, boost police personnel numbers and provide a 3.5 percent cost-of-living raise for city employees.

On Monday, the Cleveland City Council voted 6-1 to pass the proposed budget for fiscal year 2014, which is based on the city increasing property taxes. Councilman Charlie McKenzie cast the only opposing vote.

It’s important to note that Cleveland has one of the lowest tax rates for cities with a K-12 school system in the state, said Councilman Richard Banks.