It is never popular when local taxes and/or fees are raised. That is especially true in a time of economic recession.
But Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield has raised the possibility that city property taxes will have to be raised — at a time when there is also the prospect of big charges being imposed in stormwater runoff fees.
Applying additional tax and fee costs to businesses and homeowners is not a cause for celebration by those who have to pay more. But the mayor suggests the city will have to raise more money to finance some delayed needs, provide services resulting from growth and meet other obligations.
Neither higher property taxes nor the stormwater fee is popular. A combination of the two surely will arouse substantial concerns among many people.
The ultimate decisions will be up to the members of the City Council. (Just think, our council members ask for the job by running in competitive elections.)