Monday, August 28th

From the Tennova Healthcare Cleveland News Desk, here is your news for Monday, August 28th, on Mix 104-1 and Talk 101-3 The Buzz.

Topping our news today, from the Cleveland Daily Banner…

It is hoped all Cleveland City Council members will be able to attend today’s meeting to vote on a proposed tax increase on second and final reading.

The Council is considering a 29-cent increase to the city’s current property tax rate of $1.7655, pushing it to $2.06.

Council members were recently provided options by City Manager Joe Fivas, Assistant City Manager and financial officer Shawn McKay on what action they could take in adopting a tax rate for the coming year. This was delayed until the state’s new certified rate was determined following Bradley County’s property reappraisal.

Option 1 was to maintain the state’s lowest municipal tax rate, for cities which support a K-12 school system. Retention of the current rate would still fund the start of construction for the city’s new Candy’s Creek Cherokee School on Georgetown Highway, but other programs and services would remain much as they are.

Option 2 was a nine-cent increase to $1.86, which would start the new, $15 million-plus school, and improve a few other needs.

Option 3 is the 29-cent increase, which will fund the proposed 2018 budget, including some needs previously targeted prior to the community survey and a determination of a residents’ wish list.

A month ago the Council voted for the 29-cent increase on first reading, although Mayor Tom Rowland and Councilman Dale Hughes were not at that session.

Following the vote, Councilman Richard Banks made a motion the second and final vote be delayed until this week’s meeting — so all Council members can hopefully attend.

There has been an upswell of opposition to the proposed tax hike during the month. Many residents are not opposed to an increase, but feel the 29 cents in too large at one time. They have approached the Council to appeal for increments of smaller amounts.

Others have voiced opposition to the fact the proposed city increase, combined with the recent county property reappraisal, will increase tax indebtedness for city/county property owners by as much as 46 cents.

Mix 104-1 will have two interviews coming up, including one with City Councilman Tom Cassada.

Also from The Banner…

There were 34 individuals who filled out applications to become employees with the Bradley County Fire and Rescue service. With the change of three stations to be manned 24 hours a day, these potential new firefighters will be welcome additions.

Shawn Fairbanks, Bradley County Fire and Rescue, and Emergency Medical Services, chief, said the three stations will begin their 24/7 service on Monday at 8 a.m. The stations going to all-day manned sites include Prospect, McDonald and Taylor.

New personnel, if hired, will mean a potential increase in necessary funding, but not at the present time for the three stations.

Fairbanks said manning the three stations throughout the day will benefit those portions of the county where they are located better.

Fairbanks said he wants to “thank Mayor (D.Gary) Davis and the emergency service committee for their support in this effort to serve our citizens better.”

From WRCB Channel 3…

Tennessee Highway Patrol says four people, including 2 teenagers, have died after a crash on Highway 411 in Loudon County Saturday evening.

The call came down around 7:03 p.m. and Loudon County Sheriff’s Office and EMS both responded to the scene, according to Loudon County dispatch.

According to THP report, a van was traveling northbound on US Hwy 411 crossed the center turn lane and went into southbound traffic and struck a Nissan Altima head on.

The Altima came to an uncontrolled final stop in the southbound traffic of US Hwy 411. The driver of the van was not wearing his seatbelt and was ejected. He died on the scene and has been identified as 34-year-old Darryl Brewer of Maryville, Tennessee.

The van came to a final rest in a field where it caught fire.

The driver of the Altima, 43- year-old Mitchell Armour was the only survivor. 3 passengers in that car were killed. They have been identified as 39-year-old Winnie Burris of Old Fort, Tennessee, 13-year-old Riley Burris of Old Fort, Tennessee and Destany Vires of Benton, Tennessee.

THP is still investigating.

This has been your local and state news. You can get news anytime by visiting our website, mymix1041.com, powered by Pioneer Credit. From the Tennova Healthcare Cleveland News Desk, this is Jeremy Gault reporting.