JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The lease agreement between South Pittsburg’s Board of Mayor & Commissioners and local boat dock owner Mike Taylor is set to undergo further negotiation.
City Administrator Michael Hudson explained during this month’s city meeting that, after speaking with Taylor in person, the two discussed the possibility of updating a long-standing agreement regarding the lease of the city’s boat dock and ramp. Taylor is proposing to renew the contract at a rate of $1,200 per month for over six acres of property to be used by the city. However, under the new proposal, the city would also be responsible for covering the cost of property taxes—an additional expense not included in previous contracts.
Hudson noted that the current lease rate is $500 per month, meaning Taylor is requesting a $700 increase. He also explained that the county does not currently have the 6.7-acre parcel properly divided on the tax card, so if the Board approves the updated lease, it would require reconfiguring the tax information for the property.
When asked about the increase, Hudson said Taylor believes the adjustment is justified due to the contract not being updated in many years and the rise in property taxes within the city.
Mayor Shawn Henson expressed opposition to the proposed terms, stating he does not support covering both the $1,200 lease and the property taxes. He suggested the city either pay the $1,200 lease alone or maintain the $500 lease rate and cover the property taxes separately.
Based on the discussion, it was decided that Hudson will meet again with Taylor to renegotiate the contract. Hudson felt this approach would help maintain a positive working relationship with Taylor, especially given the potential use of the boat dock and ramp for future city projects.
