JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Board of Mayor and Commissioners of Whitwell recently approved a $0.22 increase in property taxes for all residents following the second reading of Ordinance #376.
The ordinance was first introduced and passed the first reading during the board’s previous meeting, where a pay raise for city employees was proposed. To cover the cost of the increased wages and changes in property values, a corresponding property tax increase was also required. Vice Mayor Mike Dillon explained at this month’s meeting that the amount was decided based on recent property reassessments. Earlier discussions had considered a much larger increase—up to $1.05—based on those assessments.
During the discussion, Commissioner Will Adams voiced his support for the increase, believing it would help improve compensation for employees in the city’s public works department. He cited data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, which reported the average cost of living in Tennessee at $42,469 per year in 2021—a figure that still ranks the state among the lowest in terms of expenses. Adams argued that, with rising costs for insurance, taxes, gas, and food, the pay raise supported by the tax increase would help retain city employees who might otherwise seek higher-paying jobs in Chattanooga.
“This is something that we have to do to make our city livable,” said Adams.
Vice Mayor Dillon added that the property tax hike was relatively small compared to increases in the cost of everyday items like eggs and gasoline, pointing to the broader effects of inflation. Commissioner David Hudson, however, opposed the measure. He argued that the board should explore cutting city expenses instead of raising taxes, particularly at a time when inflation remains high, even if the proposed increase is modest compared to other areas.
“My vote tonight is not going to be against a raise for our employees, but it’s going to be against raising our property taxes at a time when inflation is high,” said Hudson.
Whitwell resident Chris Taylor also spoke against the proposal. He pointed out that the average hourly wage for a line worker—around $14.21 according to ZipRecruiter—makes the increased property tax an added burden for many, especially those already commuting to Chattanooga for work. He expressed concern that the hike would strain both low-income residents and working families.
Despite the objections, the second reading of Ordinance #376 passed with a 3-2 vote. Mayor Sandra Crabtree, Vice Mayor Mike Dillon, and Commissioner Will Adams voted in favor, while Commissioners David Hudson and Jim Nunley opposed it. With the second reading now approved, the board will consider the third and final reading at next month’s meeting before the tax increase can take effect.
