Budget plan includes raises, tax cut

The Clarion-Ledger, 8/22/8

Jackson City Council members got their first collective look at Mayor Frank Melton’s proposed $344.9 million budget for 2008-09 on Thursday and immediately began changing it.

The spending plan promises everything from a pay raise for city employees to money for an expanded summer jobs program for young people to lower taxes.

It does not, however, address what has emerged as the leading budget priority – street repair.

Melton’s proposal would reduce taxes by half a mil, from 58.03 mills to 57.53 mills. That would mean the owner of a $100,000 house would pay $575.30 in annual taxes instead of $580.30.