City Goals Broach Topic of Tax Increase

McKENZIE (April 17) — On Thursday, the City of McKenzie held a work session focused on Strategic Planning. Mayor Ryan Griffin and members of the City Council, Drew Beeler, Bobby Young, Carol Armpriest, Tim McBride, Tom Alexander and Jessie Townes, met with department supervisors to discuss possible goals over the next five years.

After about two hours of goal setting, the Council convened in agreement that the only way to pay for several of the goals set by department supervisors was to increase taxes. While there was no discussion on a tax hike for 2025-2026 nor a definitive percentage increase, in all likelihood the City of McKenzie will participate in a tax rate study in order to hone in on an amount so it can procure the necessary revenue for advancement. 

According to City Clerk Jennifer Waldrup, it has been at least 18 years since the City of McKenzie has taken part in a tax study. The city has operated under the same tax rate for several years. Mayor Griffin said that incremental adjustments to the rate would ultimately allow for staff raises and improvements.

In an informal setting at the city-owned railroad depot, Public Works Supervisor Johnny Mercer kicked off the morning round of requests. Mercer listed several items on his agenda. His short-term goal was to purchase a new dump truck with a price tag of around $67,000. He added there are plans to extend the dog pound with a fenced-in outside walking area. There is also a need to hook up a generator to the department shop which according to Trevathan Electric would cost approximately $20,000.

Mercer also said there is an immediate need to start focusing on street paving. While this was considered a long-term goal, he added that there needs to be more streets paved each year. The city has over 50 miles of paveable streets. He also addressed several culvert repairs including work to be at the park on Como Street. Mercer along with Mayor Griffin stated they had met with TEMA and FEMA on a possible grant to repair the washout on Kencindot.  

Police Chief Ryan White presented members of the council with figures from a recent pay study for police officers. He stated that the McKenzie Police Department and its officers are underpaid by an average of $2.50 per hour. In 2019, officers were given a $3 hourly raise. Chief White said it is a “bidding war” trying to retain officers. He feels that a substantial raise would make McKenzie relevant to recruiting and retention. 

Chief White added there is a need to update/digitize their policy and procedures; construct a structure at the impound lot; and purchase one new vehicle. His big goal is a $6.4 million building project for the Police Department as they are in need of a larger, more updated facility. 

Chief Brian Tucker of the Fire Department said his immediate goal was for the construction of a $15,000 Safe Haven Baby Box (SHBB). The primary purpose of SHBB is to provide a safe and anonymous way for parents to surrender their newborns, prevent infant abandonment, and ensure the well-being of the infant. A baby box is a climate-controlled and electronically-monitored device built into a wall. When a parent places a newborn in the baby box, it triggers an alarm that alerts the staff inside the haven location. Another sensor goes off once the baby is placed inside. The person surrendering the baby can push a button or close the door, which triggers a third alarm. The baby receives immediate medical attention once retrieved from the box. They are then placed in the care of child protective services.

Chief Tucker said there is an immediate need to have a second firefighter on the night shift who is part of the emergency medical responder team. Also stated was his long-term goal was for a second fire station and training facility to be constructed adjacent to McKenzie High School. This would help with a reduction in call times which in turn would improve the City’s ISO rating. A rough estimate of $250,000 was provided to grade, gravel and construct the training facility.  

Parks under the direction of Billy Hollowell stated several one-year goals. Most focused on the park located on Como and the splash pad. Also, there is a request for a new truck. Only term goals include a new scoreboard at the softball and little league fields; connect the City Park walking trail to the Rotary Walking Trail along University Drive; and construct a pavilion or shaded area near the City Park play area. Over the next five years, Hollowell included possible plans for additional pickleball courts. 

With water and sewer, Superintendent Earnest Umstead said there needs to be a focus on the water treatment facility as it has become dated. He also stated that he is going to have to replace long-tenured members of his staff noting the difficulty in hiring and retaining individuals. Umstead said it takes an employee four years before they have the necessary experience in obtaining certain licensing and qualifications. He added that another goal is towards finding leaks that are accounting for an approximate 39% water loss. 

In General Government, Jennifer Waldrup stated she had a need to find and train someone part-time to help with event planning and marketing. She added some of the software at City Hall needed to be updated along with a need for replacement rotation for staff computers. 

At the end of the session, Council members listed their main goals from what was provided by the department supervisors. The main goals were the hiring of additional help for the fire department for the night shift; looking into police officer raises; find and train an assistant for the City Clerk; work on increased street paving; construct bathrooms at the parks; and focus on upgrades for the water treatment facility.