McKenzie Passes 32% Tax Increase

On Thursday, McKenzie passed a 32 percent tax hike to fund an estimated $5.5 million budget. Not in attendance for the vote were Vice-Mayor Drew Beeler and Jessie Townes.

Following a recent real estate appraisal throughout Carroll County, the anticipated tax rate was set at $0.6218 per $100 of assessed value for McKenzie. However, the Council voted to adopt a new rate of $0.8218, which is expected to generate an additional $242,968 in revenue, specifically for street paving.

The budget also included a pay increase of 75 cents per hour for all city employees. In the June meeting, Street Superintendent Johnny Mercer noted that paving costs approximately $220,000 per mile.

The estimated total revenue for the Fiscal Year 2025-26 is $5,962,111, with an estimated $5,515,111 in expenses. The budget allocations are as follows: $2 million for the Police Department, $901,000 for the General Government, $1.39 million for the Street Department, $700,000 for the Fire Department, and $400,000 for Parks and Recreation.

Water and Sewer have an estimated revenue of $2,661,800 with a budgeted expenditure of $2,649,557.

A more detailed budget can be requested and made available from McKenzie City Hall.

The Council approved the purchase of E Force Software for the Safestreet Account. This software system will ensure the department complies with state reporting requirements. The Police Department was also approved for the purchase of a drug investigator vehicle for $54,500 from Wilson County Motors.

The McKenzie Fire Department was permitted to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Carroll County Fire Department for providing mutual aid. The agreement also allowed for the utilization of apparatuses and equipment.

Ordinance 571 was approved to change the regulations governing food trucks, implementing a $50 fee to operate, with a maximum fee of $300 per year. This fee will be waived on special occasions.

The next regular meeting of the McKenzie City Council is August 14.