I'm not writing my city property tax check just yet but it appears that city officials may not raise our property taxes this year. Historically Lenoir City officials have taken advantage of the every four year reappraisals to raise property taxes on LC property owners. They have used the confusion of the reappraisals to slip in a "stealth" tax increase by not adopting the "certified tax rate" then blame the increase on the reappraisals. Two such "stealth" tax increases have taken place during Brookshire's term.

The city has already passed on first reading a budget that will adopt the new certified tax rate which will be $1.05 or $1.06 per $100 of assessed value. The second reading is expected tonight, 6/22.

This is a prime example of just how important it is to know who we vote for and what they stand for. The big difference this time than in years past is three new city councilmen.

I have been predicting that the city would again raise the tax rate but it appears they will not which would mean I was wrong and I'm glad I was.