Keeping with the long tradition of no council person ever voting no, every council person voted for the massive tax hike. Mayor Tony Aikens explained the need for the higher taxes then had each council person explain their support for the tax hike. It was kind of like watching a hostage video.

The 14 cent, 17%, increase will take effect July first. Lenoir City property owners will feel hike on their next property tax when it comes out later this year.

According to mayor, Tony Aikens who promoted the tax hike, the increase taxes are needed for "new things" . His list included, a new fire truck, a new tractor for parks and rec, a new air handler for the pool and three new police officers. Aikens also mentioned that other cities around them had higher property taxes.

Lenoir City officials are on record supporting all kinds of taxes. We'll look at that closer next week.