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Mayor outlines half-cent sales tax proposal to fund sidewalks, housing and parks
Summary
Knoxville Mayor presented a proposed half-cent local sales tax increase and neighborhood investment plan to the African American Equity Restoration Task Force, describing projected revenue, exemptions and targeted uses including sidewalks, parks, streetlights, facilities and affordable housing.
Knoxville Mayor India told the African American Equity Restoration Task Force on Monday that city leaders are proposing a half-cent local sales tax increase to fund a neighborhood investment plan that would pay for sidewalks, parks, streetlights, community facilities and affordable housing.
The proposal, the mayor said, is estimated to generate about $47,000,000 a year and is structured so grocery purchases would be exempt. "This proposal will not have any impact on the cost of groceries," the mayor told the task force. She said the city would also exempt prescriptions, utilities, rent, gas and certain other necessities.
The mayor framed the plan as an equity-centered funding tool. She said the plan allocates an equitable share of funds to every city district and includes…
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