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Council adopts public comment policy and opposes state property‑tax cap; declares Ward One vacancy and schedules special election
Summary
Brownsville adopted a formal public comment policy, voted to oppose proposed state legislation capping property‑tax increases at 2% annually, declared a vacancy for the Ward One alderman seat and placed it on the June 16 ballot (qualifying deadline noted as April 22); a request to convert part of North Church Avenue to a private drive failed for lack of a second.
At its March 17 meeting the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved several resolutions and heard other routine reports.
Public comment policy: The council adopted a resolution formalizing its public comment procedures, including a preference for sign‑up at least one day before a meeting, a limit of two minutes per speaker per item and a practice of giving priority to residents who have not recently spoken. Attorney Banks and other members framed the measure as a way to preserve orderly public participation while allowing exceptions at the board’s discretion.
State tax cap resolution: The board voted to go on record opposing proposed state legislation that would cap property‑tax increases at 2% a year. The mayor said the council wants local control over tax policy to ensure the city can maintain services. "We just want to go on record saying that we oppose this," the mayor said.
Ward One vacancy and special election: The council declared the Ward One seat vacant and placed that vacancy on the June 16 election ballot. City staff and Attorney Banks cited the city charter’s 60‑day requirement to fill vacancies and noted the qualifying deadline to appear on the June ballot would be April 22 under a 55‑day rule. Council members discussed the option to appoint a temporary replacement within the 60‑day period or wait and let voters decide.
North Church Avenue private‑drive proposal: Property owners requested that a northern portion of North Church Avenue be converted to a private drive and removed from the city’s maintenance list, offering to retain maintenance while granting access to emergency services. Owners said the change would provide "quiet enjoyment" for residents. The motion to approve a resolution on the matter failed for lack of a second, and the council said it would revisit the request with more information.
Other business: Staff reported community development reimbursements pending (including a large Anderson Avenue reimbursement) and a utilities update noted TVA’s February billing and a residential rate increase of about 12.5% tied to a fuel cost adjustment.
