Mayor Steve Patterson previews 2% income tax levy after League of Women Voters town hall

Mayor Steve Patterson urged Athens residents to review a proposed 2% income tax increase that will appear on the May primary ballot, saying city officials laid out the rationale at a League of Women Voters town hall this week.

The mayor said the meeting was well attended and streamed on the city's government channel. "We were being uh as information forward ... to provide to all of you the true need for said income tax increase of 2%," he said, referring to presentations given at the forum.

City Auditor Kathy Hec, City Treasurer Josh Thomas and Council Member Jessica Thomas attended the town hall and joined the mayor in supplying information, according to the mayor. The recording, he said, should be available on the city's government channel for residents who missed the session.

Why it matters: The proposed increase would be placed before voters during the May primary and could affect local revenue for city services. The mayor encouraged constituents to review the information presented at the town hall before voting.

What officials told voters: According to the mayor, city officials explained the "true need" for the levy; the transcript records that presentation but does not include itemized budget figures or a full breakdown of what the new revenue would fund. Those specifics were "not specified" in the update and residents are directed to the town-hall recording and official materials for details.

Next steps: The mayor reminded listeners that the regular City Council session will meet at 7:00 p.m. on April 6 and again on April 13; residents can look for the official agenda posted on the city's site.

The mayor closed the weekly update by encouraging listeners to watch the recorded town hall and to attend upcoming council meetings to follow the levy process.