Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Comment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge celebration of Indian culture; longtime resident raises tax and representation concerns
Summary
During public comments Adarsh Yadapalli invited council to an Aug. 15 India Independence cultural event at Garner United Methodist Church; Ricky Pierce, a 56-year resident, highlighted his rising property tax bill and said some council members do not own property in Garner and should not be making tax decisions.
At the meeting’s petitions-and-comments segment, two residents made different appeals to the council.
Adarsh Yadapalli invited the council and town staff to an India Independence Day cultural event planned for Aug. 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Garner United Methodist Church, describing youth-led heritage exhibits, fashion shows, food vendors and raffles. Yadapalli said the Shiny Stars organization will lead the event and encouraged council attendance.
Ricky Pierce, a resident who said he bought his first house in Garner in 1970, described paying $4,964.46 in property tax last year and seeing a bill for $5,131.33 this year. Pierce said he supports the town’s growth but criticized what he called a lack of property ownership among about 40% of the council, arguing that members who do not pay property taxes in Garner should not sit on the dais. “What I do have a problem with is 40% of this board not owning any property in Garner and not contributing into the pot,” Pierce said.
Mayor Gupton thanked both speakers and noted the council will not take action on items raised during this public-comment period but may refer matters to staff as appropriate.
