LEXINGTON, Tennessee – This could be considered one of the largest property tax increases for residents of a single city in the region.

The Lexington City Council held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, and the concern of most residents was the city leadership’s decision to raise property taxes.

“We have a budget, but it’s a tight budget and we have to stay within our means. But I’m confident that our department heads and City Hall will work hard to stay within that budget and I’m confident that we’ll be fine going forward,” said Lexington Mayor Jeff Griggs.

Before the last council meeting on July 29, it was claimed that property taxes could be increased by 74% in the city and 27% in the county. Board members voted in favor of a 15 cent increase in the city’s property tax, while county leaders voted against a property tax increase in the county.

“We raised taxes a little bit last year and then they did it again this year and raised them a little bit. But we haven’t had a tax increase for many years and I think inflation forced us to do one,” said Mayor Griggs.

According to Mayor Griggs, they began their budget meetings months ago to give residents a chance to see what the money is being spent on, whether it’s the utility budget or the city budget. He hopes that by providing more transparency on spending, residents will get an idea of ​​why they need a tax increase.

“We’re not the only city going through this. If you look at West Tennessee and the entire state, you’ll see that there are other cities and counties with tax increases this year, so it’s not just Lexington,” said Mayor Griggs.

Mayor Griggs says he wants to keep taxes as low as possible and continue to move Lexington forward to improve people’s quality of life.

When asked what the additional property tax funds would be used for, Mayor Griggs was initially unable to provide specifics. However, he said the funds would help cover the burden of inflation that many cities in the region have experienced.

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