Chattanooga, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Chattanooga Police officers are raising concerns about their pay as the City Council discusses a proposed property tax increase aimed at funding raises for first responders. The tax rate may increase from 1.55% to 1.93%, generating $44.8 million in revenue with nearly $19 million allocated for first responder salaries. While supporters argue it’s necessary for maintaining city services, some residents worry about the financial impact. This comes amid ongoing discussions about rising salaries for police and firefighters to remain competitive.
Chattanooga – Chattanooga Police officers are expressing significant concerns regarding their pay in light of a newly proposed property tax increase aimed at funding raises for first responders. This discussion comes amidst a public hearing held by the Chattanooga City Council regarding Mayor Tim Kelly’s suggestion to raise the property tax rate.
The proposal entails increasing the property tax rate from 1.55% to 1.93% per $100 of assessed value. This increase is intended to yield an additional $44.8 million in city revenue, with nearly $19 million specifically allocated for enhancing first responder pay, including salaries for the police force. The plan, if passed, would result in a median monthly increase of about $34 for residents, with variations between neighborhoods. North Chattanooga residents could see the highest increase of $47, while those in the Orchard Knob area might pay an additional $20.
Supporters of the tax increase argue that Chattanooga has been under-resourced for years, and that this additional funding is vital to maintain essential city services amidst rising inflation and community demands. The proposal also outlines potential funding for other municipal priorities such as street paving, parks maintenance, and community aid initiatives in addition to the pay raises for first responders.
However, the proposal has stirred concerns among some residents about its impact on their finances. These individuals have called for a reevaluation that balances budgetary needs against existing inflation pressures. A competing proposal from council member Chip Henderson suggests a smaller increase to a tax rate of 1.69%, coupled with budget cuts in non-critical areas such as public works to fund the salary raises for first responders.
In tandem with these discussions, the starting salaries for police officers at CPD would rise to $58,700, while firefighters’ starting pay would increase to nearly $56,000. Comparatively, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office has raised starting salaries for patrol deputies to $62,000, further stressing the need for CPD to reevaluate competitive compensation.
Andrew Peker, training director for CPD, noted that many officers departing from the force express emotional reluctance to leave, viewing the department as a family. Officers at CPD frequently confront higher volumes of calls and trauma, yet their compensation lags behind that of neighboring departments. Peker, who also works at a movie theater and Erlanger Hospital, illustrated the financial strain that many officers face.
The discussions surrounding the property tax increase are ongoing, with public hearings scheduled for multiple dates, including August 26 for the council’s initial vote on the mayor’s proposed tax rate increase. Community stakeholders assert that strategically allocated public funds, particularly for eviction prevention and other support initiatives, can yield significant returns on investment. Ultimately, the proposal aims to strike a balance between attracting and retaining first responders while addressing broader community infrastructure needs.
FAQ
What is the proposed property tax increase in Chattanooga?
The City Council proposes raising the property tax rate from 1.55% to 1.93% per $100 of assessed value to generate additional revenue for city services and first responder pay.
How much additional revenue is expected from the tax increase?
The proposed tax increase is expected to generate approximately $44.8 million in additional revenue.
How will the extra revenue be allocated?
Of the new revenue, nearly $19 million is budgeted for first responder pay, with other funds designated for priorities like street paving, parks maintenance, and community support.
What is the proposed salary increase for police officers?
Starting salaries for police officers are proposed to increase to $58,700, while firefighters’ salaries would rise to nearly $56,000.
Key Features of the Proposal
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Tax Rate | Increase from 1.55% to 1.93% |
| Expected Revenue Increase | $44.8 million |
| Allocation for First Responder Pay | Nearly $19 million |
| Median Monthly Increase for Residents | Approximately $34 |
| Starting Salary for Police Officers | $58,700 |
| Starting Salary for Firefighters | Nearly $56,000 |
| Competing Proposal by Chip Henderson | Increase to 1.69% with budget cuts in some areas |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Proposes Major Property Tax Reduction
Chattanooga’s City Hall: A Historical Journey Through Time
Pay Increases for Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Deputies
Chattanooga Mayor Proposes Historic Property Tax Reduction
Severe Flooding in Chattanooga Claims Four Lives
Chattanooga Proposes Historic Property Tax Reduction
Erlanger Park Stadium Construction on Track for Completion
Tennessee Blind Business Owners Oppose House Bill 1066
Soddy-Daisy Zoning Board Denies Asphalt Plant Proposal
Tennessee Teachers Frustrated by Unexpected Bonus Deductions
Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Police Firefighters Pack Council
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga
- News Channel 9: Officer Leaves Chattanooga Police Over Low Pay
- Google Search: Chattanooga police salary debate
- Local 3 News: Officer Leaves Chattanooga Police Dept for Sheriff’s Office
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga public policy
- Chattanooga Pulse: Chattanooga Police Accepting Applications for Community Policing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga police
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Police Investigating Fatal Incident
- Google News: Chattanooga police incident
Author: STAFF HERE CHATTANOOGA WRITER
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