The City of Portland recently voted to place a referendum on the November ballot to increase the local option sales tax rate by .50 percent to 2.75 percent. The vote was 5 to 0 with Aldermen Drew Jennings and Brian Harbin absent.
If approved by the voters, the additional proceeds from the increase will be used for street paving and street improvements.
Mayor Mike Callis told the members of the BOMA that the county commission has given its approval making the city clear to place the increase on the ballot. According to Callis, if the voters approve the increase, the additional money for streets will change the dynamics of the community.
Speed limit increase
At the request of Alderman Mike Hall, the board voted 5-0 to increase the speed limit from 30 miles per hour to 40 miles per hour along Magnolia Springs Road. During the construction of Highway 109 North, a new access road for Magnolia Springs Road was created.
At that time the speed limit was reduced to 30 mph because of a curve at the location of the new access. As people have become more familiar with the design of the access, it was determined that the reduced speed limit was not necessary.
Financial aid for nonprofits
The board also approved the list of nonprofits that would receive financial aid from the city and the amounts per group. These organizations provide services which benefit the citizens of Portland and will receive a total of $64,970 from the city.
The list includes Portland CARES ($5,250), Sumner County Vietnam Veterans Chapter 240 ($695), Senior Citizens ($4,500), Mid-Cumberland Human Agency ($4,500), Chamber of Commerce ($15,000), Library ($27,000), Habilitation & Training Services (HATS) ($1,125), HomeSafe in Sumner County ($1,750), Highland Rim Historical Society ($375), Salvus Center, Inc. ($1,000), Sumner Spray Neuter Alliance ($750), Restoration of Maple Hill Cemetery ($1,275), and Ashley’s Place ($1,000).
Traffic light At Searcy Lane
After a discussion on what direction to take on obtaining a traffic light at Searcy Lane and Hwy 52, the board agreed for the mayor to bring a resolution to the next meeting regarding obtaining a traffic light at that location, using existing equipment and purchasing other new items necessary. Searcy Lane is a major intersection for students going to Portland High School and the city is working toward making the intersection safer.
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