Beginning Tuesday, Cleveland property taxpayers will have the option of making regular monthly partial payments.
The Cleveland City Council gave unanimous approval Monday to Ordinance 2014-51 which amends the municipal code to allow partial payments.
"The city council is constantly looking for ways to accommodate our citizens," said Mayor Tom Rowland.
"Partial tax payments can assist our residents in budgeting their taxes like so many other bills they may have."
The city will accept partial payments in two ways, according to Shawn McKay, city finance director/city clerk.
City taxpayers may make partial payments by electronic transfer. Taxpayers may use the electronic transfer method by completing a written 12-month payment plan and written authorization agreement for direct electronic transfer payments. Taxpayers using the electronic transfer plan must be enrolled by Feb. 15 for the tax to be levied next October. Payments will begin March 15 and will occur on the 15th of each month thereafter.
A separate form will be needed for each parcel of property. Citizens will need to sign up each year. No direct electronic transfer (or ACH ) payments will be accepted for delinquent taxes.
The second method for partial tax payments is by cash, check, money order or credit card. These forms of partial payment will be accepted for any tax that is payable at the city clerk's office, even a delinquent tax, Mr. McKay said. Partial payments will not be accepted for a delinquent tax that has been turned over to the county clerk and master's office.
The City Council took steps to pass the ordinance late in 2014 after receiving citizen requests for the convenience of partial payments. Citizens still have the option of making the traditional lump sum annual payment as well.
After last Friday's Police Appreciation Day, Cleveland City Councilman Avery Johnson told the council during their Monday meeting that the Cleveland police had prevented 26 suicides after responding to calls over the past few months.
He said officers were "able to talk every single person out of it...It really takes special people to handle situations like that."
He added, "I realize that we have a lot of touchy situations going on across the country, but I want to say publicly that I thank you for what you do."
During the meeting, a study was presented on the current ambulance services and potential improvements. One suggestion included providing the fire department with more ambulance vehicles.
Vice Mayor George Poe said, "We owe it to the taxpayers to provide them with an emergency ambulance service."
The study was presented by Dennis Wolf of MTAS.
A branding study by students in the graphic design program at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville was presented to the council. The study was based on surveys taken by over 300 Cleveland residents.
The study showed that Cleveland residents like the small-town, friendly atmosphere of their city but still want growth in areas such as entertainment and outdoor recreation facilities. Over 90 percent of those surveyed said Cleveland would benefit from more local restaurants.
The study also showed that Cleveland residents were proud of grassroots projects such as the Greenway. Several people suggested additions to the area such as a dog park.