GREENVILLE, Miss.–You are being asked to attend the upcoming public hearings on the city budget in Greenville, as the mayor and council look at the possibility that taxes may need to be raised.
Simmons is blaming that possibility on federal and state budget cuts.
“It is not my desire to raise taxes on the hardworking people of Greenville. But when the state and federal governments pass down mandates, reduce financial support, and cut funding for essential services, we as a city are left with few options. Our first duty must be to protect the public good: public safety, clean water, functioning roads, emergency services, youth programs, and access to healthcare and education,” said Simmons, in a Monday news release.
The mayor said every possible option will be explored before the council looks at raising taxes, including a thorough review of the city’s finances to see what savings can be made there.
“As your Mayor, I firmly believe that local government cannot—and should not—be expected to shoulder the weight of federal and state disinvestment alone. But until we see a reversal of these harmful trends, we will do everything within our power to protect our city, safeguard essential services, and secure Greenville’s future,” he said in the release.
