The Cumberland County Commission has shelved a vote on the county budget until after next Thursday’s elections. Commissioners are at odds over how to plug a gaping budget deficit. The commission will meet for a “work-session” on August 9, four days after the upcoming election, to restart budget negotiations. Commissioners will be appearing on the August 5 ballot for re-election, and some see the delay as a maneuver to avoid a difficult tax increase vote on the eve of an election.

A number of commissioners have offered property and wheel tax increases to balance the budget. In a meeting earlier this week, Commissioner Jeff Brown sought an 11-cent property tax increase, but the motion failed by a 10-8 vote. Soon after, Commissioner Mike Harvel proposed a $25 wheel tax for the next two years, but no official vote was taken on the proposal.

With the delay, some commissioners avoid a budget vote that could potentially cost them their seats. According to the Crossville Chronicle, “[t]he move practically guarantees a lame-duck vote by some commissioners who may not be re-elected and a safety net for others, who won’t have to vote for a tax increase until after the general election.”

Despite the inability of commissioners to reach consensus on a tax increase, not a single commissioner offered a specific proposal to cut spending to balance the budget. This makes it even more likely that the budget deficit will be filled by a post-election tax increase.

This is not the first time the county commission has failed to act on a budget vote. Just two years ago, Cumberland County schools failed to open on schedule because the commission was unable to pass a budget. This year, the state will begin withholding education funding if the commission does not approve a budget before October 2, potentially paving the way for yet another school shutdown if the commission fails to act.

For a more detailed report on the situation, including video of the recent commission meeting, visit the Crossville Chronicle website here.