A tax increase, information about grants to improve landscapes around roadways, and farm animals inside the city limits were discussed at last week’s regular meeting of the Ducktown City Commission.

Mayor James Talley explained that the tax rate was being raised to even out revenue. During the reappraisal the City was losing $3,000 at the  35¢ rate, he also added that sales revenue in the city was down.  With the new tax rate the city will be able to recoup $5,000. Also approved was the transfer of $1,000 from the streets/sidewalk fund to Commission Expense. Marti Fowler explained that this was for a trip to the Tennessee Municipal League conference.

A resolution for the 2009-10 proposed budget was passed. It consists of the revenue and expenditures for the general fund, state street-aid fund, and the THDA Housing Revolving Fund; $50,000 rehab loan for the Bradford building from the Ducktown Revolving Fund, administered through SETDD. The budget is to include the ARC/Rural Development grant for $165,857 and a city match of $159,257 for the sidewalk and lighting projects; The budget also includes a TDOT Roadscapes Beautification grant for $30,000 with a city match of $6,000 for the project.

Talley said that he hasn’t heard any updates on the Roadscapes grant as of yet. Talley has spoken with Engineer Ron Key about the Streetscapes project and stated he finished his part and will get it over to Rural Development for approval. The idea of a garden in front of the Bradford and dividing it into buildings is being talked about, Talley reported.

The commission approved the contract to the Polk County Sheriff’s Department at $16,000 for police coverage in the coming year.

Resident Julie Trentham asked if goats were going to be allowed on Main Street. Mayor Talley said that he amended an ordinance to allow the goats to be in a fenced in area for kudzu removal. The lot was to be kept clean.

Trentham went on to explain that she and several of her neighbors were concerned with the fact that the goats were going to be right in their back yards. “Goats do jump fences. I don’t have central heat and air so at night, I run fans and I open my windows to feel the nice cool air. Goat urine has a very distinct stench. It will cause a lot of problems. I have kids and grandkids.” Trentham noted that this was a friendly discussion and she was just voicing the concerns of her and several neighbors, some of whom are elderly. She also said that she had heard someone say they were going to bring in pigs if the goats were allowed.

Talley said he allowed the goats for kudzu removal. Trentham said, “Like everyone in the city we all battle kudzu – sow grass and mow it.” Bob Taylor suggested a gallon of round up might take care of the kudzu and said there was no way to keep an area clean with goats. The Commission advised Trentham to make a petition and have her neighbors to sign and bring it back. Commissioner Doug Collins said that he would rather meet the needs and concerns of 20 or 30 than to please a few.

• Tennessee Workforce Development will be having Youth Work Program for six weeks for young people age 14 to 24. The City of Ducktown will be host to 5 young people June 15 to help with city work.

•Workshop-June 18, 7 p.m.

•Planning Commission-June 18 at 6 p.m.

•Events Committee-June 25 at 7  p.m.