Rae's Metro Watch - 6/17 Metro Council Bills Rundown
Rae's assessment of upcoming bills through Nashville Metro Council - BL2025-833,834
This is my analysis and my opinion of some bills and resolutions on the agenda for the Nashville Metro Council:
(This is the email format sent directly to city council members each week from Rae)
Hello BRANDON AND ALL COUNCIL MEMBERS
Since you will be voting on several matters of concern below is my opinion and questions about some matters before you tomorrow night.
It is disappointing that the alternative budget proposed by Ms Johnston and others to lower the tax increase and make minor reductions could not even make it out of the budget committee.
I find it incredible that the mayor and the amended budget of Ms Porterfield which are similar in the bottom line could not find any where that there might be a cut in spending. To her credit and although I disagree with her at least Ms. Welsch always finds ways to cut the police budget to fund other things.
I cannot wait for this council to be cut in half; it cannot come too soon. My only regret is that the state legislature did not cancel the Charter altogether.
BL2025-833 I OPPOSE the increase to the MNPS while they are bragging about an increase in reading proficiency of 3rd graders from 27% to 29%, we still have only 41% reading on grade level. This is DISGRACEFUL! Maybe MNPS could get rid of more administrators making 6 figure salaries and hire more reading teachers and get the 41% up to 100%. When I was in 1st grade I was reading at a 3rd grade level, and I am not a genius.
FURTHER we need more police personnel despite the “data” that crime stats are going down! According to the Vandy poll most people in Nashville do not feel safe walking in certain parts of their neighborhoods after dark. I am one of those people. This site backs up my feelings https://crimegrade.org/violent-crime-nashville-tn/
I OPPOSE the funding of the ARTS Commission of almost $6 MILLION!!!! In my opinion there are NO Da Vincis, or Picasso’s or Modigliani’s coming from their support. Most of the art supported makes no SENSE to truth or beauty. A bill to be entitled: The Budget Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee for Fiscal Year 2026.
Further I OPPOSE the so called “GRANTS” TO NON-PROFITS IN THIS CITY. Just as an example this grant to Carnegie Writers for $72,000. PER https://www.guidestar.org/search a charity watch dog and https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/474792114 is not rated .
You SPEND our TAX DOLLARS on NGO’S with no oversight of these organizations no data and NO AUDITING!
I OPPOSE any funds going to VARSITY which is just a rebrand of Gideon’s Army. What data has the council received that any of their programs are successful in “violence reduction”?
BL2025-834 I OPPOSE THIS TAX INCREASE! This is going to negatively impact seniors, and working class people just barely making it in the city. While you brag about the lowest tax rate you forget that our properties appraise so high that we in effect pay more than the surrounding areas. As noted in the following article and as I have been saying for 10 years it is not just the rate of tax that is the whole part of the equation. We in Davidson pay higher taxes than our neighbors. “In much the same way, the study’s statistics on total property tax per capita don’t explain the precise tax burden on every Nashvillian, either. But they do give a good look at the effect on taxpayers’ wallets on average. Here’s how Nashville compares to 12 other counties, including several surrounding Nashville and other notable cities in the state:
Davidson: $2,161
Williamson: $1,593
Shelby: $1,509
Hamilton: $1,398
Rutherford: $1,074
Sumner: $973
Maury: $964
Wilson: $964
Knox: $949
Robertson: $927
Montgomery: $894
Cheatham: $807
Dickson: $746”
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/davidson/2025/05/22/nashville-property-tax-bill-comparison-tennessee/83653605007/ An ordinance establishing the tax levy in the General Services District for the fiscal year 2025-2026, and declaring the amount required for the annual operating budget of the Urban Services District, pursuant to section 6.07 of the Metropolitan Charter.
As always thanks for your time and attention.
Rae
"The dividing line in America is no longer between right or left. The choice is between normal or crazy," Governor Sarah Sanders
“EQUALITY=each person has the opportunity to excel=Constitutional Republic
EQUITY= everyone finishes the same = FASCISM”, Greg Gutfeld
“100 active citizens who write or call their representatives can make a difference” Russ Vought
1984 is not an instruction manual it was written as a warning!
In this section, long-time Nashville resident Rae Keohane shares her insights and opinions on the bills being reviewed by the Nashville Metro Council. Each week, Raphaela will break down key pieces of legislation that could shape our community, offering her perspective on how they might impact our city. Stay informed, get engaged, and make your voice heard by understanding what's on the table and how you can connect with your councilperson.
About Rae:
Rae first realized the importance of the Metro City Council in 2017, when the development of a hotel in her neighborhood was proposed through BL2017-819.
After her Councilman failed to respond, she hired an attorney to challenge the development. Despite months of meetings and securing several concessions, a hotel was built instead of needed housing. This experience led to her involvement in other significant battles, including opposing the Nashville Fairgrounds redevelopment, fighting against Mayor Megan Barry's transit plan, and resisting the 38% tax increase.
Having moved to Nashville from New York in 2015, She became increasingly concerned with the direction of the city.
When the priorities of the Music City Convention Center and the Chamber of Commerce overshadow the needs of the citizens, it’s clear there’s a problem.
More recently, she's been advocating against the construction of the “new” Titan Stadium and the East Bank development.
Make sure you stay subscribed to get Rae's City Council Updates!*All views expressed here are of the author and do not mean endorsement by the larger blog Daughter of Tennessee.*