Businessowners gather for pro KCS budget rally
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) -- A group of small business owners in Knoxville voiced their support for the proposed $35 million Knox Co Schools budget increase at a rally on Market Square Friday.
The business owners said the increases will make more skilled employees available in the future. They say they're willing to accept the $0.35 property tax hike required to fit it into the budget, calling it an investment in the community.
It's not "throwing money at the problem," they argue, instead calling it "an investment."
The owner of Crass Couture on Market Square Kristi Lannon and the owner of All Occasions Party Rentals, Terry Turner, hosted the rally at Lannon's shop on Market Square.
Knox Co. School Superintendent Jim McIntyre proposed the $35 million increase to bring more technology and teaching aids to schools.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett said while he appreciates all business owners in the area, the ones who showed up on Market Square to support the school system's budget only represent .05 % of the 22,000 licensed businesses in Knox County.
Video tweeted from the rally by Sara Shookman:
View All Sections
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013
Designed by Gray Digital Media