Mayor Tim Kelly spoke with Local 3's David Carroll Thursday about the City of Chattanooga's recent effort to increase first responder pay.

Kelly proposed his property tax rate hike as a solution that would supposedly add $50 million in city revenue.

Where can the City of Chattanooga cut costs to pay first responders more

In total, Chattanooga's revenue for the 2026 fiscal year is more than $345 million. A majority of that money comes from property taxes collected, totaling more than 196 million dollars.

Local 3 asked him what's on the line, and how this move would affect Chattanoogans. Mayor Kelly said that compromises are still achievable community-wide, despite rising costs of living.

"I'm very passionate about this," Mayor Kelly said. "Inflation is very real and has taken a big chu

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