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The Decherd Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the city’s 2023-24 fiscal year budget on Aug. 29 with no property tax increase.

The board had previously unanimously approved the first of three budget-ordinance readings, but some miscalculations sent the document back to the drawing board. The second revised reading was approved on Aug. 23 with the third and final reading taking place on Aug. 29.

Mayor Mary Nell Hess said city leaders, with advice from the Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service and the Tullahoma-based MG Group certified public accounting firm, under contract with the city, made the necessary revisions to get the budget in order.

Alderman Justin Stubblefield questioned how some of the final calculations were reached. However, when the vote was taken, Alderman Larry Fraley motioned for approval while Stubblefield added the second before a 4-0 vote was taken.

Alderman John Corak said the budget was short by $389,000, and the city needs to find ways to increase its income.

“We need more revenue in the city,” he said, adding that Decherd needs to take steps to attract more businesses.

The budget’s overall revenue totals $3.579 million.

Major expenditures include the:

— Police Department at $1.489 million.

— Fire Department at $1.11 million.

— Street Department at $670,660.

Hess said that, despite issues the Water and Wastewater Department has faced, ultimately being mandated by Tennessee Water & Wastewater Financing Board to take corrective action, the city is in the process of rectifying that situation.

Decherd recently hired ClearWater Solutions from Auburn, Alabama, to manage the Water and Wastewater Department.

“Hopefully we will be able to put some of the issues behind us that we’ve had in the past,” Hess said. “And hopefully MG Group will bring the budget up to a level that will put the city on a strong financial path.”

Tim Mitchell, ClearWater Solutions regional manager, updated the board on Aug. 8 about the company’s progress, highlighting steps that have already been taken to upgrade the water and wastewater plants.

Fraley paid tribute to Mitchell for the improvements that have been completed.

“From what I’ve seen, you’re doing a great job,” he said. “You’ve done more in three months than has been done in three years.”