Voters’ rejection of Mayor Indya Kincannon’s proposed sales tax increase on Tuesday, Nov. 4, marked the most recent of speed bumps to her agenda.
The proposal lost by a wide margin, being turned down by more than 60% of voters. This major public rebuke of Kincannon’s flagship fiscal initiative highlights the increasing friction between the mayor, the city council and voters.
In May, Kincannon began touting the proposed half-cent tax increase, money which would’ve primarily been spent on infrastructure improvements, affordable housing and city maintenance. Kincannon faced scrutiny from Knoxville Republican officials, who advocated instead for cutting government spending and waste.
The tax was part of a plan to speed up city works projects and help alleviate pressure from stagnating sales taxes. Kincannon had framed the increase as an essential part of her fiscal plan that would be primarily burdened by tourists in the most dense portions of Knoxville.
The failure of the proposal begs the question: How will the city accomplish the projects it no longer has the funding for?
Back in January, tensions flared over handling and funding of certain public safety programs. Violence intervention group Turn Up Knox sparred with Kincannon’s administration over the city’s complaints of poor leadership and little insight.
Turn Up Knox Executive Director Denzel Grant described a lack of support from the city. Kincannon spokesperson Kristin Farley spoke to Knox News, stating that Turn Up Knox had not met its contractual obligation to provide monthly financial statements outlining its use of public funds.
The following month, the city terminated its contract with Turn Up Knox, citing communication issues and a failure to abide by the terms of the contract for termination.
Turn Up Knox Executive Director Denzel Grant stepped down Aug. 31 to focus on his ultimately successful run for the council seat representing Knoxville’s 6th District.
Also in January, a city council meeting spilled into a debate about surveillance concerns and policy accountability. The Knoxville city council ultimately approved a $27.5 million contract with Axon Enterprise that extended existing services and expanded the number of cameras in the city.
Councilwoman Amelia Parker led a group of attendees protesting the use of surveillance cameras in the city. The council voted 7-2 in favor of the Axon contract.
Kincannon also faced pushback earlier this year surrounding the proposed sale of Chilhowee Park to turn it into a community complex. After facing intense public scrutiny, the city council withdrew the vote for a proposed sale in September.
Kincannon expressed disappointment with the council’s move but acknowledged a flawed public engagement process.
As Kincannon works to regroup after a string of public and legislative setbacks, her ability to rebuild trust and cooperation with the city council could determine the course of the remainder of her term.
