Murfreesboro Post
MURFREESBORO WEATHER

Smyrna has first reading on budget, tax rate




Stewarts Creek High School’s SCTV audio-visual students created public service announcements in a student competition to support the Town of Smyrna’s “Love Where You Live” anti-litter, anti-trash campaign. (Left to right): Stewarts Creek Principal, Dr. Clark Harrell, student J.J. Monk; student Mackenzie Jones; student Nathan Surratt; Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed; and video production instructor Chris Bissinger. Monk was the overall winner of the student competition.COURTESY TOWN OF SMYRNA

Stewarts Creek High School’s SCTV audio-visual students created public service announcements in a student competition to support the Town of Smyrna’s “Love Where You Live” anti-litter, anti-trash campaign. (Left to right): Stewarts Creek Principal, Dr. Clark Harrell, student J.J. Monk; student Mackenzie Jones; student Nathan Surratt; Smyrna Mayor Mary Esther Reed; and video production instructor Chris Bissinger. Monk was the overall winner of the student competition.COURTESY TOWN OF SMYRNA

The Town of Smyrna passed on first reading to maintain the same tax rate as the previous year and the town budget at its May meeting.

The current tax rate is 70.07 cents per $100 assessed taxable property. Both the budget and the tax rate are scheduled to have a second reading at the June 8 town council meeting.

The No. 1 citizen complaint in Smyrna is trash and litter, according to Kathy Ferrell, Smyrna’s Public Information Officer. Some Stewarts Creek High School students in the television and video production program have developed several public service announcements serving as a kickoff for Smyrna’s “Love Where You Live” campaign.

The town sponsored a competition among the students and the top three PSAs were presented at the Town Council meeting and over Smyrna’s Channel Three. The PSAs will serve as the centerpiece of the beautification initiative.

Smyrna’s relationship with the Stewarts Creek High School video production program is ongoing and continues to provide real-world opportunities for the students.

Town Manager Brian Hercules works closely with Chris Bissinger, the Stewarts Creek video production instructor, who ensures that every aspect of the “Love Where You Live” public service announcement project is student-led.

“Chris Bissinger shares our philosophy and seeks out opportunities that bring value to his students and to our community,” Hercules said.

“These students have handled all elements of this project,” Bissinger said. “From content creation, technical preparation, graphic design, and equipment preparation and inventory, this campaign is a result of their effort. It is a tremendous opportunity for students to gain experience in the audio-visual career pathway.”

The winning producers/directors of the “Love Where You Live” public service announcements are sophomore Mackenzie Jones, junior J.J. Monk and senior Nathan Surratt. Monk was named the overall winner.

Leave a Reply