SPORTS: Lady Flames play to sweep of UNA in softball: Page 13 Cheer Madness flying high: Page 8 162nd YEAR • No. 269 18 PAGES • 50¢ CLEVELAND, TN 37311 THE CITY WITH SPIRIT MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2017 Partial pay tax HIDDEN CLEVELAND program adds another 200 participants In 7 years, initiative still exceeds its expectations By RICK NORTON
[email protected] During two more enrollment periods — in late 2016 and early ’17 — for the ever-growing partial payment program for Bradley County property taxes, the Trustee’s Office added another 200 participants. Mike Smith, longtime trustee, said that brings the number of parcels to 1,363 in a 7-year-old initiative that allows local homeowners and property owners to pay their property taxes in monthly installments — or other fre- quencies — instead of the more invasive annual lump sum. “This just goes to show us all that Banner photo, CHRISTY ARMSTRONG there are Bradley County citizens who LEADERS of International Friends Network of Cleveland are encouraging both immigrants and Cleveland natives to get involved with the struggle to make that one big lump-sum group. From left are Nick and Caden Eckert, Todd Stevison and Jackie Stanley. payment on a yearly basis,” Smith told Smith the Cleveland Daily Banner. “It shows us also that, when given options, our citizens can meet their financial obligations; at least, as far as the payment of property taxes.” Local group promotes intercultural friendship The program, which was launched in 2010 at the sug- gestion of local taxpayers, has far exceeded initial expec- By CHRISTY ARMSTRONG “This has been a great platform for English.