Chattanooga leaders debate Walnut St. Bridge decorative lights

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Chattanooga city council continued its series of budget meetings this morning reviewing numerous issues as it moves toward finalizing a budget for the next fiscal year.

Council chairman Ken Smith says this meeting was focused on capital expenditures with much of the session centered on the proposed lighting of the Walnut street bridge.

Part of the expense, is $5,000,000 for maintenance, which is required.

But there’s also a proposal to install decorative lighting.

“The lighting portion is something else. There is supposed to be some investment funds, outside funds out of the city coming to help pay for that piece but they haven’t been secured yet. So there is a lot of questions around not only should we be doing it but also around shouldn’t we secure those funds first.”

The Council discussed other issues until 2 this afternoon.