Rutherford County proposes $124M budget with tax increase for education and public safety

Rutherford County is set to implement a significant budget adjustment for the fiscal year 2025-2026, proposing a total general fund budget of $94,273,625, which represents a 16.64% increase from the previous year. This budget aims to enhance financial support for public education and safety, necessitating an increase in the current tax rate from 45.4 cents to 56.9 cents per $100 of property value. This adjustment would raise property taxes for an average homeowner with a $300,000 property by approximately $345 annually, bringing their total tax bill to around $1,700.

The proposed budget reflects a shift in funding priorities, with education receiving a notable increase to 30.79% of the budget, while public safety will account for 27.5%. However, the budget still leaves many departmental requests unfunded, highlighting ongoing financial constraints. Since fiscal year 2017, the county has faced a cumulative funding gap of approximately $148 million against requests totaling $780 million.

In addition to the general fund budget, the Solid Waste Department is also facing challenges due to rising operational costs and reduced state revenues. To maintain fiscal sustainability, the department is proposing fee increases, including raising the annual solid waste fee from $13 to $43 and increasing tipping fees for various waste types. These changes aim to ensure that the department can continue to operate effectively while addressing the financial pressures of inflation and supply chain issues.

The budget discussions also emphasized the importance of competitive wages for county employees, with plans for an 8% wage increase over two budget cycles to attract and retain qualified staff. The county manager acknowledged the hard work of department heads and staff in navigating the complexities of the budget process, underscoring the collaborative effort required to meet the community's needs.

As Rutherford County moves forward with these budget proposals, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the essential services that support education, public safety, and community welfare. The upcoming adjustments will be crucial in shaping the county's financial landscape and ensuring sustainable growth for the future.