Arlington adopts FY2026 budget, sets property tax rate at $1.13 after extended debate

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Arlington, Tenn., adopted the town—s fiscal 2026 budget and set the property tax rate at $1.13 per $100 of assessed value after a public hearing and multiple votes at a special meeting on June 23, 2025.

The action settled a months-long budget process that staff said was their recommendation after trimming an initial request. The vote followed a failed first attempt on the tax-rate ordinance, a successful motion to reconsider, and a final roll-call vote that passed 4-3.

Why it matters: The board—s decision raises the tax rate above the certified rate for some taxpayers and clears the town—s plan for operating and capital spending for the year that begins July 1, 2025. Board members and department heads repeatedly warned that material, equipment and labor costs have risen sharply, and several said the budget includes market-pay adjustments to retain staff.

At the public hearing, Ray Bryant, a long-time resident, said he opposed drawing heavily on the town—s reserve and urged the board to notify residents more broadly about hearings. "If that's what you're gonna do, I'm opposed to that," Bryant said, referring to tapping the rainy-day fund, and added he would…