Bluff City board approves fiscal 2025–26 budget and lowers tax rate to 0.89

The Bluff City Board of Aldermen voted to approve Ordinance 2025-009, which adopts the city’s budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, and sets a municipal tax rate of 0.89.

The presiding officer explained that the current tax rate is 1.30 and that the ordinance lowers it to 0.89. “This is going to offset any increases in personal property,” the presiding officer said during the meeting. The ordinance was moved by Alderman Malone and seconded by Alderman Johnson; the board recorded approval on the motion.

Board members said the budget is tight. Staff member Sharon, who prepared the budget documents, was thanked for last‑minute work to compile materials. Aldermen noted that the town’s general fund surplus has declined in recent years — one alderman said the town began a prior budget cycle with roughly $300,000 extra, fell to about $100,000 in the next year, and by this budget showed roughly $24,000 — and expressed concern about uncertainty in sales and other taxes.

The vote on the ordinance passed with recorded votes: Alderwoman Payne — yes; Alderman Malone — yes; Alderman Keith — abstain; Alderman Johnson — yes. The board discussed a second reading requirement of 10 days; staff was asked to clean up the final budget document before submission to the Tennessee Comptroller’s office.

The board also discussed water and sewer capital concerns during the budget discussion, including a $650,000 allocation for water and sewer work and potential increases in water purchase costs from neighboring Bristol during repairs to the town’s water plant. Several aldermen said they would continue to monitor those costs closely as they could affect the town’s fiscal position.