Sullivan County Commission adopts 2025–26 budget, sets total property tax rate at 1.6129 after wide public comment

Sullivan County commissioners on Thursday approved the county's fiscal 2025'126 appropriations and set a total property tax rate of 1.6129 after extended public comment and several amendments.

The commission voted to adopt the appropriations resolution (item 2), the nonprofit funding resolution (item 3) and the tax-levy resolution (item 1) in separate roll calls. The final tax breakdown adopted by the body allocated 0.63377 cents to the county general fund, 0.03728 cents to solid waste, 0.09071 cents to the highway fund, 0.59514 cents to the county school fund, 0.05100 cents to county capital projects and 0.02500 cents to debt service, for a total rate of 1.6129.

Why it matters: The meeting followed weeks of public concern about a countywide reassessment that increased home values for many residents and prompted dozens of callers and speakers at the commission meeting to urge commissioners not to raise tax rates. The final vote preserved the county's ability to meet obligations while narrowing debate over how to distribute revenue among funds.

Public comment highlighted local hardship and opposition to additional taxes. "This isn't just a tax hike. It's a financial rip current that will sweep away the economic footing of thousands of your constituents," resident Eric Spicer told commissioners, referencing the reassessment numbers he said are affecting low-income families. James Kiser, speaking later, urged…