Jonesborough board approves first readings on budget and water/sewer rates, funds downtown repairs and trail work; camera resolution passes

The Town of Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a package of first-readings, contract awards and project approvals including the first reading of the fiscal 2025–26 budgets and property tax rate (Ordinance B2501), approval of a sidewalk and trail bid, and a resolution to deploy a small fleet of license-plate-reading (Flock-style) cameras.

The board approved the ordinance caption adopting the general fund, solid waste fund, Jackson Theater fund, drug enforcement fund, debt service fund and capital projects fund budgets and establishing the property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 (Ordinance B2501) on first reading. The meeting also advanced first readings of an ordinance establishing garbage/refuse collection fees (Ordinance B2502) and new water and sewer rates.

Several capital and maintenance actions were approved or moved forward: - The board awarded a bid for Frontier Walkway Phase 2 to Precision Concrete Finishing for $205,373.60, funded by state grants and a Local Parks & Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant (the board cited a $1.7 million LPRF award to bridge a larger funding gap). The motion was amended to add a pro-rata sidewalk refurbishing segment on Second Avenue…