Oak Ridge council approves 2025-26 budget on first reading, holds tax rate equalized

Oak Ridge City Council approved on first reading an ordinance to provide revenue and adopt the city budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, after a presentation by city staff and brief public comment.

City Manager Mr. Heaman, presenting the budget, said the proposal maintains an equalized certified tax rate and funds staffing, capital projects and targeted investments. “Compensation in our workforce is the most important thing we do every year,” Heaman said, describing a proposed 2% step increase and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment for city staff and additional professional development funding for about 127 employees.

The budget presentation summarized revenue and spending changes and listed several capital priorities. Staff reported total revenues are forecast to rise about 7.1% (roughly $3.9 million) and proposed expenditures increase by about 8% for the year. The council was told the proposal would keep the certified tax rate equalized so the city’s overall rate would be unchanged, while reminding property owners that individual tax bills may rise or fall depending on each parcel’s appraisal change.

Major items and program details in the proposal include:

- Positions…