Nolensville adopts 2025–26 budget, sets 0.34 tax rate after weeks of debate

The Nolensville Board of Commissioners on June 5 approved the town's 2025-26 annual budget and set the town property tax rate at 34 cents per $100 of assessed value after public hearings and extended debate.

The move, adopted on second reading after an amendment, funds three additional police officers, three firefighters and other operational needs included in the proposed budget. Commissioner Gill moved the amendment to set the rate at 0.34; the board later adopted the ordinance as amended.

Why this matters: Commissioners and residents debated how quickly to raise revenue to staff public safety, maintain municipal services and advance long-planned capital projects such as a future police headquarters and road improvements. Supporters said the adopted rate funds immediate staffing needs while giving the board time to plan capital financing; opponents warned the town could face further increases if growth or litigation outcomes differ from projections.

Most important facts - The board advanced and adopted second reading of Ordinance 25-21 (annual budget and tax rate for fiscal year 2025-26) at a 0.34 tax rate. The final adoption vote was recorded as passing unanimously. - The board amended the debt-service transition schedule for the recently completed fire station from a 7-year to a 10-year repayment plan; that amendment passed 4-1. - Commissioners discussed, but did not adopt tonight, a dedicated short-term levy or other mechanisms to fund a police headquarters; they asked staff to return with costed options.

Budget debate and rationale Commissioners and dozens of residents participated in the public hearing and in the subsequent council debate. Speakers from across town expressed contrasting views: some urged a smaller increase or more cuts, while others said a larger, immediate increase was needed to fund public safety and avoid repeated emergency votes.

Commissioner Gill, who led the motion to set the tax rate at 34 cents, framed the vote as a compromise that "fully funds our police department. It fully funds our fire department," while keeping room to develop a targeted plan for capital projects, including the police headquarters, in the coming year.

Commissioner Cortner, who supported more revenue in principle, said she favored a larger increase than 0.34 but acknowledged a 34-cent rate was a meaningful step. Another commissioner said she preferred 0.40 to preserve a larger multi-year cushion; another proposed 0.38.

Debt-service adjustment The board voted to extend the schedule for absorbing the fire station debt from seven years to ten years. The change reduces the immediate annual debt-service impact on the general fund. The amendment passed 4-1.

Staff projections and uncertainties Town staff and commissioners noted several uncertain revenue inputs the board used conservatively: the timing and sales-tax receipts from new retail projects (including a planned Publix), the outcome of pending impact-fee litigation and how reassessment will affect certified tax calculations. Town Manager Victor and finance staff told the board they used conservative revenue estimates for the coming year and that some projected receipts (Publix and other new retail) are likely understated.

Next steps Commissioners asked staff to produce detailed, shovel-ready cost estimates for specific capital projects (notably the police headquarters and key road projects) so the board can consider a narrowly targeted, time-limited levy or debt issue dedicated to those projects in a future meeting.

Ending The ordinance adopting the budget and tax rate took effect after the board's final vote at the June 5 meeting. Commissioners said they will revisit capital financing options and monitor revenues (including upcoming Publix sales tax receipts) as actual numbers become available.