Jonesborough approves first readings of FY2026 budget, tax rate and a slate of downtown and infrastructure projects

The Jonesborough Board of Mayor and Aldermen advanced its fiscal package and a series of capital projects at a meeting that also included public comment sharply critical of proposed tax changes. During public comment, Lon Reed of 601 East Main Street said a reported 28% proposed tax increase would be “ridiculous” and “cruel” to residents on fixed incomes and urged officials who supported such an increase to resign.

On the budget, the board held first reading of Ordinance B-25-01 to adopt the general fund, solid waste fund, Jackson Theater fund, drug enforcement fund, debt service fund and a new capital projects fund and to set the property tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. Finance staff explained that the capital projects fund centralizes capital spending for transparency and listed the proposed capital items, including public safety vehicles ($625,000), public safety equipment ($657,000), road resurfacing ($500,000) and a series of park and facility…