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 improvements. Board members discussed wages, staffing and the effect of inflation on the town's budget. The transcript records a motion to approve the first reading; the roll call shows the motion carried.

The board approved multiple infrastructure and downtown items by motion and roll call: - Frontier Walkway Phase 2: Precision Concrete Finishing won the bid for $205,373.60 to extend sidewalks and trail connections; the board amended the award to include refurbishing the 2nd Avenue segment from Maine to the railroad at the same pro rata price per foot. - International Storytelling Center deck repair: Andrews and Huskins submitted the low bid of $45,360; staff said a grant covers most costs and estimated the town’s share at roughly $9,000. The motion to accept the bid passed. - 1st Avenue downtown dumpster: staff recommended Option 2 (aligned to the parking lot) to consolidate downtown solid-waste access; board approved Option 2 but noted that written agreement with the private-property owner (a church) will be required before construction by town crews. - West Main sidewalk renovation: the board approved raising and capping failing sidewalks, blending brickwork to match downtown historic treatments.

Other approvals and actions included first readings or approvals for: a reduction in Tree and Townscape board membership (13 to 9) on first reading; adoption of a building valuation table for plan review (first reading); approval of special events (International Storytelling Festival, a winter farmers market Nov–Apr, and the Pioneer Run on Aug. 23); and a resolution to adopt a Flock safety camera system (initially three camera sites) for license-plate recognition and alerts. During the camera discussion staff acknowledged privacy concerns and said the devices would be placed at major thoroughfares.

On utilities and fees, the board approved first readings of garbage/refuse collection fees (including an overnight residential dumpster service for $175) and of water and sewer rates for FY2026. Staff explained a proposed low-user water classification to limit impacts on very small households and discussed why sewer service costs are typically higher (treatment and pump maintenance). The water/sewer fund budget discussion included proposed updates to tap fees (labor + materials + 20%) and projected increases in tap revenue (staff cited an increase of roughly $345,000 in projected water tap revenue and $135,000 in projected sewer tap revenue to reflect higher material and labor costs). Staff said the tap revenue figures were conservative projections and would be rechecked.

A series of roll-call votes recorded approval of the consent agenda and the listed items throughout the meeting. The transcript captures questions and clarifications from multiple aldermen, staff presentations from finance and public works, and no recorded motions to delay or reject the listed projects. The meeting concluded after remaining items and roll calls were completed.