Claiborne County Commission adopts 2024-25 budget, sets $2.34 property tax rate
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Summary
After hours of debate and several line-item changes, the Claiborne County Commission approved the 2024-25 appropriations and set a $2.34 per $100 property tax rate; commissioners also approved a 3% employee raise and multiple ARP-related amendments.
The Claiborne County Commission on Aug. 19 approved the county's 2024-25 appropriations and set the combined property tax rate at $2.34 per $100 of assessed value.
Chairman Mike Campbell called the meeting to order and, following debate on several proposed amendments, the commission passed Resolution 2024-045 adopting the 2024-25 budget by roll-call vote 19-2. Commissioner Eric Jones moved the property tax resolution (Res. 2024-046), which passed 19-2.
The commission considered and voted on several budget amendments during the session. Commissioner David Mundy successfully moved to reduce the travel line item (51300-355) from $7,500 to $5,000. Commissioner Dennis Cook moved approval of a 3% pay raise for county employees, including the finance director; that motion carried by roll-call vote. Commissioners also approved removing a four-cent allocation (about $265,629) from the fund balance to avoid double-counting prior unspent funds.
Finance Director Pearson recorded the changes and stated the General Fund appropriations in the adopted resolution. The adopted Appropriations Resolution (Res. 2024-045) spells out detailed line-item appropriations across the General Fund, Solid Waste, School, and other funds, and includes allocation rules for interest and wheel-tax distributions.
During debate, several proposals failed for lack of a second or by roll-call defeat, including motions to dissolve the Budget Committee and to eliminate certain charitable donations. The commission recorded specific roll-call votes for contested motions; where names were recorded, the minutes reflect who voted for and against each roll-call action.
Votes at a glance
- Res. 2024-045 (2024-25 Appropriations): PASSED, roll call 19 for, 2 against. Key outcomes: adoption of the detailed appropriation schedule; cuts to produce $286,229 in budget reductions after amendments. - Res. 2024-046 (Property Tax Levy): PASSED, roll call 19 for, 2 against. Combined levy set at $2.34 per $100 of assessed value. - Motion to reduce travel (line 51300-355 to $5,000): PASSED, roll call 13 for, 8 against. - Motion to approve 3% employee pay increase: PASSED, roll call 14 for, 7 against. - Motion to remove four cents ($265,629) from fund balance: PASSED, roll call 11 for, 10 against.
Why it matters
The adopted budget and tax rate determine county operating revenues and spending priorities for the coming year, including school fund allocations, public safety, road maintenance and capital projects. The 3% pay increase and the decisions about fund-balance use affect county payroll costs and reserve levels. Several later budget amendments (see separate items) shift ARP, TDEC and grant funds into specific project line items, enabling planned capital and recovery projects.
What to watch next
The resolution takes effect immediately; the commission and county staff will implement the budget through appropriations and transfers described in the adopted document. Future commission meetings may consider additional budget transfers or amendments if state approvals or grant reimbursements require further adjustments.