Cheatham County adopts $107.3 million budget, sets property tax rate at 2.4766

Cheatham County commissioners approved the county 2022-23 budget on June 27, adopting appropriations that total $107,271,333.51 and setting a combined county property tax rate of 2.4766 mills.

The budget package, passed by roll-call votes, funds general government operations, school programs and a series of capital projects. The tax rate includes separate levies for county general, highway/roads, school debt and other funds; the commission set the combined rate at 2.4766 for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022.

Director of Accounts Sandrine Batts presented a slate of year-end and operating adjustments that commissioners also approved, including vehicle purchases ($63,591), increased solid-waste hauling costs ($70,000) and targeted transfers to cover shortages in IT, county clerk and library lines. The General Purpose School Fund appropriation and multiple school-line amendments were approved as part of the package.

The budget document lists detailed allocations for dozens of funds and programs. Notable appropriations include $33,057,431 for school instruction and $3,826,729 for the Central Cafeteria Fund. The full appropriation schedule presented to the commission totals $107,271,333.51 across all funds.

The vote followed committee review and public notice steps required by state law. The commission also approved separate resolutions authorizing transfers from capital project balances to make a principal payment on the highway facility loan and other year-end housekeeping motions.

What happens next: The budget takes effect July 1, 2022. County officials said routine program oversight, required audits and periodic budget amendments will follow as the fiscal year proceeds.