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Knoxville council advances budget on first reading, delays vote to May 26 after public concerns
Summary
The City Council approved first readings of the FY2026 operating and capital budgets and postponed the second reading to May 26 to allow more public hearings and review after residents raised concerns about cooling centers, housing and mental-health funding.
The Knoxville City Council on first reading approved the operating and capital budgets for fiscal 2025–26 and moved to postpone the second reading to May 26 to allow additional public hearings and member review. The council voted unanimously to advance the budget and then approved a motion to delay final adoption.
The delay follows multiple public comments urging more money for cooling centers, the Office of Housing Stability and opioid and mental-health response. Vivian Scheidt of MLK Avenue told the council the budget reveal left ‘‘several areas of concern’’ unaddressed, specifically asking where funding for cooling centers and full staffing for outreach would be found.
Mayor (presiding) said the administration prepared a leaner budget that retains core services, keeps the city’s lowest tax rate since 1974 and prioritizes public safety. The mayor noted upcoming legislative budget hearings beginning May 7 where council members will have the opportunity to ask department staff for details.
Councilmember Parker urged stronger public engagement and said she has a history of voting against first readings to ensure the public hearing process remains meaningful. Vice Mayor Fugate explained that charter timelines typically provided two weeks between readings; the council agreed to extend that to four weeks this year so staff and members can respond to questions and proposed amendments.
Next steps: the council’s legislative budget hearings begin May 7, and the postponed second reading and vote are scheduled for May 26.
