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Smyrna staff presents FY2026–27 budget with no recommended city tax increase; $36.5M planned for infrastructure
Summary
Finance staff told the Smyrna Town Council at its April workshop that the proposed FY2026–27 budget includes no city tax increase and outlines $36.5 million for infrastructure and equipment, funded largely from impact fees and fund balance.
Sierra, the town finance director, told the Smyrna Town Council during an April workshop that the recommended fiscal year 2026–27 budget includes no proposed city property tax increase despite 2026 reappraisals. "We are not increasing city taxes," Sierra said, noting the town will adopt a revenue-neutral rate in May.
Sierra said the budget anticipates roughly $37 million in operating revenue and a plan to spend $36.5 million on infrastructure and equipment in FY27, including $28 million in infrastructure improvements and $7 million for equipment, mainly emergency vehicles. She said the town expects to cover much of the capital program using fund balance, impact fees, grants and limited contributions from the general fund.
The presentation outlined a five-year capital improvement plan totaling about $239 million, with priority projects that include road improvements (Lee Road, Rock Springs Road), water and sewer upgrades and park expansions. Sierra said the town plans modest staffing increases to support services, including seven police positions and four public-works roles.
Council members asked staff to clarify assumptions used in revenue estimates and how much of specific projects are funded by state or federal grants versus local sources. Committee member (speaker 9) asked whether the revenue projections and the $571,975.88 TDOT maintenance contract cover a meaningful portion of road expenses; staff replied they would analyze the town’s actual costs versus contractual reimbursements.
Why it matters: the budget sets the town’s priorities for infrastructure, public safety and parks while promising no city tax increase to residents. The council will consider the revenue-neutral tax rate in May and hold a second reading before adoption.
Next steps: staff will finalize the recommended rate after county reappraisal data is released in May and return the budget for formal readings and adoption in the coming weeks.
