Tazewell holds public hearing on proposed FY2027 budget; general fund balanced at $7.63 million

The Town of Tazewell opened a public hearing on its proposed fiscal year 2027 budget, outlining a balanced general fund of $7,634,650 and separate enterprise funds for water and sewer. Town staff said the proposed water fund totals $2,118,034.37 in revenues and $2,118,030.34 in expenditures; the proposed sewer fund shows $1,744,079 in both revenues and expenditures. An IEDA fund was listed at $15,900.34 for revenues and expenditures.

“Estabated revenues for the proposed general fund would be $7,634,650,” a staff speaker read aloud during the hearing. Staff described the package as balanced and made the full proposed budget available for public inspection at the town manager’s office during weekday business hours.

Public comment focused on capital improvements and budgeting for recurring community donations. One council member urged the planning commission be tasked with producing a five‑year capital improvements plan to clarify when streets and paving projects will be scheduled, saying it would improve transparency so residents understand multi‑year priorities. Staff and commissioners discussed assigning that work as part of next year’s first‑quarter review.

Members of the public and some council members also queried how recurring donations are handled. Staff noted a $35,000 donations line proposed for next year and suggested that frequently requested programs could receive their own line items to avoid repeated donation requests during the budget cycle.

No final adoption of the budget occurred; councilmembers said they expect to approve a final budget in June after the remaining work sessions and directed staff to return with any refinements and with any requested signed memorandums of understanding relevant to funding commitments.