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Bradley County mayor proposes $234.4 million budget with no tax increase, boosts for schools and first responders
Summary
Mayor Davis presented a balanced FY26/27 proposal that would not raise taxes and prioritizes education and first responders, funds ARP one-time purchases, and includes across-the-board employee raises with larger increases for emergency personnel.
Mayor Davis presented a proposed FY26/27 Bradley County budget he described as balanced and requiring no increase in taxes or fees, saying the proposal "does not increase their taxes. It does not create any new taxes. It does not increase any fees." The package covers 18 funds and totals about $234.4 million.
The mayor highlighted several targeted allocations: interest from the opioid fund to pay for a convalescent van for EMS, a $386,000 landfill fund to support two recycling centers and air monitoring, and a $9.745 million road department budget. He said $4 million had been budgeted for broadband matching state grants but only about $1.877 million had been spent so far; remaining ARP dollars must be obligated by December to meet federal deadlines.
Education and first responders are the largest beneficiaries. Mayor Davis said capital-project revenue totaling about $7.48 million is earmarked for Bradley County Schools (Hopewell) to fulfill prior commitments. He listed the top budget increases as local education funding (+$1.777 million), the sheriff's department (an increase of roughly $693,518 plus ARP purchases), the justice center, EMS and fire, and noted ARP funding for vehicles and equipment.
On personnel, the mayor proposed a 3% raise for most county employees and larger increases for emergency services: 6% for fire department employees and targeted step/retention increases for postcertified and paramedic staff. He characterized the package as what "Bradley County can afford" and urged commissioners to weigh fairness and long-term staffing retention.
Commissioners questioned bond amortization and debt-service lines during follow-up discussion; the mayor and staff agreed to provide specific clarifications on principal schedules and callable debt. Finance staff and commissioners also discussed the possibility of using excess fund balance to pay down callable debt after the budget is adopted.
The mayor closed by reiterating the budget’s central claim: a balanced plan that preserves services without increasing taxpayers’ burden. The commission will review the proposal further at an upcoming finance committee meeting scheduled for June 5.
