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Farragut adopts $FY2027 budget after debate over restoring economic development post
Summary
The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted its fiscal year 2027 budget on second and final reading May 28, approving several line-item changes that increase general fund spending by $171,200 and restoring funding for a permanent economic development position, despite public objection and requests for measurable KPIs.
The Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted Ordinance 26-11 on second and final reading May 28, approving the town’s fiscal year 2027 budget with several staff-recommended amendments.
Tessa Cortez, the town’s finance director, told the board the amendments increase general fund expenditures by $171,200. She said $20,000 is earmarked for economic development, $15,000 for the Fair Good Business Alliance, $5,000 for staff training in economic development, $6,500 for information-technology needs, $30,000 for a scanning project in community development, $4,000 for communications (emergency text subscriptions), and $100,000 for a contingency for major building repairs. Cortez said the general fund’s revenues are projected at $19,225,404 with expenditures of $13,331,258 and an ending fund balance for FY27 of $33,383,251.
Resident Kimberly Parks of 10701 Farragut Hills Boulevard criticized restoring a permanent economic development position and asked the board to justify the role with measurable performance metrics. "If the town decided in 2025 that this role was no longer necessary, then what happened? Show the public why we need this position ... not with buzzwords," Parks said during public comment, urging the board to start with a temporary contract and quarterly reporting if the need is uncertain.
Town Administrator David responded that the board made the economic development position a priority in January and that staff will establish KPIs for the role. "We will have different metrics that we will measure, to see success," he said, adding that economic development efforts may take time to produce results.
The budget ordinance also includes adjustments in several other funds: a $15,000 increase to the Red Mill Dam schematic design in the CIP fund, a planned ADA capital transfer of $150,000 to be expended if projects are identified, CIP planned expenditures of $8,793,000, planned equipment purchases of $265,000, and a small insurance fund. Cortez summarized that the CIP reserves and transfers leave the town with planned available balances to support the FY27 work program.
After limited questions from aldermen, the board approved Ordinance 26-11 by roll call vote, 5–0.
The board also adopted Resolution R26-08, the FY2027 fee schedule, and passed Ordinance 26-12 (first reading) to amend the CIP for an $8,000 ERP software implementation cost.
The ordinance takes effect following adoption; no additional implementation timeline for the economic development position was specified during the meeting.
