Bristol adopts $194.4 million FY2027 budget, keeps property tax rate unchanged

Bristol, Tenn. — The Bristol, Tennessee City Council voted June 16 to adopt ordinance 26-3, approving a $194,404,660 fiscal year 2027 budget and leaving the property tax rate at 1.845 per $100 of assessed value.

Director of Finance Holly Barron presented the budget at a public hearing, saying, “The fiscal year 2027 budget totals $194,404,660,” and noting that figure represents a 25.8% increase — $39,809,205 — over the fiscal year 2026 budget. Barron told the council the increase reflects a $35 million package of capital facility expenditures that will be funded by private contributions and that most other capital purchases are planned to be financed through a debt issuance; if that borrowing does not occur, the purchases would need a different funding source.

Barron also said the general fund is balanced with no planned drawdown of fund balance and that the total education funds included $63,608,651, while Bristol Public Library funding was listed at $1,194,540. She said the municipal funds total and certain line items incorporate the privately funded capital projects.

During the meeting the council also approved ordinance 26-4 on second reading, amending the FY2026 budget to reflect carryovers and operational adjustments. Barron detailed specific fund changes: the Chapter 420 fund increasing to $12,322,679 to reflect higher border-region sales tax receipts tied to a development agreement; the drug fund increasing to $178,050 to replace a wrecked K-9 vehicle and purchase equipment; a grant fund increase to $271,118 to cover additional grant awards for fire equipment, the senior center and America250 events; and a solid waste fund adjustment for truck repairs and rental.

Only one citizen signed up to speak at the meeting’s appearance-of-citizens period. Ron Kirk praised finance staff, saying staff “answered every single one of [my questions] in simplistic ways” and expressed gratitude for the work of Holly and others.

Council members praised staff work during deliberations and approved both ordinances by voice/roll-call votes on second reading. The council’s adoption of the FY2027 budget followed presentation of the budget details during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

The ordinances were approved during an evening session that also included votes on three resolutions and a council action to move forward with contract negotiations for a sole city manager candidate. All actions noted above were taken in open session; any contract negotiated with a candidate would return to council for final approval.