Roane County adopts 2026-27 budget after debate over school funding and salary increases

The Roane County Commission voted to adopt Resolution 06-26-03, approving appropriations for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, after a period of debate focused on school funding levels and personnel pay increases.

Commissioner Berry moved the appropriations resolution, seconded by Commissioner Duff. Berry summarized the budget committee's work and said the committee had done "a superb job of finally coming to this," praising staff for timely responses. "Thank you for what you've done," Berry said of staffer Jennifer and the committee.

Several commissioners spoke in turn. Commissioner Duckett described the budget as a "good budget" with no tax increase and said he supported the schools. Commissioner Hamilton said he would vote no, citing concerns about a technology budget increase noted in the transcript and what he described as a multiyear rise in one position's pay: "one employee of our county has received a $34,000 increase on his salary over the last 5 years," Hamilton said, and contrasted that with teacher raises of 3 percent plus $1,000 on the career salary table.

Commissioner Goolsby disclosed that he works for the county and urged the committee to consider Christmas bonuses in future budgets. Commissioner Brannon said constituents in his district were "screaming for help" and that he would vote no because of the condition of local school facilities and unmet local needs.

A participant clarified during the discussion that the county commission does not exercise line-item control over the school system's internal budget; the commission receives the schools' budget and votes it up or down. The transcript also notes that certain salaries are set by statute.

After discussion the clerk announced the motion carried. The transcript does not record a roll-call tally or the exact vote count.