Surgoinsville board adopts FY2025 budget, sets tax rate at 1.10 and adopts property maintenance code

The Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously approved the town's fiscal 2025 budget and set a tax rate of 1.10 at its May 13 meeting.

Alderman Collier raised concerns during discussion about the responsibilities of elected officials and the impact of a tax increase on department oversight. After remarks, Alderman Bishop moved to accept Ordinance No. 173-2024, the town's annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2025; Alderman Hoss seconded the motion and the roll-call vote was unanimous in favor.

At the same meeting the board also approved Ordinance No. 172-2024, adopting the 2021 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code. Vice-Mayor Jarnagin moved to accept the ordinance and Alderman Bishop seconded; the board approved by unanimous roll-call vote.

Clerk Megan Gentry reported that no financial reports were available at the meeting. The board earlier approved April departmental reports after Police Chief James Hammonds, Mayor Merrell Graham and Maintenance Supervisor Bobby Hickman presented their monthly summaries; that approval passed by unanimous vote.

Both the vote on the budget and the code ordinance were recorded as roll-call votes with all seven members present voting in favor. The board tabled separate agenda items including fees for vendor events at Riverfront Park and consideration of an AirMedCare Network membership for employees.

The board adjourned at 6:48 p.m. with the budget and code formally adopted and the town moving forward under the new tax rate for FY2025.