Piperton board approves FY2025–26 budget amendment and adopts FY2026–27 budget with no property tax increase

The Piperton Board of Mayor and Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance No. 421-26, a second amendment to the FY2025–26 budget, and adopted Ordinance No. 422-26, the FY2026–27 annual budget and tax rate, at a regular meeting on June 23, 2026.

City Manager Steve Steinbach delivered both budget presentations and said the city is closing FY2026 in a strong position. "Fiscal Year 2026 is coming to an end; we're in a good state — I'm happy to report," Steinbach said, citing stronger-than-expected sales tax and higher interest income that offset a roughly 5% shortfall in property‑tax receipts due to appeals and timing of newly completed structures.

Steinbach told the board there will be no property tax increase this year. He highlighted key revenue sources and assumptions for the FY2027 proposal, noting general taxes account for the vast majority of revenue and that the city may pursue a special census to increase state shared revenue. He also proposed a 3% cost‑of‑living adjustment for employees and a one‑time employee appreciation bonus.

On expenditures and capital priorities, Steinbach and staff outlined investments in water and sewer infrastructure, an anticipated Greenbrier gravity sewer extension to reduce pump reliance, and paving programs. The presentation listed a range of capital and one‑time items including updated regulatory documents, a possible professional design for a future fire and police facility, equipment purchases and TDEC/ARPA‑funded waterline work. Steinbach also said the city is budgeting for two new police vehicles and related outfitting.

The board recessed twice to hold public hearings on each ordinance; there were no substantive questions from the public during the FY2025–26 amendment hearing. During the FY2027 hearing, a resident asked whether a proposed firing range would be available to the public; Mayor Henry Coats replied it would be for police only. Steinbach and staff also addressed a question about local school capacity and noted that Piperton does not meet the enrollment threshold to form a municipal school district.

Action: Both ordinances were approved on their second readings by unanimous votes of the five board members present. The budget documents include an anticipated revenue/expenditure subtotal that Steinbach said could yield roughly $985,000 in funds available to apply toward paving and other priorities.

The board also discussed potential next steps for securing a site for a police training range. Steinbach said the city may pursue legal options if necessary: "If we don't get a sale, it's quite likely that I may come to the board with a request for moving forward with the process of going through and acquiring it through legal means that are available through eminent domain."