Oak Ridge council adopts Emergency Communications District Fund FY2026 budget after brief hearing

The Oak Ridge City Council approved a resolution adopting the Emergency Communications District Fund fiscal 2026 budget following a brief special meeting and a public hearing that drew no speakers. The chair recorded the vote as "I 6, no nays," and announced the resolution approved, completing the business of the special session.

A council member invited a staff member (referred to as "Carrie") to comment but said the packet included the materials and described the proposal as "It's pretty straightforward. It is an annual budget. You're required to do it separately." The chair opened the required public hearing, asked whether anyone wished to speak and — after noting no one came forward — the council closed the hearing and proceeded to a vote. The chair then adjourned the special session until the start of the regular meeting.

The record shows a roll call listing Hudson; Council member Gleason; Mayor Gooch; Council member Hammond; Council member Hensley; Council member Hoch; and Council member Smith as present. The transcript records the final vote as six in favor and no nays; individual roll-call votes were not recorded in the transcript provided.

No statutes, ordinances, or other legal authorities were cited during the discussion. The council did not request additional materials or delay the vote; no public testimony was given on the item.