6/5/26 - Bradley County Finance Committee

The Bradley County Finance Committee met on June 5, 2026, to review and recommend the mayor's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-2027 to the full commission. Key procurement-related discussions included approval of end-of-year budget amendments (trueups) to balance accounts, and detailed review of capital improvement projects funded through various special funds, including opioid settlement funds and ARP money. The committee addressed funding for vehicle replacements, jail HVAC improvements, fire department equipment, and juvenile building improvements. A significant portion of the meeting focused on salary increases, with a motion passed to approve a 15% raise for most county employees and 12% for those earning over $75,000, effective with the first payroll in October 2026. This raise will be funded by an overall property tax rate increase of approximately 8.5 cents per $100 valuation, including adjustments for the road department and fee offices. The committee also discussed the potential addition of a countywide grant writer position to enhance grant acquisition and management. Fire department tax rates and consolidation of fire districts were considered to ensure equitable tax burdens. The meeting concluded with recognition of the importance of timely procurement and expenditure of ARP funds and other capital resources to meet project deadlines and avoid federal repayments.