Blount County Budget Workshop | 03-26-2026 | Afternoon Session

The Blount County Government held a budget workshop on March 26, 2026, featuring presentations from various county departments and agencies. Key procurement-related discussions included budget requests for maintaining current service levels, modest increases primarily for employee raises, and specific capital improvement projects. Notably, the treatment-based alternative to incarceration program requested an additional $10,000 from an opioid grant to expand advanced blood drug testing capabilities, enhancing participant accountability and community safety. The 911 Communications Center sought $100,000 in additional county funds and $50,000 each from the cities of Maryville and Alcoa to support staffing and infrastructure upgrades, contingent on pending state legislation to increase 911 fees. The Parks and Recreation department proposed a capital project to repave walking trails, parking lots, and basketball courts at Eagleton Park with an estimated cost of over $76,000. Other departments, including Veterans Affairs, Health Department, Soil Conservation, GIS, and Vocational Rehabilitation, reported on their operations and modest budget needs, mostly for cost-of-living adjustments and maintaining current services. Several departments highlighted grant funding and partnerships that supplement local budgets. Overall, the workshop emphasized fiscal conservatism with limited budget increases and targeted capital improvements to support ongoing county services and infrastructure.