Budget Public Hearing Review - June 17, 2026

The RCTV Budget Finance and Investment Committee held a public hearing and budget review meeting on June 17, 2026. Key procurement-related discussions included approving funding for three volunteer fire departments, increasing their contributions from the mayor's recommended $50,000 to $80,000 each, down from the previous $120,000. The committee also reviewed and approved multiple budget amendments for the current fiscal year (2025-26), including adjustments for payroll, overtime, and additional revenues such as opioid settlement funds and state prisoner boarding. The Rutherford County Schools presented their budget amendments, including funding for capital outlay and contracted services, with discussions on maintenance of effort and additional state funding. A notable procurement-related motion approved was the allocation of $50,000 from the general fund to assist state championship-winning school sports teams in purchasing championship rings, contingent on matching funds from the schools. The committee also approved adding an entry-level engineering technician position to address staffing shortages due to an extended FMLA leave. Discussions on employee raises led to a motion to increase the salary table by an additional 2%, with remaining surplus funds earmarked for capital projects focused on infrastructure and road improvements. The committee approved the certified tax rate of 1.4885% and the appropriations resolution for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting concluded with scheduling announcements for future budget meetings.