Carroll County Commission $38.8 Million Fiscal Budget Approved

HUNTINGDON (June 30) — In what was termed as a “strategic decision” by Carroll County Mayor Joseph Butler, on Monday night, the county passed its 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget (Resolution 6-10-2025). The budget, while balanced at $38.8 million, drew $7.19 from reserves. The main draw from the reserves came from the newly created/renovated county-wide Fire Department with the promissory purchase of $5.5 million worth of fire trucks (other equipment).

By drawing from the healthy $11.56 million General Fund Balance Reserves, the county was able to better fund the Fire Department without forcing a tax increase. While numerous citizens throughout the county were upset about their property reappraisal increase, the county, at the State’s recommendation, set the tax levy (Resolution 6-09-2025) at $0.88 on each $100 of taxable property. This is the second-lowest tax rate in Tennessee. The breakdown is as follows: General $.6782; Solid Waste $.0501; Highway $.0797; School Transportation $.0470; General Debt Service $.025.

Other points in the 2025-26 Fiscal Budget include: Solid Waste/Sanitation with estimated expenditures at $2,535,151 with $2,568,100 in estimated revenue; Other General Government $3,926,090 in estimated expenditures and $2,706,654 in estimated revenue; Highway/Public Works with $4,947,753 in estimated expenditures and $4,719,545 in estimated revenue; General Purpose School has an estimated expenditure of $3,431,670 with an estimated revenue of $2,737,357; Special Purpose Funds/Grants has an estimated expenditure of $1,013,632 with an estimated revenue of $1,513,632.

Additionally, in the budget was Resolution 6-08-2025 allowing for appropriations to non-profit organizations in the amount of $58,523. This included $8,000 to the Carroll County Rescue Squad; $5,000 to the Gordon Browning Museum; $6,000 to McKenzie Memorial Library; $25,000 to the Carl Perkins Center in Carroll County; $500 to TN Rehab Center; $200 to the McKenzie Senior Citizens Center; $10,000 to the Carroll County Shooting Sports Park; and $3,823 to the WRAP Organization.

In other business, Resolution 12-01-2024 (amended) was approved. The resolution was reworded from December’s version regarding the funding of the Fire Department.

Resolution 6-01-2025 was approved, authorizing Mayor Butler to sign a project proposal with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. This related to a construction project in the County of Carroll, with the project described as “from near Old Loop 22/Thorne Lane to South of SR-124 Old McKenzie Road Route: SR-22” for improvements to State Route 22, including miscellaneous safety improvements and j-turn intersection, with the project being federally funded through the Highway Safety Improvement Program, and designated as State Project No. 09006-2219-94.

Resolution 6-02-2025 appointed Shelia Deringer to the Carroll County Library Board.

Resolution 6-03-2025 authorized the Mayor Butler to sign a probation services agreement with Supervisory Services, Inc. This came at the behest of General Sessions Judge Michael King.

Resolution 6-04-2025 amended the General Fund Budget for Circuit Court. This was an increase of $8,460 towards employee “Bonus Payments” with a decrease from Employer Insurance.

Resolution 6-05-2025 amended the General Fund Budget for the Sheriff’s Office. This is from insurance recovery funds received ($16,841.67) and to replace the damaged 2020 Ford Explorer, state issuing more salary supplement than expected ($13,117), and to cover the shortage in overtime pay through the end-of-year for jail staff ($38,070).

Resolution 6-06-2025 amended the Highway Fund Budget by increasing Garage Supplies $15,000 and Equipment, Machines and Parts $25,000, with a decrease from Highway Construction at $40,000.

Resolution 6-07-2025 amended the General Fund Budget for year-end with increases to Drug Court $4,107; County Maintenance $85,000; General Welfare $1,500; County Coroner $8,000, with a draw from the Fund Balance of $98,607.

The Commission heard from Janet James, who lives on Rowland Mill Road. James stated that she, along with her neighbors, are having issues with industrial noise produced by Covia/Unimin Corporation. The heavy machinery and pumps used for mineral extraction are above the 70 decimal level and have become an increasing issue. James added that citizens have asked Covia if there was a way to dampen the noise, but that has come to no avail. Now they are requesting intervention from the county.

The following individuals were elected notaries: Karen Brooks, Chloe Rae Crum, Michael King, Ashlee Dawn Prickard, Joni Marie Pollock, Natalie Porter, Elizabeth Tippitt, and Jessica Trevathan.