McKenzie Approves 2026-27 Budget

McKENZIE (June 22) — The McKenzie City Council met Monday to approve the 2026-27 Fiscal Year Budget. Passing unanimously, with Vice-Mayor Drew Beeler not present, the $5.8 million budget goes into effect July 1.

​In other business, Robin Russell of ATA Paris was named Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) for the City of McKenzie. While Jennifer Waldrup, as city recorder, will still work with the city’s finances, Tennessee Code Annotated 6-56-402 requires each municipality to employ at least one CMFO (or an exempt, qualified individual) with financial oversight responsibilities. According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s office, Waldrup needed additional coursework, but by naming a CPA, which is a common workaround in numerous municipalities, this allowed McKenzie to make the necessary adjustment.

​Following the recent sale of RaeKar to Republic Services, representatives for both were present during the meeting. On July 1, Republic will assume the contract held between McKenzie and RaeKar for garbage collection. According to Republic’s representatives, the transition should be seamless as there should be no changes in routes, trucks, receptacles and drivers. Republic promised the City and members of the board that they had made changes and would improve customer service.

​The Ordinance No. 578, rezoning the property owned by the Perkins Corporation—which includes the locations of Dollar General, Factory Connection, and Subway, was approved on its final reading. The property was rezoned from a split designation to a unified B-2 (Highway Business) classification.

​Two committees were formed Monday night. The first committee consisted of Jessie Townes, Carol Armpriest and Bobby Young, working with Public Works Director Johnny Mercer on roofing quotes for the Street Department Building.

​The second committee comprised Tom Alexander and Tim McBride, working with McKenzie Rotary President Armand Hebert on finding a suitable location for the Rotary Club’s food storage building. Hebert addressed the council during citizens’ input, requesting the possible use of city property to locate a movable storage unit adjacent to City Hall.

​The next meeting is July 7 at 6 p.m.