Blount County outlines conservative $260 million proposed budget, cites AAA Fitch rating

Blount County finance staff on Monday presented a proposed fiscal 2026–27 budget of roughly $260 million and told the budget committee the plan is conservative and focused on keeping the county’s tax burden low.

Brian, a member of county finance staff, said sales tax receipts are up about 6% year‑over‑year, business tax revenue is up roughly 17.5% and mixed‑drink tax receipts are up about 2.5%. He said gas tax collections are essentially flat, down about 0.3% from the same period last year, and property tax collections are a little over 0.5% higher than this time last year. Brian added that the county tax rate is $1.59 and officials are awaiting a certified rate calculation from the State Board of Equalization that will determine final levy decisions.

"We have now been rated a AAA — AAA rating with Fitch," Brian said, noting a review of the county’s finances despite there being no current debt issuance. He and other presenters said the county’s fund balances have increased due to conservative management, vacancy savings and some unanticipated revenue growth, and that the proposed budget will continue scheduled debt reductions; with planned payments the county’s outstanding debt is projected to fall to about $87,475,000.

The budget book distributed to committee members was described as a working, "version one" that will be completed as the committee makes final policy decisions. Staff also described a new additional‑request form designed to capture cost, benefit and net impact for any department requests.

Why it matters: The presentation frames the county’s near‑term fiscal choices — balancing continued capital needs and modest operational requests while highlighting improved creditworthiness and lower debt — and sets the stage for department‑level discussions and later public hearings. The committee was reminded the budget process includes public comment (the public hearing was listed for Thursday, June 11 at 5:00 p.m.).

What’s next: Staff will incorporate the State Board of Equalization’s certified rate once received, refine the budget book based on committee direction, and return to the commission for further review before the public hearing and adoption votes.