Oliver Springs council schedules public hearing on 19‑cent budget option, moves meeting to June 17
June 14, 2026 | Rockwood, Roane County, Tennessee
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Cory, a town staff member, told the council that Morgan County’s reassessment raised the town’s equalized rate and that the council must choose a tax rate so the FY2026–27 budget can proceed.
The council heard several budget models ranging from a 14‑cent to a 22‑cent property tax increase and discussed tradeoffs including two proposed staff reductions, capital priorities, and a mix of grant and county funding for projects.
"One penny equals about $10,200," Cory said while explaining the revenue impact of rate changes, and he listed capital items the budget would cover, including a $40,000 police vehicle (offset in part by utility vehicle purchases), a $133,000 parks grant for Arrowhead Park improvements, a $12,000 survey and a $11,450 library allocation funded through Rome County.
Council members raised concerns about the town’s fiscal pressure: staff reported a multiyear gap driven by loss of grant revenue and a decline in sales tax, and several speakers noted town employees have gone three years without raises. Staff presented a set of four main proposals and emphasized the need to balance employee pay with capital work.
During new business, Mrs. Van Hook moved and Mrs. Bailey seconded to schedule a public hearing on Budget D, the 19‑cent plan. On roll call the motion passed (recorded as 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent). The council directed staff to publish legal notice and set the hearing; later the body voted to move the relevant meeting and the public hearing to June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Councilors acknowledged the budget would postpone some projects (the town hall roof was noted as deferred under one option) while funding others through grants and intergovernmental sources. Staff said they would post the required 10‑day notice and circulate packets ahead of the hearing.
The hearing offers residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed tax rate and the council’s choice among alternatives before council adoption.
The council heard several budget models ranging from a 14‑cent to a 22‑cent property tax increase and discussed tradeoffs including two proposed staff reductions, capital priorities, and a mix of grant and county funding for projects.
"One penny equals about $10,200," Cory said while explaining the revenue impact of rate changes, and he listed capital items the budget would cover, including a $40,000 police vehicle (offset in part by utility vehicle purchases), a $133,000 parks grant for Arrowhead Park improvements, a $12,000 survey and a $11,450 library allocation funded through Rome County.
Council members raised concerns about the town’s fiscal pressure: staff reported a multiyear gap driven by loss of grant revenue and a decline in sales tax, and several speakers noted town employees have gone three years without raises. Staff presented a set of four main proposals and emphasized the need to balance employee pay with capital work.
During new business, Mrs. Van Hook moved and Mrs. Bailey seconded to schedule a public hearing on Budget D, the 19‑cent plan. On roll call the motion passed (recorded as 4 yes, 0 no, 1 absent). The council directed staff to publish legal notice and set the hearing; later the body voted to move the relevant meeting and the public hearing to June 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Councilors acknowledged the budget would postpone some projects (the town hall roof was noted as deferred under one option) while funding others through grants and intergovernmental sources. Staff said they would post the required 10‑day notice and circulate packets ahead of the hearing.
The hearing offers residents an opportunity to comment on the proposed tax rate and the council’s choice among alternatives before council adoption.
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