Brentwood adopts FY2026–27 budget with targeted education, recreation and economic allocations

The Brentwood Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the city's FY2026-27 appropriation ordinance on second and final reading, adopting a budget that the assistant city manager said projects $59,422,190 in general fund revenues and $59,397,264 in expenditures, leaving a buffer of "just under $25,000." The commission enacted three amendments that direct specific allocations to schools, recreation and economic-development support.

The assistant city manager presented the budget and summarized the multi-month process staff used to prepare the document, noting the capital improvements program and position schedule are incorporated into the appropriations. "The first year of the appropriations that are shown in here are incorporated in the capital projects fund of this document," the assistant city manager said. He told the commission the budget work ran from February through May and that the documents are available online for residents.

Commissioner Marjara moved to amend the appropriations ordinance to allocate education funding as follows: $62,400 each for Brentwood High School and Ravenwood High School; $15,600 each for Brentwood, Sunset and Woodland middle schools; and $10,400 each for Crockett, Edmonson, Jordan, Kenrose, Lipscomb, Scales and Sunset elementary schools. Commissioner Pippen then moved an amendment allocating recreation and community service funding, including $21,000 for Brentwood Ball Club, $18,000 for Brentwood Blaze, $50,000 for 50Forward Martin Center, $13,000 for the YMCA and $5,000 for the Mid-Cumberland Human Resources Agency. Vice Mayor Little moved to allocate $10,000 for economic development support to Williamson, Inc. Each amendment was seconded and passed on voice votes.

Mayor (chair) emphasized that although many items appeared on the consent agenda, they reflected extensive prior staff work and public discussion; he also noted the budget is part of the city's long-term planning process. The commission approved the final ordinance, as amended, by unanimous vote.

The assistant city manager said staff expects modestly lower sales tax collections in the coming year and urged continued engagement from residents in the city's long-range planning process. The budget documents and the capital improvements program are available on the city's website for review.