Coffee County adopts fiscal 2026–27 budget, sets county tax levy and approves 3% employee raise

Coffee County commissioners on June 23 approved the county’s fiscal 2026–27 budget and set the county tax levy, following a unanimous recommendation from the budget and finance committee.

Commissioner Morris, chair of budget and finance, said the tax levy was reduced "to 1.63" to reflect countywide reappraisals that changed assessed values, and emphasized that the county is not raising property taxes in nominal terms. Morris said many residential appraisals declined while some commercial values rose; the adjustment to the levy was intended to distribute tax burden consistent with the reappraisal. "We are not raising any property taxes this year," Morris said.

Morris also said the approved budget includes a 3% pay increase for county employees. He told commissioners the distribution of the 3% is delegated to department heads, with a cap that no department head may award themselves more than 3% and that department-distribution records will be submitted to the mayor’s office for public inspection.

Finance actions reported during the meeting included a one-time purchase of five sheriff's department vehicles funded from fund balance at a reported cost of $325,000; Morris said the purchase would not "sink" the fund balance.

Commissioner Nettles moved the resolution setting the tax levy; the measure carried with 16 yes votes. Commissioners also discussed differences among uniform, rural and municipal portions of property tax bills and urged patience as reappraisal effects are reflected in next year’s tax statements.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026-14 (fiscal year appropriation) approved with 16 yes votes; the tax levy resolution carried with 16 yes votes; Resolution 2026-13 (memorial for Joseph Michael Hodgej) was approved with 16 yes votes; a separate rezoning (Chad Hillis, 12541 Murphy'sboro Highway) was approved with 16 yes votes.