[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6645580,"mediaKeyId","3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40","parentId",3644711,"title","Votes at a glance: Kingsport board approves water, sewer, school and grant budgets and routine contracts","audioSeconds",2636,"startMs",1796000,"endMs",4432000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40&start=1796&end=4432","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40/thumbnail_1796000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6645580/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Votes-at-a-glance-Kingsport-board-approves-water-sewer-school-and-grant-budgets-and-routine-contracts","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645580-ad3c78d06afb386423c2af76867b144b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155128&Signature=nKTr8g5PqneLUGeCGDlNRFd6qnWnWdPREHDMJ-CTC9p20QTSeo~MPCJMGk4e8PYdIW~PPN2bWjpPIVG~INhwmCJo0h2DtiUZo9mlUQDBHWDUmIfyKtsBAobnfrHbchE4d1vudh4LFsZLoe~wh2kUmUNhEiEY-Hx4f4IYILxlRrSjOBtNV7ZjAxU7Mux1ChP8cESz2BMFsZ1CmJuikdEgu0y5i82KQm-qmBmQCYGoMz7L6TKb42uy~bosNp6P7bpNMxYRsJM4XSW~nGC3p4jl-kqAjx64XIL4hBQGvNCLNnvGhLJ4-BIu2soZAvZOfnQiIBdsHiX7dBXW-hOYK5zlHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Kingsport, TN","date","2025-06-03T22:50:09Z","article","During its June 3 business meeting the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman approved a sequence of ordinance and resolution items related to budgets, grants, procurement and project contracts. Most measures passed unanimously; the FY2026 general fund budget passed 5-1 (see separate article). Below is a concise list of the items the board approved and the recorded outcomes.

Ordinances and budgets (summary)
- FY2026 general fund budget — Adopted on first reading; vote 5–1 (see separate article for details). Amount: $110,874,600 (recommended general fund total).
- FY2026 water budget — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. (Enterprise fund ordinance; rate structure changes summarized separately.)
- FY2026 sewer budget — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. (Enterprise fund ordinance; includes $3.74 impact + 2.3% adjustment.)
- FY2026 Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) planning budget — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. Awarded amount: $463,096 (federal pass‑through planning funds).
- FY2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. Projected award: $450,726 (HUD pass‑through).
- PL 93‑380 (school grant) fund for Kingsport City Schools — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. Award amount: $6,028,161.
- School special projects grant fund (FY2026) — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. Award amount: $1,133,720.
- Amendments to various FY2025 funds (including debt service and regional airline set‑aside) — Adopted on first reading; vote 6–0. Included: budget action to hold funds for the regional airline recruitment effort and restructure remaining Pet Works debt service.
- Multiple school‑related FY2025 amendments (general projects, nutrition services, federal projects, special projects) — Adopted on second/final reading as presented; all votes recorded 6–0.

Resolutions, contracts and other measures (summary)
- Washington Elementary playground purchase (PlayWorld via Sourcewell cooperative) — Resolution approved; vote 6–0. Funding: PTA donations plus school/city contributions; allows purchase and installation.
- Audit services contract renewal with Brown Edwards and Company LLP — Resolution approved; vote 6–0. Three‑year pricing and annual renewals discussed; city to execute agreement for FY2025 audit with options for FY2026–27.
- Amendment with Barge Design Solutions for South Fork of the Holston River water‑quality assessment — Resolution approved; vote 6–0. Change order adds approximately $301,000, bringing the contract to just over $601,000 for multi‑phase assessment work.
- Change order for exterior facade renovations at Allendale Mansion (Constant Construction) — Resolution approved; vote 6–0. Funding provided in part by Friends of Allendale donation; allows acceptance of previously proposed alternate.
- Temporary right‑of‑way easement with Kingsport Power Company (AEP) related to SR‑126 Memorial Boulevard construction — Resolution approved; vote 6–0.

Meeting procedure notes: Most ordinances were read aloud and motions were made and seconded per the agenda. Where dollar amounts were presented the board and staff noted that some federal grants (CDBG, MPO) are subject to final HUD/state allocations and could change; staff said they would hold regional airline funds in an interest‑bearing account until draw schedules are finalized.

Why it matters: The package of votes funds operating needs, regional planning, school grants and utility operations, and authorizes procurement and contracts required to move capital and community projects into implementation. Several items touch on multi‑jurisdictional partnerships (MPO planning, regional airline recruitment) or ongoing capital programs (water/sewer capital, Allendale Mansion preservation, school playgrounds).

What was not decided: Many items were approved on first reading and will return for final adoption where required. Staff noted that CDBG and HUD allocations can change pending federal action and that final draw schedules for regional airline support remain to be set by the regional coordinating group.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","BMA Meeting 6/3/2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its June 3 meeting the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman approved multiple ordinances and resolutions on first or second reading. Key approvals include the FY2026 general fund, water and sewer budgets, federal grant budgets, and several procurement and contract actions; most measures passed unanimously.","taxTitle","Kingsport, Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",3934,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645584,"Kingsport adopts new water and sewer rate structure; base water charge set at $10.72",1008,2761000,3769000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40&start=2761&end=3769","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40/thumbnail_2761000.jpg","/articles/6645584/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Kingsport-adopts-new-water-and-sewer-rate-structure-base-water-charge-set-at-1072","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645584-dbbdcf92490972c19a6073aa2f0a7bb3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155128&Signature=EWyudwkSRnGSH7NWgzRkG7UxO9hWmUv8A8DrbErEguaNo0~6vW67TArZ6eyCX8MxURNP76ML52kJPQnuQ5guuouv3u9gVx3-R6q1njtD1zAv-4lJMpgr1CzkiBB7umx7yMka-VQ-OmMMi2cP1mvys-9sq5SqNv~pJUUv247gwgUUwx818dh46N6bO0Hnio75QTaF5RAeK9I5i06q9SssNVdMfy9o5eAxVkt8RCJOQ1ivxSF-63rJTPIxfgJlz3eYsUj47zc~DTBRQBUX5V~3GaxMZocvJydx1~94oLZutIi1lg5FpvxR60ujP4rxwxMlrxu95Ee5WB2OLg8LgTFqGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman approved water and wastewater budgets on first reading June 3 that include a transition to a new, clearer rate structure for customers and immediate rate adjustments intended to fund capital and regulatory obligations. Both measures passed unanimously, 6-0.

Deputy City Manager Ryan McReynolds, who presented the utility packages, said the FY2026 water proposal moves the utility to a two‑part rate: a flat base charge for typical in‑city residential service and a per‑thousand‑gallons consumption charge. He said “to have water at your house, you will pay $10.72 a month” for a 5/8‑inch meter, and the board will hold the consumption rate at $2.87 per 1,000 gallons for the coming year. McReynolds described the change as the final transition toward a transparent “gold‑standard” structure that staff and consultants recommended.

On the wastewater side, staff proposed and the board adopted a change that McReynolds summarized as “a $3.74 impact plus a 2.3% increase” for inside‑city customers; outside‑city customers face a comparable base increase (he noted a $5.60 increase for some outside customers) plus the percentage adjustment. McReynolds said the utilities are capital‑intensive — roughly 83% of water/sewer cash flow goes to capital and operating costs (power, chemicals, pipe replacement and pump stations) and about 17% to personnel — and that the changes are intended to put the utilities on a sustainable funding path. He estimated the average combined water and sewer bill under the new structure would be about $62.42 for a 3,000‑gallon monthly user.

Board members asked technical and consumer‑facing questions during the presentations. Aldermen sought plain‑language explanations customers can use when comparing Kingsport to neighboring systems: McReynolds explained that Kingsport’s higher sewer costs reflect terrain, depth and the number of lift stations — the city operates more than 100 lift stations — and heavier capital needs to meet permit and regulatory requirements.

Both the water and sewer proposals were put to separate ordinances for first reading and were approved by voice vote, recorded as 6-0.

Why it matters: The utilities are enterprise funds that must be self‑supporting; rate changes fund ongoing capital work such as water‑line replacement, pump‑station upgrades and wastewater‑plant investments needed to comply with regulatory permits and limit future system emergencies.

What’s next: The adopted FY2026 rate and budget ordinances will be final if approved on second reading; staff said this year is the last transition year into the updated rate structure that customers will see reflected on future bills.","The board approved water and sewer budgets that move the utilities to a simplified rate structure: a $10.72 monthly base for typical inside-city water customers and a consumption charge held at $2.87 per 1,000 gallons; sewer customers face a $3.74 increase plus a 2.3% rate adjustment. Both ordinances passed unanimously 6-0.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6645589,"Kingsport adopts FY2026 budget with 33¢ property tax increase after contentious debate",2465,279000,2744000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40&start=279&end=2744","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3644711-2abdeab1f9c4a16d6a8a1edfabeecf40/thumbnail_279000.jpg","/articles/6645589/Kingsport/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Kingsport-adopts-FY2026-budget-with-33-property-tax-increase-after-contentious-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6645589-180d8f50eef25fbb000e3a28d75f39f2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771155128&Signature=WavpEr0-5Z6Vbd4TjshBEpgtZ2GVITY4Ss50~6TO5KWy6iGbRxMzQ2mIy~0z79H975IE5raig5ToUVGKbhbB-elMt-WrpQT3rO0RzwWb21q-DQz2p0Y8mrEvx4mtwjGS1~PVGeJ3Tei4iCfPHZj7M8PgnIjVvajDCqsLDyVz7zUJ4scmX0W3t2TdvXgVJsxMZTYAkbA5YzTre5BMCfVRjVL5gxaMDEbFanxZjf5OwI1K69BGe~DjwYBLfiVqHPCMee855-uWP8ysYM18jlO7EjKGtb9DyM211GvQLggYnrcWULk97dCo3Q4BzYm-JpDaOsBYW1feGd0drZHGyZcaRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman adopted a $110,874,600 general fund budget for fiscal 2026 on June 3, approving a property tax increase that the city manager said is necessary to restore lost revenue and fund paving, employee pay and capital projects. The ordinance passed on its first reading by a 5-1 vote.

City Manager Chris, presenting the plan, said the recommended general fund budget “is $110,874,600.” He told the board that the city lost about $3.8 million in revenue after a recent state ratio appraisal and that, with sales tax revenue largely plateaued, “in order to generate that money, there has to be a tax increase.” The budget would reset property-tax revenue for the Kingsport portion of Sullivan County to cover operating needs, preserve the paving program and maintain competitive employee pay.

The vote followed a public hearing that included one speaker, resident Jay Schlage of Lynn Garden, who urged the board to consider impacts on elderly residents and people on fixed incomes if taxes rise. Schlage said many people “may not be able to deal with it” and asked the board to keep those residents in mind.

Alderman Colin Baker cast the lone no vote. Baker said he supports competitive pay and infrastructure but objected to placing a large tax increase on residents before the city demonstrates deeper internal cuts and savings. “If a tax increase is ultimately necessary, we should first demonstrate to the citizens that we've done everything possible to find savings within the existing budget,” Baker said, adding that he believes the board should “start that process before placing this large of a tax increase on our citizens.”

Several other members said the revenue loss left the city with limited options. Vice Mayor Duncan summarized how the 33¢ increase would be allocated: about 15¢ toward paving, roughly 14¢ toward employee pay and the remainder for operations. Mayor Montgomery and other aldermen said choosing not to raise taxes now would force more difficult personnel or service cuts later, and they cited the need to protect schools, public safety and paving.

City staff outlined specific uses for the new revenue: preserving the sustainable paving plan (including $2.5 million for resurfacing and $750,000 for addressing the worst segments), funding for intersection and bridge maintenance projects, and a plan to capture $750,000 to leverage capital bonds for roads, school facilities and bridges. Staff also said no new city positions are included in the budget; 17 new positions requested by departments were not funded.

The city manager and staff told the board that some previously planned capital — more than $19 million — was removed from the proposed bond issuance to reduce the budget impact and that one-time ARPA funding previously used for paving is exhausted. Staff said they expect to identify at least $500,000 in operating savings during FY2026 and will continue to seek further efficiencies to ease pressure in FY2027.

The ordinance was read in full at the meeting and put to a vote on first reading. The motion to adopt the FY2026 budget passed, with Alderman Baker voting no and the remaining six board members voting in favor or present as recorded.

The board scheduled an upcoming second reading of the budget ordinance on June 17, when final tax-rate setting and any technical adjustments will be considered. Staff said the county equalization process is ongoing and the final county equalized rate was expected within days of the meeting.

Why it matters: The budget restores recurring revenue the city says it lost after a state appraisal adjustment and addresses long‑deferred paving and pay pressures. The decision raises taxes for property owners and signals a multi‑year effort to replenish reserves and align pay with regional competitors.

What’s next: The board will consider the ordinance on second reading June 17 and staff will begin implementing provisions of the budget on July 1 if the board finalizes rates.","The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Alderman adopted a $110.9 million general fund budget for fiscal 2026 that includes a proposed 33¢ property tax increase to restore lost revenue and fund paving, employee pay and infrastructure; the measure passed 5-1 following debate about internal cuts and impacts on fixed‑income residents.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Kingsport board approves water, sewer, school and grant budgets and routine contracts

Kingsport adopts new water and sewer rate structure; base water charge set at $10.72

Kingsport adopts FY2026 budget with 33¢ property tax increase after contentious debate