The Signal Mountain Town Council convened on June 30, 2025, to finalize the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget, a decision that has raised questions among residents regarding its implications for the community. The council approved a budget that will operate at a deficit for the third consecutive year, a move that has sparked discussions about the town's financial strategy.

During the meeting, council members acknowledged the concerns from residents about the deficit budget. Council Vice Mayor Clay Crumbless emphasized that despite the budget's deficit, the town has maintained a healthy financial position, having accumulated over $2 million in cash reserves from previous surpluses. This financial cushion allows the council to provide significant cost-of-living adjustments and merit raises for town staff, which was a key point of discussion.

The council's decision to pass the budget reflects a commitment to investing in its workforce while managing its financial resources prudently. The budget will take effect on July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2026.

In addition to the budget approval, the meeting was brief, with no resolutions or citizen comments recorded. The council members expressed their readiness to address any further questions from the community as they move forward with the new fiscal year.

As the town prepares for the upcoming budget period, residents can expect continued discussions about financial management and community investments, ensuring that the needs of Signal Mountain are met while maintaining fiscal responsibility.