KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs today will unveil his proposed roughly $1.1 billion budget for the new fiscal year, a no-frills spending plan that covers essential county and school system needs and requests.
As has been the practice for years now in the conservative county government, no tax increase is envisioned.
Jacobs will present the 2024/25 budget 10:30 a.m. today in the Main Assembly Room of the City County Building.
More specific details about the plan aren't available until then.
One of the main highlights for county employees is a proposed 2 percent raise. Note: It would take effect in January. Last year's proposed budget included a 5 percent raise for general employees.
With no tax increase envisioned, the county property rate will stay steady at $1.554 per $100 of assessed value.
The county budget for the upcoming financial year rises a relatively low $32 million, or about 3 percent from last year's plan. That's much lower than last year's approximately 9.5 percent increase.
It was just this year -- 2023/24 -- that Knox County reached the billion-dollar mark.
About two-thirds of that goes to Knox County Schools. Superintendent Jon Rysewyk and the school board already have sent over their proposed budget for the coming year. It totals about $684 million, with about $41 million proposed to boost staff salaries.
Besides the school system, the county budget covers the Knox County Sheriff's Office, parks and recreation and public works, among other government functions.
Knox County Commission ultimately approves the budget. It will take effect July 1, the start of the fiscal year.
