Jacobs: budget ‘fully funds’ KCS ‘requests’
KNOXVILLE — Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs unveiled his proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year Monday morning, May 6. “A budget that fully funds the school system’s request, covers upgrades in the Sheriff’s Office and improves roads and parks,” a Mayor’s Office press release stated.
“Also, as long promised, Mayor Jacobs’ proposed budget does not call for a property tax increase,” the release further stated.
“We haven’t raised taxes in Knox Couty in almost 25 years and I don’t intend to now,” Jacobs stated in the release, which came after his budget address and State of the County speech. “All of us must live within our means and that includes government. I said a long time ago, I would never raise your property taxes and I meant it.”
The proposed budget, which must be approved by Knox County Commissioners by June 30, “stands at a little more than $1.1 billion and is roughly 3 percent higher than the current year,” the press release stated. “But nearly two-thirds of the spending — about $683.7 million — is dedicated to funding Knox County’s public schools.”
“That is almost $23 million dollars more than their current budget, and I am recommending that we fund the request in its entirety,” Jacobs stated in the release.
“That means starting teachers with a bachelor’s degree will make $47,000 a year, and the starting pay for those with a master’s degree will be almost $51,000,” he further stated. “And, by 2026, all our starting teachers will meet state requirements by earning at least $50,000 annually.”
Here’s a snapshot of some other highlights from his proposed Knox County budget, which would take effect July 1:
• Much-needed capital projects including solutions at Farragut, Mechanicsville/Lonsdale/Beaumont, and South Knoxville. Additionally, it provides $2 million dollars for school security upgrades;
• Funding to wrap up Phase III of the Schaad Road Extension — the biggest road project in county history, and will begin on Phase IV, which links Oak Ridge Highway to Pleasant Ridge Road;
• Construction is slated to begin on the Staff Seargent Ryan Knauss Bridge at the Gibbs schools in mid-2025;
• A new splash pad at French Memorial in South Knox County and renovate the one at New Harvest Park;
• A new ADA-accessible playground at Melton Hill, Carter, and Hardin Valley Community Parks – along with building a new pavilion and community center in Hardin Valley.;
• Senior Center fitness equipment upgrades;
• Increased funding for the Knox County Sheriff’s Office to pay for software upgrades, body cams, equipment, training and new vehicles; and
• Increased funding to pave roads.
Jacobs noted that although property tax collections are up, “money is still tight. The proposed budget calls for a two-step raise for general government employees and the Sheriff’s Office, roughly the equivalent of a 2 percent salary increase, starting Jan. 1.
“I wish I could match what we have been able to do these past five years, but unfortunately, our finances are tight,” he added. “While we do have more money coming in, partly thanks to some innovative programs coming out of the Trustees Office, our expenditures are also a lot higher due to inflation and other factors.”
Editor Note: given that Jacobs is a Republican, farragutpress welcomes a Democrat office holder in Knoxville/Knox County to respond to the above budget proposal, in Letter to Editor form, who is not running for re-election as decided on County General Election Day Aug. 1 (also includes state and federal primary elections and Town of Farragut non-partisan election).
For any such response, please read basic Letter to Editor rules (page 3A). (Disagreements with the budget and Jacobs’ statements will, of course, be accepted; but accusations and/or personal attacks will mean the Letter would not be published. The response must deal with the budget — and nothing else).
Because the published Jacobs release was 517 words, this Letter to Editor response can be no more than 517 words.
This invitation will be open for response through the county fiscal year, which is through our final publication date during this period: Wednesday, June 26.
However, Letters to the Editor in support of, or with issues concerning, Jacobs’ budget are welcome from our general readership with the noted rules above.
However, these Letters to the Editor would be allowed the full 600 words.
