Kingsport city leaders working on 2026 budget

Kingsport city leaders gathered Monday to discuss the city’s budget for the 2026 fiscal year. The Board of Mayor and Aldermen and city staff looked at the general fund and some potentially tough decisions about infrastructure improvements that are needed, or have been delayed. The recommended budget also includes a rise in employee pay. Police pay would have a Cost of Living Adjustment of 10%, fire pay would see an 18% adjustment, and general city employees would see an 8% adjustment. City leaders say this pay adjustment would help keep employees within the city. The balanced budget would not allow for the pay adjustments or infrastructure improvements. In order for these needs to be met, many city residents will pay more in taxes. The increase would come from property taxes. The current tax rate is $1.99 per $100 of assessed value. The budget proposed a rate of $1.82. However, with the recent property reassessment, it would amount to a tax increase. The board will discuss utilities and Kingsport City Schools at Thursday’s session. The budget will then be finalized before its first reading in June.