Sullivan County Commission discusses 2026 budget

The Sullivan County Commission held a regular meeting Thursday and discussed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The budget proposes a tax rate of $1.70 which is nine cents higher than the certified tax rate created by the state. No residents came to address the budget during public comment section of the meeting. Commissioner Dwight King said in order to lower the budget, funds would have to be taken from the Sheriff’s Department, but that may not be enough to lower the rate. Funding for emergency departments was also discussed. Some commissioners recommended attempting to lower the rate, as city taxes are already being raised for some county residents. The commission will meet again on July 17.