Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs Monday unveiled his proposed spending plan for the upcoming fiscal year.
The budget fully funds the school system’s request, covers upgrades in the Sheriff’s Office, and improves roads and parks and does not call for a property tax increase.
Mayor Jacobs says we have not raised taxes in Knox County in almost 25 years, and he does not intend to do so now.
“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” said Mayor Jacobs after his budget address and State of the County speech.
The total proposed budget, which must be approved by the Knox County Board of Commissioners by June 30, stands at a little more than $1.1 billion and is roughly 3 percent higher than the current year, 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,” Mayor Jacobs said.
That means starting teachers with a bachelor’s degree will make $47,000 dollars a year and the starting pay for those with a master’s degree will be almost $51,000 dollars. And, by 2026, all our starting teachers will meet state requirements by earning at least $50,000 dollars annually.
The county is expected to hold a public hearing on the proposal on May 13 at 3:30 p.m.
