Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
7 issues in taxes budget
Mineral severance tax for road fund
A proposed 20-cents-per-ton mineral severance tax to fund roads died when no commissioner would move it. It would have generated new road money collected by the state Department of Revenue.
Nonprofit funding for fire, rescue, E-911 and animal welfare
Local nonprofits get $1.4 million, with the biggest chunks going to the fire association, E-911 and Friends of Animals.
FY 2026-27 property tax levy — no increase for fourth year
Commissioners set next year's property tax rate at $1.5228 per $100, keeping taxes flat for a fourth straight year. The rate funds schools, roads, debt and general county operations.
County budget appropriations for FY 2026-27
The full county budget funds sheriff, jail, ambulance service, highways and schools for the coming year. Commissioner Roger Thomas cast the lone no vote.
FY 2025-26 general fund budget amendments
A dozen amendments moved money for everything from the county rodeo to workers' comp premiums and sheriff's department needs. Mostly housekeeping, but the $80,568 workers' comp bill is real money coming from reserves.
Delapro tax attorney appointment
The commission appointed Eric Brooks as Delapro tax attorney on Marna Hall's recommendation — but several commissioners grumbled they had no information about who he is for a roughly $100,000 job.
Courthouse window restoration
The county will apply for a Tennessee Historical Commission grant covering 60% up to $25,000 to restore courthouse windows, prioritizing the most deteriorated ones first.