Clarksville Mayor Joe Pitts has put forward a budget for the fiscal year 2025-26 that's aimed squarely at addressing infrastructure issues, fighting neighborhood flooding, and managing the city's rapid growth. This proposal includes a $170.7 million general fund, as stated in a budget memorandum obtained by Clarksville's official news release. Key features of the budget include a 2.5% wage increase for city employees and the construction of a special revenue fund to combat neglected properties.
Among the details divulged, the Mayor plans a 15-cent property tax hike to $1.03 per $100 assessed value. The increases, Pitts explains, are spurred by growth, inflation, and the vital expansion of services. "Every year I begin by commending our City departments and their leaders for their work, during what can only be described as year of challenge and opportunity," Mayor Pitts said. Despite these tax adjustments, the Montgomery County Assessor of Property may provide some financial relief for flood-affected residents, as clarified in the statement. As reported by the City of Clarksville.
The budget also focuses on the staffing needs within essential city departments. Mayor Pitts is pushing for new hires, particularly in the Police and Fire Rescue departments, and plans for additional roles in Building and Codes, Parks and Recreation, and Building & Facilities Maintenance. Capital projects will see a slowdown as the city aims to complete ongoing Transportation 2020+ projects and phase one of the Rossview Athletic Complex.
With stormwater drainage pegged as a top priority for the upcoming fiscal year, a consultant will be hired to create a Storm Water Utility, managed by the Gas and Water Department. Adjustments to building codes to better handle significant rainfall are also on the agenda. However, while the city grapples with these issues, they will do so under a transition in leadership – Project Management and Municipal Properties are being relocated to the Street Department following the exit of a key Project Manager.
The budget priorities laid out by Mayor Pitts reflect a consistent vision for Clarksville's progress. These goals aim to enhance the city's infrastructure, support youth development, foster community partnerships, and fortify public safety, amongst other key areas. Even with property tax making up less than a third of the city's revenue, Pitts acknowledges the financial challenges ahead, with state-shared revenues projected to experience minimal growth, directly impacting city operations.
In his statement, Mayor Pitts expressed confidence in the balanced nature of the budget, emphasizing investments in the workforce and a commitment to serving stakeholders. "Finally and importantly, we have worked hard to present a budget proposal that is balanced, maintains a healthy, but realistic fund balance that meets our tried-and-true policy, invests in our workforce, and that truly reflects our best effort to serve and support our stakeholders," Mayor Pitts told ClarksvilleTN.gov. Notably, the budget planning is underway without Chief Financial Officer Laurie Matta, who is departing for a new position in Colorado, leaving Christen Wilcox to take the interim CFO role.
