KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / Press Release) —Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs today delivered his final budget address, highlighting eight years of fiscal responsibility, strategic public investment, and community progress as he unveiled his proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
“This will be my last budget address. I am a believer in term limits and I do feel that, after close to eight years in this office, it is time for some fresh perspectives,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Nevertheless, I will miss this role. I have been incredibly blessed to hold the two best jobs anyone could ever have: WWE Superstar and Mayor of Knox County, Tennessee.”
The proposed budget once again maintains a core commitment of Jacobs’ administration.
“This year’s budget does not include a property tax increase,” Jacobs said. “When I came into office, I pledged that I would not raise property taxes, and thanks to the outstanding work of our departments, I have kept that pledge.”
The total proposed budget stands at a little more than $1.1 billion and reflects approximately $31 million in growth over the current fiscal year. Nearly 70 percent of the budget – about $717.7 million – is dedicated to funding Knox County Schools.
The proposal includes a two-step plus one percent pay increase for county employees and funding for schools to increase teacher pay by 2.5 percent, bringing Knox County to the state-mandated $50,000 starting teacher salary ahead of schedule.
Jacobs also highlighted the county’s long-term financial position, noting that Knox County has added $30 million to its general fund reserves during his administration, bringing the total to $111 million, while maintaining a AA+ bond rating.
Here’s a snapshot of other highlights from the proposed budget, which takes effect July 1:
· The proposed budget includes $64.6 million for the Mechanicsville/Lonsdale/Beaumont solution, which will create the county’s first K-8 school, along with $12 million for additional school facility upgrades.
· Engineering and Public Works will begin construction on the Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss Pedestrian Bridge in Gibbs, Phase 4 of the Schaad Road Extension, improvements to Midway Road and Thorngrove Pike, and flood mitigation work in Cedar Bluff. The department also will complete short-term safety improvements on Northshore Drive.
· The Knox County Parks and Recreation Department will continue work on the Hardin Valley Community Park Building, expand Concord Park Pier, and install a mini pitch soccer facility at John Tarleton Park.
· The Knox County Health Department recently opened a new clinic in West Knoxville and helped secure a new ambulance contract that has significantly improved EMS response times.
· Later this year, the East Tennessee Regional Forensic Center will open a new 33,000-square-foot facility; Engineering and Public Works also expects to move into a new building.
· The proposed budget includes continued investment in public safety, with $1.9 million for Sheriff’s Office vehicles and $2.2 million for body cameras and other equipment.
· Knox County continues supporting initiatives such as the S.T.A.R.T. Center, Elevate Recovery High School, and Operation Hero’s Hill, a tiny home community for homeless veterans expected to be completed later this summer.
Jacobs also emphasized the importance of partnerships with organizations such as the Knoxville Chamber, Farragut West Knox Chamber of Commerce, Visit Knoxville, Legacy Parks, and local nonprofits, noting that many of the county’s largest accomplishments over the past eight years were only possible through collaboration.
One example, Jacobs said, is Greenheck Group’s campus at Midway Business Park, a project made possible through collaboration with the Knoxville Chamber and the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The project is expected to become one of the largest economic development investments in county history.
Since Jacobs took office in 2018, Knox County has seen approximately 8,000 new jobs and more than $725 million in capital investment.
“From 2018 until 2024, our median household income, adjusted for inflation, has risen by over $5,000, or 7.6 percent, and our cost of living still ranks well below national averages even with higher housing prices,” Jacobs said. “In other words, opportunities abound, our folks are making more dollars than ever before, and those dollars still go further here than most other places.”
Throughout the address, Jacobs reflected on his nearly eight years in office, thanking county employees, department directors, community partners, and residents for their support and collaboration.
“If you were to ask me for a job description of Knox County Mayor, I would say it is to use the influence of this office to make the best even better,” Jacobs said. “I think we have gone a long way toward achieving that aspiration over the past eight years.”
Jacobs closed the speech with a message about leadership, public service, and staying true to one’s principles.
“If you surround yourself with good people and you always do what is right, no matter what happens, you can say you truly did your best and you’ll have no regrets,” Jacobs said. “Despite some missed opportunities, despite sometimes falling short of where I wanted to go, on balance, I have no regrets.”
“God bless the best place to live, work, and raise a family, our home, Knox County, Tennessee.”
Knox County, TN Seal
