Johnson City Commission to vote on supplemental budget

The Johnson City Commission will have its first vote on a supplemental budget Thursday. The ordinance acts as a budget amendment to cover any over-budget expenses and unexpected revenue that came in over the past year. If approved by the board on three readings, Johnson City's fiscal 2026 budget would be amended to reflect the added expenses and revenue. The supplemental budget also addresses any amendments made to school funds by the Johnson City school board. The supplemental budget includes $3.8 million in additional general fund expenses, most of which is supported by a surplus in tax revenue, according to the ordinance. A line item called "Other - Miscellaneous Appropriations" for $3.1 million is the largest supplemental expense for the general fund. Nearly $400,000 of the additional general fund expenses cover transfers out to other city funds that came with higher costs than anticipated. The transfers include $341,000 to the Freedom Hall fund, $32,870 to the capital equipment fund and $20,800 to the schools capital projects fund. Other items on the agenda The City Commission will also vote whether to accept a $900,000 grant from the state government that would fund salaries and benefits for school resource officers. The grant would apply to the current fiscal year 2027. Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox is also slated to present two proclamations at the meeting Thursday. The first recognizes Junior League of Johnson City and designates Sept. 17 as Find the Good Day. The second celebrates the retirement of Lottie Ryans, longtime public servant and Director of Workforce and Literacy Initiatives for the First Tennessee Development District. The commission's meeting will start at 6 p.m. and will be held at the municipal and safety building, 601 E. Main St., inside the commission chambers.