JC Commission to vote on supplemental budget, billing system upgrades

With a light agenda, the Johnson City Commission will have its second round of voting on the city's supplemental budget for fiscal year 2026 Thursday night. If approved by the board on three readings, Johnson City's fiscal 2026 budget would be amended to reflect 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. 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. The board will also consider approving a purchase of a new utility billing, property tax and receipting software, according to the meeting agenda. The $121,000 invoice covers the software upgrades as well as 19 new credit card readers. A $229,990 lowest bid for a new truck chassis and knuckle boom lift attachment for the city's solid waste crews are up for a commission vote as well. The commission will hear staff presentations on the city's pre-audit financial statement and city crime rates Thursday. According to the agenda, the presentations are for information purposes only and are not voting items. Ahead of any deliberation, Johnson City Mayor Greg Cox is set to present a proclamation and an award. The proclamation will designate Constitution Week and will be accepted by local Daughters of the American Revolution representatives. Cox will present the ward to the city's fire department, which was recently named Fitting Station of the Year for public health and emergency response by the Tennessee Highway Safety Office. 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.