The Smith County Budget Committee and Smith County Commission have announced two public hearings on Monday, Aug. 10, regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 (FY27) budget and a proposed property tax increase.
The first public hearing will be held by the Smith County Budget Committee at 5:15 p.m. at the Smith County Jail & Courts Facility in Carthage. The hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to comment on the proposed FY27 Smith County Budget.
Residents who wish to speak during the Budget Committee hearing must submit a written request no later than 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Requests should be mailed or delivered to the Smith County Finance Department, 122 Turner High Circle, Suite 100, Carthage, TN 37030. Envelopes should be marked “Attention: Public Hearing.”
Following the Budget Committee hearing, the Smith County Commission will hold a second public hearing at 6 p.m. concerning a proposed 45-cent property tax levy increase. Immediately after the hearing, the Commission will conduct a special called meeting to consider adoption of the FY27 budget and any associated funding adjustments and resolutions.
According to the public notice, the proposed tax increase was submitted by the Budget Committee for public notice purposes without a positive recommendation. The full Commission is responsible for determining the final budget and any related funding actions.
Citizens wishing to speak during the Commission’s public hearing are asked to sign in with the chairman at least 15 minutes before the hearing begins. Each speaker will be allotted up to three minutes to address the Commission.
Both hearings are open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and share their comments on the proposed budget and tax levy.
