Chester Co. officials explain tax increase for FY 25-26 budget

HENDERSON, Tenn. — One county budget committee finishes their proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Chester County Budget Committee voted for the approval of their budget. County residents can expect an 8 cent increase in taxes and here’s why.

“Our county employees did not get a raise last year. So we wanted to make sure they got the cost of living raised this year. So we gave them a 4% raise, plus their official 3% state mandated raise,” said Ann Moore, chairman of the Chester County Budget Committee.

County employees has their last raise in 2023. When considering the upcoming budget the committee considered inflation, insurance increases, and other expenses.

“We’ve cut as much as we can cut pretty much. All the officials and most of the departments, they went along with us,” said Moore.

Chester county has not received an influx in revenues for the current year and their current fund balance could not help them cover expenses, such as new deputy raises and sheriffs vehicles.

However, the tax increase will not help with the entire budget.

“[The] Solid waste and highway department they helped out; they gave some fund to county general to help out. Plus the school gave us 1 cent of their tax money to us so that’s helped out,” said Moore.

Chester County is still currently waiting on a grant that may help with their costs.

“We’re actually waiting on one grant and that’s with the election commission–it’s around $60,000. Well, we have been waiting on it since like November,” said Moore.

Residents also voiced their thoughts on the tax increase and some things to consider.

One resident shared to committee members that they are “raising my cost of living and i’m not getting a raise.” Another shared that they “don’t get how we can afford to do this.”

“It’s always good to hear they can give you some ideas that maybe you haven’t heard of, but like I said, we have tried to think of everything,” said Moore.

On Monday, June 30, the county commission will have their meeting to vote on the approval of the budget with a public hearing beginning at 6 that evening.

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