Image Credit: Knox County Government / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
In his last budget proposal in closing out his tenure as Knox County Mayor, Glenn Jacobs proposed a $1.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, an increase of around $30 million from last year, but did not include a property tax increase and encouraged his successor to follow suit.
“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,” 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.”
A large portion of the proposed budget, roughly $717 million, is earmarked for Knox County Schools to allow the school system to fund the state mandated $50,000 starting teacher salary ahead of schedule. The proposal also includes $64.6 million to build the county’s first K-8 school and pay raises for county employees, funding for Knox County Sheriff’s Office Vehicles and body cameras, a training center for skilled trades, and other community service-related ventures.
Several infrastructure projects are also funded in the proposal and other projects, like improvements at the Richard L. Bean Juvenile Service Center and finalization of the county’s Unified Development Ordinance, will remain in progress even after Jacobs has left office.
He also acknowledged some major debt payments which will come due starting next year but expressed confidence that the county’s financial team has adequately planned for the gap.
“Yes, things will get tight for a while, but if the next mayor exercises fiscal restraint, it is manageable, and the county has the ability to maintain a high level of service while still keeping taxes low,” Jacobs said at his address.
He encouraged his successor to pass the final components of Advance Knox, Jacobs’ plan designed over several years to guide the county’s growth, and to stand against property tax hikes as he as through his time in office.
Knox County will elect their new mayor in August, either Republican Betsey Henderson or Democrat Beau Hawk, who will operate under Jacobs’ budget for the first year of their term.
“When the next mayor and the next commission come in, we will leave them basically with a budget that’s good, that they can work with,” Jacobs said. “If they want to amend it, fine. But it will also carry through for the rest of the year and whoever is in office next will start their tenure off on the right foot.”
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
