County Commission Approves First Reading of Budget at May Meeting
The Hardeman County Commission met in regular session on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, with budget discussions, employee compensation proposals and updates on several state-funded projects across the county taking center stage.
Following the opening prayer led by Commissioner Jackie Sain and the Pledge of Allegiance, commissioners approved minutes from the previous meeting before moving into departmental and budget reports. All commissioners were present at the meeting.
Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith presented the proposed fiscal year 2027 budgets for the general purpose school fund, cafeteria fund and education capital improvement fund. She said the district benefited this year from state “hold harmless” funding protections that prevented a decrease in revenues.
Dr. Smith reported total projected revenues of more than $36 million, while also warning commissioners about increasing operational costs and uncertainty surrounding several pending grants. Among the largest increases discussed were transportation and textbook expenses. Dr. Smith said school buses that cost approximately $92,000 four years ago now cost nearly $178,000 each, with three buses included in the upcoming budget. Social studies textbook adoption for grades K-12 also increased costs substantially. Textbook price increases added roughly $420,000 to expenditures.
Dr. Smith also pointed to rising insurance costs, including projected health insurance increases of around 10 percent. She said the district currently spends approximately $3.8 million on health insurance coverage. Despite the financial pressures, she said the district was able to avoid eliminating teacher or support staff positions.
Enrollment trends were also discussed during the meeting. Dr. Smith reported district enrollment currently stands at approximately 3,070 students and noted that graduating classes have outpaced incoming kindergarten enrollment for several years. “There are only 17 districts in the state that are not experiencing enrollment decreases,” said Dr. Smith.
Commissioners unanimously approved the school system budgets.
Commissioner Gatlin also recognized Director of Schools Dr. Smith for her work. He noted that he and Dr. Smith graduated together from Bolivar Central High School 31 years ago “today” and praised her leadership.
Election Administrator Amber Moore briefly addressed the commission, thanking the budget committee for hearing concerns from her office and noting that the county had already certified its first election of the year and was preparing for the next one.
State Representative Johnny Shaw attended the meeting and provided an update on projects and legislation affecting Hardeman County.
Shaw announced that the downtown redevelopment grant program had been extended for another 10 years, allowing the county and municipalities to continue receiving state support for revitalization projects through at least 2038.
He also highlighted several local projects receiving state funding, including:
- A $75,000 building grant for the Middleton library expansion {click here to read more about the Middleton Library project}
- More than $358,000 for the Sand Beach Lake project in Bolivar {click here to read more about the Sand Beach Lake project}
- Continued development at Lone Oaks Farm {click here to read more about the Lone Oaks Farm project}
- A new kitchen project for Western Mental Health Institute
- Funding for improvements at Whiteville Fire Department
- Funding for the Allen White school museum project
Shaw discussed the growing impact of Lone Oaks Farm and its outdoor recreation and watershed programs, saying the facility is expected to draw visitors from across the country.
The longtime legislator reflected on his 26 years in the Tennessee General Assembly and encouraged commissioners to continue working together for the benefit of the county.
“We don’t want to vote against our budgets. We want to vote to make them better,” Shaw said.
Commissioners later approved a state right-of-way proposal connected to bridge work on Sain Road and approved updates to the county zoning resolution manual and zoning maps.
Budget Committee Chairman Johnny Lanier presented several budget amendments involving the juvenile court, ambulance department, landfill, sheriff’s office and register of deeds office. Lanier said the ambulance service budget amendments would help retain critical employees and strengthen staffing levels.
Commissioners also approved the first reading of the highway department budget and the county general fund and landfill budgets.
During discussion of the county budget, Lanier outlined a proposed longevity bonus plan for county employees. Under the proposal, employees would receive an annual $500 bonus beginning after five years of service, with the amount increasing based on years of employment. The plan would top out at a $2,000 annual bonus for employees with 20 or more years of service.
Budget committee members also recommended adjustments to employee health insurance contributions. Under the proposed plan, the county would cover 95 percent of health insurance costs while employees would pay 5 percent. Currently, the county covers 90 percent and the employees cover 10 percent.
During his report, Mayor Todd Pulse updated commissioners on the county’s ongoing agreement with the Bolivar-Hardeman County Library and reminded residents about services available through the Southwest Human Resource Agency, including summer food programs, utility assistance and veteran services.
Pulse congratulated candidates who recently participated in primary elections and encouraged civility during upcoming general election campaigns. {click here to read the results of the May 5, 2026, primary election}
“Leaders don’t tear people down. Leaders bring people together,” Pulse said.
The commission concluded the meeting after additional discussion regarding county maintenance and code enforcement matters.
The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
Click here to watch the full May 19, 2026, County Commision meeting on the Hatchie Press YouTube channel.
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