Hardeman County Commission Approves FY 2026-27 Budget, Employee Longevity Plan at June Meeting
The Hardeman County Commission approved its fiscal year 2026-27 budget during its June 16, 2026, meeting, adopting a spending plan that includes no property tax increase, a cost-of-living raise for county employees, and a new longevity pay program recognizing long-term service.
“I am proud to announce that there will be NO tax increase this year for Hardeman County. I’ve asked each department to closely monitor their budget and work to ensure strict spending guidelines,” shared Mayor Todd Pulse. “I am very proud of our entire budget committee and Financial Director Linda Earnest for their hard work. It takes everyone working together to make this happen.”
Commissioners unanimously approved the county budget on second reading following recommendations from the budget committee. The budget represents no property tax increase. Budget Committee Chairman Johnny Lanier and Mayor Pulse thanked commissioners, county staff, and citizens who participated in budget workshops and committee meetings throughout the process.
Highlights of the approved budget include a 2 percent cost-of-living raise for county employees, elected officials will receive a 2.63 percent cost-of-living adjustment mandated by the State of Tennessee and county employees will continue contributing 5 percent toward insurance costs.
A major addition to this year’s budget is a longevity program for county employees. Under the plan, employees with five years of service will receive $300 annually. The amount increases to $500 at 10 years of service, $1,000 at 15 years, and $1,500 after 20 years. Elected officials are excluded from the program.
Commission Lanier said the plan recognizes employees who have dedicated decades of service to Hardeman County and whose pay may not fully reflect their years of commitment.
The commission also approved maintaining the county property tax rate at $1.8102 per $100 of assessed value. The tax levy allocates funds among county operations (.86 cents), schools (.8593 cents), and debt service (.0909 cents).
Earlier in the meeting, Director of Hardeman County Schools Dr. Christy Smith presented several budget amendments, including funding for summer school programs, grant-funded initiatives, insurance adjustments, transportation costs, and insurance recovery funds related to damage caused by the recent ice storm.
Dr. Smith reported receiving $151,650 in insurance recovery funds for repairs resulting from storm damage, including floor repairs, drainage issues, a destroyed greenhouse, and damaged HVAC units.
Commissioners also approved the school system’s 2026-27 budget.
During reports from county officials, Election Administrator Amber Moore announced that the state will reimburse approximately $45,000 for election-related expenses, including equipment security cages and costs associated with congressional redistricting changes.
Commissioner Bobby Wright highlighted the work of Hardeman County Adoptable Animals, animal control officers, and the sheriff’s department, while encouraging residents to follow leash laws and consider volunteering at the county animal shelter.
The Hardeman County Arts Council received approval for a 25-year lease renewal that will allow the organization to continue operating from its current facility. The property is leased from the State of Tennessee to Hardeman County and then subleased to the Arts Council.
Arts Council representative Brandon Burvee also provided an update on structural damage discovered at the arts center during an installation project. Following evaluations by structural engineers, public events have been suspended at the facility while an insurance claim is processed.
Burvee said they hope to receive a decision from the insurance company by the end of the month. If approved, repairs are expected to take four to six months. In the meantime, Arts Council events will continue at alternate locations throughout the county.
The commission also ratified state approval of the designation of the bridge on Murphy Lane in Whiteville as the Sergeant Tyrone Allen Memorial Bridge. The naming had previously been approved by the county commission and later received approval from the Tennessee General Assembly.
Hardeman County EMS Director Rusty Thigpen reported strong operational activity, noting that the department responded to 568 calls between May 1 and the meeting date. Those calls included 447 emergency responses, 88 hospital transfers, and 33 non-emergency responses. EMS transported 473 patients during that period.
The director reported May collections totaled $157,742, approximately double previous monthly averages, while June collections had reached nearly $100,000 by the meeting date. EMS staffing remains one employee short of full staffing levels.
Commissioners approved adding an additional purchasing cooperative program to assist EMS, fire, and law enforcement agencies with equipment and vehicle procurement.
The commission also approved updates to the county’s building permit fee schedule to comply with recently enacted state legislation. Most fees remain unchanged, though adjustments were made to fees related to manufactured homes.
Mayor Todd Pulse concluded the meeting by recognizing community cleanup efforts across the county including those from Rusty Keltner of Porter’s Creek Church, discussing grant funding that has brought more than $2 million to Hardeman County since 2022, and thanking local municipalities for helping offset increased 911 service costs.
The next county commission meeting is scheduled for July 21, 2026.
Click here to watch the full county commission meeting on the Hatchie Press YouTube channel.
Click here to read about the May 2026 county commission meeting.
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