Some highlights of the budget are, there will be NO property tax increase again this year, the thirteen consecutive year with no property tax increase. A $2,000.00 cost of living raises will be provided for all full time employees and funding for several departments will be increased due to county/city growth including 5 new full time officers in the sheriff's department. The board of education will receive approximately an additional $500,000.00.

Funding for the four volunteer fire departments was increased by $100,000.00 with the Greenback, Philadelphia and Tellico Village fire departments receiving $100,000.00 each and the Loudon County Fire Rescue getting $140,00.00. And for the first time, county commission set aside $560,000.00 to provide additional funding to the volunteer fire departments to help provide additional equipment as needed.

The new budget took effect July 1st.