Mayor Vogle Says No Tax Hike for Robertson Countians – FULL Budget Look See
ROBERTSON COUNTY, TENNESSEE (Smokey Barn News) – Robertson County, Tennessee – Robertson County Mayor Billy Vogel has released the proposed FY2026 budget, confirming there will be no property tax increase. The proposal will go before the County Commission on Monday, August 18, 2025, in a meeting open to the public. The budget details how much revenue the county expects to collect, where that money will come from, and how it will be allocated across general government, schools, roads, sanitation, and debt repayment.
The FY2026 plan spans the General Fund, Highway Fund, Debt Service Fund, School Fund, and Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund. It includes line-item spending, projected fund balances, and year-over-year changes. Some funds are projected to run deficits and will rely on existing reserves, while others are expected to finish with surpluses.
General Fund revenues are 53.973 million dollars. Local property taxes are 33.355 million dollars, other local taxes are 3.268 million dollars, the State of Tennessee is 6.898 million dollars, and other sources are 10.453 million dollars. Expenses are 55.115 million dollars, with salaries being 28.392 million dollars and other costs being 26.723 million dollars. The shortfall is 1.142 million dollars, which will be covered by existing reserves.
Highway Fund revenues are 5.497 million dollars. Local taxes are 2.113 million dollars, other local taxes are 64,300 dollars, and the State of Tennessee is 3.32 million dollars. Expenses are 5.797 million dollars, with salaries being 1.893 million dollars and other costs being 3.904 million dollars. The shortfall is 300,000 dollars.
Debt Service Fund revenues are 18.422 million dollars. Local property taxes are 7.389 million dollars, other local taxes are 7.387 million dollars, other local revenues are 2.9 million dollars, and other sources are 746,281 dollars. Expenses are 13.455 million dollars, with principal on bonds and notes being 11.515 million dollars and interest and other costs being 1.94 million dollars. The surplus is 4.967 million dollars.
School Fund revenues are 140.429 million dollars. Local property taxes are 21.275 million dollars, other local taxes are 19.44 million dollars, the State of Tennessee is 92.202 million dollars, and other sources are 7.513 million dollars. Expenses are 149.28 million dollars, with salaries being 80.238 million dollars and other costs being 69.042 million dollars. The shortfall is 8.851 million dollars.
Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund revenues are 5.77 million dollars. Local property taxes are 689,263 dollars, and other sources are 5.081 million dollars. Expenses are 5.885 million dollars, with salaries being 698,116 dollars and other costs being 5.187 million dollars. The shortfall is 115,000 dollars.
According to Mr. Ashley McAnulty, Senior Vice President with Stephens Inc. and financial advisor to the county, Robertson County is considered a “high quality investment grade” county by Standard and Poor’s Rating Agency, with an “AA” rating. In Tennessee, only three counties hold the highest “AAA” rating — Williamson, Rutherford, and Hamilton. Four counties are rated “AA+” by Standard and Poor’s or the Moody’s equivalent “Aa1” — Wilson, Sumner, Knox, and Shelby. Seventeen counties, including Robertson, carry an “AA” rating or Moody’s equivalent “Aa2.” The others are Davidson, Montgomery, Sullivan, Washington, Blount, Bradley, Madison, Sevier, Maury, Putnam, Anderson, Roane, Loudon, Marion, McNairy, and Macon. Based on these ratings, Robertson County ranks among the top 24 of Tennessee’s 95 counties — the top 25 percent in credit quality.
From 2020 to 2025, Robertson County reduced its outstanding debt by approximately 49% or $58,330,000. Additionally, the County’s Assessed Values are up 82%, indicating a strong and growing local economy.
If approved, the FY2026 budget will maintain current property tax rates while continuing to fund education, public safety, road maintenance, sanitation, and debt repayment. Any shortfalls in the General Fund, Highway Fund, School Fund, and Sanitation Fund historically equal out due to conservative revenue/expense budgeting practices. View the complete budget HERE.
