Cookeville adopts FY27 budget with no property tax increase

Cookeville adopted its FY27 budget on June 18, 2026. The City Council approved the final $244 million spending plan, and the package also included the Cookeville Regional Medical Center budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1. Finance Director Jenni Nisewander said the city is not increasing property taxes, other than a penny-rounding adjustment to the certified rate.

What residents should notice

The council’s public hearing notice and agenda show June 18 was the final reading for the tax levy, nonprofit aid, the city budget and the hospital budget. The approved package included $1,051,055 for public service partners and nonprofit organizations, with $160,000 for charitable nonprofits.

Where the money is going

First-reading budget talks showed the plan funding three new full-time positions — one each in public works, fire and water quality control — plus a seasonal leisure-services job. Officials also pointed to more than $30 million in capital projects outside utilities, including a new fire department ladder truck and public works improvements.

The hospital budget stays separate

The council also approved the FY27 budget for Cookeville Regional Medical Center with no changes. That budget includes $558.9 million in revenues, $536.9 million in expenditures and $59.9 million for expansion projects.

Sources

• Cookeville City Council June 18, 2026 agenda
• The UC Now: Cookeville first-reading budget coverage