Montgomery County budget: Funding for new fairgrounds, schools repairs, no tax increase

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – With Montgomery County Government looking to finalize the fiscal year 2025-26 budget, a resolution was introduced at the County Commission last week to shift around tax dollars. However, County Mayor Wes Golden said there will not be a property tax rate increase set for fiscal year 2025-26.

The proposed budget includes capital projects such as the construction of a new fairgrounds and new Fire Services/Sheriff’s Office Precinct.

Total tax rate remains $2.10

According to county documents, while some fund dollars are being moved around, the total tax rate for Montgomery County will remain $2.10 per $100 of taxable property, which was the same rate set for FY 2024-25.

Here’s how those tax dollars will be moved around from the previous two fiscal years:

When asked about the tax rate decisions, Golden told Clarksville Now, “Key priorities for the Montgomery County budget for next year focus on ensuring our growing community has adequate resources to support the needs of residents, soldiers, families, and businesses while enhancing the quality of life for all who call Montgomery County home, with no tax increase.

“Our department heads, elected officials, and commissioners collaborated to deliver a balanced budget that invests in community priorities with no tax increase. The 2026 Budget reflects a shared commitment to meeting the needs of the residents we serve every day. I am proud of the teamwork that has gone into this process and excited about what is ahead as we look forward,” Golden said.

2026 Capital Projects

There’s more than a handful of capital projects listed for the 2026 budget, which includes the design and construction of a new fairgrounds. Currently, Clarksville Speedway is the home of the Montgomery County Fair along with several other community events. The Speedway is in the process of being sold to the city for conversion into a park. In the proposed county budget, $2 million will go to the services of architects, other contracted services, as well as the construction of the fairgrounds.

Meanwhile, $17 million has been budgeted for the construction of a precinct that will serve the Montgomery County Fire Service, as well as the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.

The county has budgeted $7 million for highway construction for Arkadelphia Road, $3.4 million for building improvements to EMS Station 28 and $500,000 toward building improvements for Community Corrections and Veterans Plaza.

Lastly, $500,000 has been budgeted toward building improvements for Lone Oak Community Center, and $6 million has been budgeted for contributions to education capital projects.

The Clarksville-Montgomery County School System told Clarksville Now their focus with the $6 million will be replacement of unit vents and automatic centralized HVAC control at Woodlawn Elementary, roof replacement at Montgomery Central Middle, and systemwide parking and paving improvements.

2026 Financial Summary

The Montgomery County Financial Summary, otherwise known as the Statement of Operations, says for the FY 2026 budget, the beginning fund balance of the total general operations comes out to more than $196 million.

Total revenues for 2026 are more than $681 million. Total expenditures are more than $723 million. The Montgomery County Government has budgeted for an ending fund balance of around $154 million in 2026.

Fiscal year 2025-26 begins on July 1, 2025, and the Montgomery County Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, June 9, for their formal meeting in the County Courthouse.

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