Kingston Springs approves $5.4 million budget, raises property tax by 5 cents

The Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners has approved a $5.4 million budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year, including a 5-cent property tax increase and continued investments in public safety, infrastructure and capital improvements.

The budget, which takes effect July 1, authorizes $5,402,698 in total appropriations across all town funds. To help fund rising operating costs, the commissioners voted to increase the town's property tax rate from 57 cents to 62 cents per $100 of assessed value.

Public safety continues to make up the largest share of the town's spending.

The budget includes approximately $1.2 million for police operations and about $1.1 million for fire services, reflecting the continued cost of staffing, equipment and emergency response. The spending comes as Kingston Springs continues replacing its aging emergency radio system, a project that has prompted significant community fundraising over the past year.

Beyond day-to-day operations, the budget funds several capital improvements throughout town.

Among the largest planned expenditures are:

• $1,000,000+ for paving projects.
• $1,000,000 playground replacement at Burns Park.
• $400,000 for sidewalk projects.
• $200,000+ for equipment for the Parks and Streets Departments.

The budget also includes continued investment in fleet replacement, facility maintenance and other long-term infrastructure needs.

Town officials have said the budget is designed to balance growing service demands while continuing to invest in public safety and quality-of-life projects for residents.

The budget becomes effective July 1, the start of the town's new fiscal year.

The Town of Pegram is expected to vote on its approximately $1.1 million budget on June 29. That proposal does not include a property tax increase, keeping the town's rate at 31 cents per $100 of assessed value, but does include a sewer rate increase.