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Breaking down Hamilton County’s FY26 proposed budget

Get an overview on key aspects being proposed from the Wamp Administration.

A panoramic view of a city with a winding river surrounded by lush green hills under a dramatic, cloud-filled sky. The scene conveys serenity and vastness.

See what will be prioritized for the 2026 fiscal year in Hamilton County.

Photo by Kevin Ruck via Chattanooga Tourism Co.

Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp released the proposed budget for the 2026 fiscal year — let’s take a look at what the ~$1.09 billion budget entails.

Notably, while slightly higher than last year’s proposal, the balanced budget will not increase taxes. It focuses on public safety, infrastructure, and responsible stewardship. Key initiatives include:

Investing in county employees
Employees will receive a 1% raise, and a 10.7% increase in health insurance costs. Full-time employees will receive a one-time $750 bonus (excluding officials + the mayor’s office).

Public safety + infastructure
The budget would see these increases for public safety departments:

  • Sheriff’s Department | ~$71 million, 4.1% increase
  • Emergency Medical Service | ~$20 million, 4.3% increase — the quick response EMS team would also see an increase of 3.4%
  • Volunteer Fire Departments | $2.4 million across seven stations

The budget also sets aside $2.55 million for paving — adding to the pre-existing $19.4 million paving investment under the Wamp Administration.

Education + school facilities
The proposal includes ~$692 million for HCS, aligning with current plans to design and construct new schools and make renovations for others — funded through a 2024 bond.

General Fund
The General Fund Revenues will have an overall increase of $3.1 million compared to 2025. Notably, the proposal outlines what the newly formed County Efficiency Task Force has identified to save $3.7 million:

  • Freezing/eliminating 21 vacant positions
  • Revising specific large contracts
  • Replacing leased vehicles with 80% grant funded ones (about 30 vehicles)
  • Reducing cell phones + streamlining efficiencies with office supplies

The Supported Agencies Division was also eliminated — head to page 18 of this doc to see the restructure.

Now, the County Commission will review the proposal over the next few weeks, with a vote happening by mid-June. Pro tip: You can see updates + past adopted budgets to compare changes through the county’s financial transparency portal.

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