Manchester, TN – May 30, 2025 — The Coffee County Budget and Finance Committee convened Wednesday to discuss a range of financial matters critical to the county’s future, including a major development proposal, law enforcement budget requests, and potential employee raises.
A key item on the agenda was a tax increment financing (TIF) proposal for the ambitious Summerlin mixed-use development. Designed to alleviate local housing and commercial space shortages, the project would fund necessary public infrastructure through redirected property tax revenues. Under the plan, Coffee County would retain 40% of new property tax revenue generated over a 20-year period, with the remaining 60% used to reimburse the developer for upfront infrastructure costs. The developer emphasized that the financial risk lies with them, not the county, and that the project will be built in phases over six to eight years. The committee voted to move the proposal forward for consideration on the June agenda.
Sheriff Chad Partin also presented his department’s budget, requesting consolidation of court guard budget lines and addressing a number of increasing costs. Overtime expenses have risen, largely due to the sheriff’s department taking on law enforcement responsibilities at the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, which is funded by a dedicated event fee. Uniform costs spiked significantly due to a scheduled replacement of bulletproof vests, partially offset by a federal grant. The sheriff also noted rising costs related to inmate health care, maintenance agreements, and jail food services. The committee also discussed potential building maintenance increases related to HVAC system replacement at the jail, along with the status of the registry fund.
Additionally, the committee reviewed salary worksheets outlining potential across-the-board raises for county employees at levels of 3%, 5%, and 7%, with elected officials excluded. Members discussed the idea of giving department heads a fixed percentage increase to distribute among staff as they see fit. Alongside these deliberations, the importance of reducing county debt was highlighted as a parallel financial priority.
A final decision on employee raises is expected at the committee’s next meeting.
