athens tn annual budget fy2021 2022

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There are a wide variety of recreational activities for the citizens of Athens and for local tourists. Annual
special events include the Soap Box Derby, Fishing Derby, July 4 Fireworks, the Easter Egg Hunt and the
nationally recognized Daddy Daughter Dance. The 165 acre Athens Regional Park anchors the park system
and includes two lakes, miles of hiking/walking trails, one of the largest splashpads in the state, a large
playground, baseball, softball, and soccer fields along with a large lake pavilion and the Southeast
Tennessee Trade and Conference Center. Shown below is a picture taken of the Regional Park on August
21, 2017 as people were preparing to view the total solar eclipse. Other pictures show participants in the
Soap Box Derby and a family walking on the Eureka Trail, a former railway line. Many other neighborhood
parks are maintained by the City including the downtown Market Park which is home to the farmers
market and a summer concert series along with other special events. The USS Charles R. Ware DD-865
calls Athens its final home port and the City hosts the ship reunion every three years and maintains
Veterans Park, home to the Charles R. Ware memorial, the veteran’s brick walk and monuments to honor
area veterans.

The voters of Athens approved a .75 cent increase in the local option sales tax which became effective on
November 1, 2019. $1,000,000 of these new funds will be used to pay on the debt for building a new K-5
school building for Athens City Schools. The remaining funds will be used as designated by the City Council
for capital items. The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the FY 2021 budget tremendously due to the
uncertainty of the economy but the local economy rebounded quickly and sales tax revenues have
increased when compared to pre-pandemic amounts. This budget includes a 2 percent salary increase for
all full-time employees. One-time funds from the State will be used for capital purchases for technology
improvements, a new compressor for filling air tanks for fire and traffic signal improvements. The City
Council also approved an 8 cent increase in the property tax rate for the 2021 taxes. The proceeds of
these funds will be used to repay the debt on $7,500,000 to be used for road improvements near the new
school building, a fire training tower and renovations for the animal shelter, public works facility and the
Municipal Building.