An aerial view of Soddy Daisy highlighting the parks and ongoing community projects.
The City of Soddy Daisy has passed a $4.8 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year, aimed at enhancing infrastructure and community amenities. Key allocations include funding for a new municipal building, park improvements, and essential equipment for public services. The budget also addresses property tax adjustments and outlines plans for community events, volunteer opportunities, and social support initiatives amidst rising food assistance demands.
The City of Soddy Daisy has approved a budget of $4.8 million for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, during a recent commission meeting. This budget aims to address various infrastructure needs and community improvements across the city.
Following a property tax rate increase to $1.32 for every $100 of assessed property value last year, this fiscal year’s reevaluation of property values has seen an uptick in most areas. Hamilton County has established a new certified tax rate for Soddy Daisy to maintain consistent tax revenue from the previous year, set at $0.907 for fiscal year 2026, thereby securing the city’s anticipated revenue of $4.8 million.
Despite the changes in property reappraisals, city commissioners have decided to maintain the previous tax rate of $1.32 on an interim basis. A review meeting scheduled for the end of July or early August will determine any necessary adjustments to the rate.
A significant portion of the budget, approximately $2.5 million, is allocated for the construction of a new municipal building situated behind city hall, with approximately $600,000 already spent to date. Moreover, the city has earmarked $500,000 for enhancements at Holly Park, which includes a matching $250,000 grant from Hamilton County to cover the costs.
Proposed upgrades at Holly Park involve increased boat parking, enlarging the existing boat ramp, adding a second boat ramp, enhancing facilities at the girls’ softball fields, and constructing new restrooms at North Park. Furthermore, the budget includes provisions for purchasing several pickup trucks for the public works department, three patrol vehicles for the police department, as well as extrication tools for the fire department.
In a bid to guide future development effectively, $140,000 is set aside for hiring consultants to create a comprehensive development plan for the city. New signage for all city parks has also been approved, with a budget of up to $12,000 designated for this initiative.
Preparations are underway for the annual Independence Day celebration. New safety measures will be implemented, allowing camping for three nights while prohibiting camping tents overnight between Durham and Depot Streets. In light of an insufficient number of volunteers for the Fourth of July event, the city is seeking community participation.
The City Council is investing $14,100 in portable Motorola radios for the Soddy Daisy Police Department in anticipation of a forthcoming price increase.
In addition to infrastructural improvements, the city’s commitment to community support remains strong. Curtis Cecil, representing the Kelcurt Foundation, has noted a significant 35% increase in families needing food assistance, with around 15 new families registering weekly for help. Kelcurt Farms is contributing all produce grown on-site, with ten percent given to the Soddy Daisy Food Bank, while the local library also distributes seasonal food to its visitors.
Last year, the Kelcurt Bakery donated between 20-40 loaves of sourdough bread monthly, contributing a total of 170 pounds of food to the food bank this year. Collaborations between the library and the local Lions Club have focused on providing vision screenings and organizing “Free Book Fridays,” where visitors can pick up free books from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
City officials also urged residents to communicate any issues they encounter directly with the city to improve response times and overall community satisfaction.
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