Columbia City Council Approves FY 2026–2027 Budget Supporting City Services, Infrastructure Improvem

Columbia City Council Approves FY 2026–2027 Budget Supporting City Services, Infrastructure Improvements, and Workforce Investment With No Property Tax Increase

Columbia, TN (June 16, 2026) - On Thursday, June 11, 2026, the Columbia City Council approved the City’s fiscal year 2026–2027 budget on final consideration. The adopted budget totals $84,446,601 across all funds and was approved without a property tax increase, while continuing to support and enhance essential City services.

The FY 2026–2027 budget reflects strategic, plan-driven investments across City departments, with a continued emphasis on supporting City employees. The budget includes a 4% salary increase for all personnel, helping strengthen the City’s ability to recruit and retain a talented workforce.

Mayor Chaz Molder stated, “The adoption of this budget represents a significant step forward for our city and reflects the continued growth and progress of our community. It demonstrates our commitment to responsible financial planning, strategic infrastructure investments, and delivering high-quality services to our residents. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff whose expertise and hard work make this process possible each year. Their efforts have produced a budget that addresses both current priorities and future opportunities. The investments outlined in this plan will support important improvements throughout the city, and I’m excited to see these projects take shape.”

The General Fund accounts for 61% of the total budget, with $51,444,978 allocated to the City’s primary operating fund. The FY 2027 General Fund budget includes a $1.5 million (3.3%) revenue increase driven by continued economic growth. The General Fund supports many of Columbia’s core services, including public works, parks, fire, police, and administration.

City Manager Tony Massey remarked, “This budget reflects a strong commitment to responsible financial management, operational excellence, and delivering the high-quality services our residents expect and deserve.”

The adopted budget also advances several major capital projects and initiatives. Nearly $92.7 million is allocated for the City’s FY 2027–2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). The five-year CIP includes major multi-year projects such as the City’s annual contribution to the TDOT partnership project to widen Bear Creek, improvements at the Nashville Highway and Bear Creek Pike intersection, the Iron Bridge replacement project, technology and capital equipment replacements, wastewater treatment plant construction, pump station upgrades, and street resurfacing. FY 2027 CIP funding, as proposed, totals approximately $49.2 million with 23.3% of funds programmed in the Capital

Projects Fund and 53.6% programmed in the Wastewater (Sewer) Fund.

Assistant City Manager and CFO Thad Jablonski noted, “The adopted budget balances fiscal responsibility with meaningful investment in the community. With no changes to tax rates or fees, it maintains the City’s strong financial footing while advancing infrastructure improvements that support residents, businesses, and the services they rely on.”

To learn more and view the FY 2026–2027 Budget in Brief, visit ColumbiaTN.gov.

ABOUT COLUMBIA, TN
The City of Columbia is the county seat of Maury County, located 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee. Columbia is experiencing a renaissance of new industry, residential development, a bustling historic downtown square, and emerging arts district while attracting companies, residents, and visitors looking for affordability, quality of life, and a Main Street experience, all in a convenient location. Columbia is a Southern Living ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ and the ancestral home of the 11^th U.S. President James K. Polk.