LaFollette has a balanced budget for the new year, 2026-2027

The new budget includes a two percent raise for city employees and a $1,500 Christmas bonus

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The City of LaFollette has a balanced budget for the fiscal year 2026-27. On Monday afternoon the LaFollette City Council reviewed the annual budget.

Each year all of the departments within the city submit a wish list of items needed. Items on this year’s list are three patrol cars for the police department, the purchase price for all three cars is $270,000. The police department has money in its budget for two cars, the remaining car would be purchased from the general fund. While discussing purchasing vehicles, Chief Matt Forsyth was asked how many officers he is currently short and he stated he was about seven or eight short. Currently the chief has 23 officers on his staff.

A new truck was requested by the street department. The department is requesting purchase a 2026 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4wd with a cost of $47,936.20. During the discussion the council expressed concern that the state street aide fund had been cut by 10 percent by the state due to a lack of census growth in the city. The cut equals approximately $140,000 for the department.

The fire department is requesting a multi-force forcible entry door simulator. The cost of the item is $9,615 and the fire department has the money to purchase the item.

A bed cover with built in toolboxes was requested by the maintenance department with a cost of $9,357.

The largest request came from the recreation department. Items requested are a Cub Cadet Pro Z 960 Tripe mower for $15,151.72, a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD, $43,460.10, a teeter totter $7,343.51, swing set $17,083.96 and storefront door for the recreation building, $8,345.58.

After reviewing the list the council agreed to move forward with purchasing the items. Also included in the budget was a two percent raise for the city’s employees and a $1,500 Christmas bonus. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-05/20/2026-6AM)