Communities
KNOX COUNTY
Board members and local officials broke ground on the new Knox County Public Library in August. | File Photo by Macee Swafford
Knox County completing and beginning new projects
MADISON NANTZ Contributing Writer
Knox County is in“ really good financial condition” this year, according to Judge-Executive Mike Mitchell, who points to a $ 41 million operating budget and a series of major infrastructure investments shaping the county’ s future.
Last year’ s budget reached approximately $ 54 million due to an influx of grant funding, reflecting what Mitchell described as significant outside investment in county projects. Over the past six to seven years, Knox County has more than tripled its budget through grant-supported initiatives while maintaining strong annual audits. During that time, the county also reduced its portion of ad valorem property taxes by 2 % as the overall tax base expanded. Mitchell emphasized that many of the county’ s largest projects have been made possible through partnerships at the state and federal levels. He credited State Representative Tom O’ Dell Smith, Senate President Robert Stivers,
Page 18 The Times-Tribune • Community Guide 2026