Joe Pitts

Clarksville City Council approved a 10% property tax increase and budget cuts after months of debate, finalizing a $178 million fiscal year 2026-27 budget. The decision included reductions across most departments, including parks, police, fire, and streets, while the school system avoided cuts but faced rejected proposals to reduce voluntary contributions.

Clarksville's city council approved a 2027 budget increasing property taxes to $1.01 per $100 of assessed value, a 9-cent rise driven by growth and the city's expanding regional role. The budget includes cuts to the street department, potentially reducing paving and increasing temporary road repairs, while school-area sidewalk projects remain on track.

Clarksville's proposed budget passed its first reading with an 11% property tax increase and significant cuts to departments like IT and Parks and Recreation. Council members expressed concerns about the tax hike and potential service impacts, with the budget requiring a second reading before taking effect.

Darrius Chappell, 44, died in custody at the Montgomery County Jail on July 3, days after being arrested and bitten by a Clarksville Police Department K-9 during a June 30 incident. His family demands answers over the use of force and treatment during detention, as multiple agencies investigate the circumstances of his death linked to a domestic violence warrant.

Darius Chappell, 34, died in custody at the Montgomery County Jail after being bitten by a Clarksville police K-9 during his arrest. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now overseeing the case following a preliminary inquiry by the sheriff’s office, which also placed a CPD officer on administrative leave.