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Kingsport finances receive clean audit for fiscal year 2024

Kingsport’s finances received a clean bill of health last year with auditors finding no significant deficiencies or instances of noncompliance.

City finance officials earlier this week presented the Board of Mayor and Aldermen with an overview of Kingsport’s latest audit. The Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) is a review of the city’s finances for the prior fiscal year, which ran from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

The ACFR is a detailed review of city government (including schools, utilities, and economic development). The document covers 37 separate funds and all manner of financial issues from cash flow to long-term debt to governmental assets.

Auditors offered a “clean opinion” again this year on Kingsport’s finances, the highest opinion they can issue. They found no significant deficiencies or instances of noncompliance during their review of the city’s financial controls and operations.

Some highlights from this year’s ACFR include:

  • A rainy-day fund of $24.76 million. Kingsport aims to keep 15% to 20% of its general fund budget in reserves. Currently, the reserve sits at 25%.
  • Kingsport collected $57.8 million in property taxes (down from $64.5 million in 2023) and $49.8 million in sales tax (down from $49.9 million in 2023). Kingsport’s property tax rate is $1.9983 per $100 of assessed value.
  • Kingsport made $14.8 million in general fund debt service payments during fiscal year 2024. Kingsport’s governmental fund debt stood at $135 million.
  • Kingsport issued 695 building permits with an estimated value of $147 million during fiscal year 2024. In fiscal year 2023, Kingsport issued 819 building permits with an estimated value of $160.7 million.
  • Moody’s Investor Service and Standard and Poor reaffirmed their Aa2 and AA ratings for the city respectively. Kingsport’s unemployment rate was 3.8% as of June 2024.
  • For the 26th year, Kingsport finances received a clean opinion – the highest opinion offered – and for the 24th straight year the city’s ACFR received a certificate of achievement for excellence in financial reporting.

To view the entire ACFR, visit https://bit.ly/2024ACFR or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and select “Finance” under the “Government” link.

KPD e-News Release KPD Accepting Applications for Upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy

SUBJECT:  KPD Accepting Applications for Upcoming Citizen’s Police Academy

DATE:  January 21st, 2025  

GENERAL NARRATIVE

The Kingsport Police Department announces that applications are now being accepted for an upcoming class of the Citizen’s Police Academy.  KPD’s Citizen’s Academy is open to individuals who are at least 18 years of age and either reside or work within the city limits of Kingsport.

The Academy is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at 6:00 PM.  Classes will then meet on Mondays and Wednesdays throughout the month of March with the final class being on Monday March 24th.  Each class will run 2 to 2 ½ hours in duration.   A graduation ceremony will take place on Monday, March 31st, 2025.  

KPD emphasizes the Citizen’s Police Academy is not designed to prepare citizens to become actual police officers.  However, it will give them a chance to walk a few steps in an officer’s shoes and experience what it might be like to serve in law enforcement.  The goal is for participants to gain a better understanding of the law enforcement field.  Citizen’s Academy classes include an interesting mixture of classroom presentations, demonstrations, and hands on activities. 

Topics include:

1.         An introduction to KPD with a tour of the Justice Center.

2.         Collision and DUI investigations.

3.         Crime Scene Investigations

4.         The Bomb Squad

5.         The Police K-9

6.         Patrol Operations (to include traffic stops and building searches)

7.         Use of Force

8.         SWAT ( Special Weapons and Tactics)

The deadline to apply for the program will be Wednesday, February 10th  2025.  Anyone interested in participating in the Citizen’s Academy needs to submit a new application even if one has been previously submitted in past years.  A background check will be conducted on applicants prior to final acceptance in the program. 

To download an application please visit https://www.kingsporttn.gov/city-services/police-department/programs_for_citizens/.  Applications may also be obtained at the Record’s Division window.  You may return completed applications by mail or drop off to the Kingsport Police Dept. Attn Professional Standards Unit 200 Shelby St. Kingsport, TN 37660.  Completed applications may also be Faxed to (423) 343-9749 or scanned and emailed to Professional Standards Lieutenant Justin McConnell at JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov.  For questions regarding the Citizen’s Police Academy please contact a member of the KPD Professional Standards Unit at (423) 229-9300.   

 

 

 

 

 

 

RELEASING OFFICER

Lieutenant Justin McConnell

Kingsport Police Department Professional Standards Unit

Office (423) 229-9499, Fax (423) 343-9749 

JustinMcConnell@KingsportTN.gov

 

 

 

 

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation hosting “glow” volleyball event

After a two year hiatus, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation is bringing back one of its most popular glow events to the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

A glow volleyball event will take place on February 21 and is for anyone ages 13 and up. Cost is $100 per team. There will be three divisions of play based on skill levels.

  • Division A (6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.)
  • Division BB (6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.)
  • Division B (8 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.)

Glow events are when participants wear neon or white clothes, the lights to a gym are turned off and the black lights are turned on. Everyone then “glows” in the dark while running around and playing a game of volleyball.

“Glow volleyball has been one of our most successful events we’ve ever had, so we’re thrilled to bring in back for the community this winter,” said Program Leader Garrett Sherer. “It’s always just a fun night of volleyball play.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/422dWAl. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “glow volleyball” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day Closures

City offices will be closed on Monday, January 20 in recognition of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday.

Kingsport will not be adjusting garbage or trash/yard waste routes that day. Both the garbage routes and the trash/yard waste routes will run on a normal schedule.

The landfill and the convenience center will be closed to the public on Monday, January 20 and reopen on Tuesday, January 21.

For more information about garbage and trash/yard waste routes, visit www.kingsporttn.gov.

The 25th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade – Postponed due to weather

POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER – WILL BE HELD APRIL 5.

From Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins:

KINGSPORT – The 25th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m.  Parade participants will need to assemble at 11:15 a.m. at the intersection of E. Sullivan Street & Center Street (Parking is available near or around the New City Hall, 415 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660).

The parade route will follow E. Sullivan Street and end at the New Kingsport City Hall, 415 Broad Street.

Please Join Us 12:45 p.m. at the Riverview Community Room (Next to Pickle Ball Courts on Wheatley Street). Sponsors: Chamber of Commerce, Krazy Chicken Int’l, and South Central. For Luncheon Info, Contact: Johnnie Mae Swagerty at (423) 429-7553.

The theme is ”ANSWER TO RACISM IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST “ & “LOVE IS STILL ALIVE IN 2025; CHOOSE TO LOVE AND NOT HATE”.

If you would like, please enter a car, float, church/business van, bus, truck, other exhibits or take a 20 minute walk during lunch in the parade!

Monthly Service Event: January 20th thru April 30th, 2025

Diapers & Wipes $12/Baby (Putting Babies First)
Make your tax deductible contribution payable to:
Joshua Generation Int’l, Inc. (JGII)
P.O. Box 3390, Kingsport, TN 37664-3390

Please contact Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins (JGII) at (423) 956-0675 or email: rcollins.j316@gmail.com 

“Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.” 3 John 2

Love, Peace, Joy, Health, Prosperity, Wealth, & The FAVOR Of GOD Overtake YOU,

Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins

Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins

1st Assistant to Bishop Michael V. Kelsey, Executive Treasurer

Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International

P.O. Box 3390, Kingsport, Tennessee 37664-3390

Cell  423-956-0675

 

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Register now for Home School Physical Education Classes

The Kingsport Park and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its Home School Physical Education classes.

The classes are open for students ages 6 and older and the cost to participate is $15 per student per month. To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4d6wpOK. You can also pay/register in person on the day of the class.

Classes will take place from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning this month and running through May 15 at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

Homeschool P.E. is designed to help promote fitness and activities for homeschooled children. Each class will focus on learning new abilities and drills for motor skill development. Classes will also consist of a fun and exciting team game or sport.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Achieve your New Year’s resolution at the Kingsport Aquatic Center

Every year people around the world make a variety of resolutions in order to improve their lives. From vowing to quit smoking, eat better, exercise more, and try something new, people make these annual pledges to start the new year on the right foot.

If you’ve made a commitment to get in shape in 2025, you might want to consider joining the Kingsport Aquatic Center.

Swimming offers a variety of health benefits for people of all ages – it’s a low-impact exercise that provides a full body workout, it’s accessible for all ages and fitness levels, it reduces stress and is an efficient way to burn calories.

“Embrace the new year with fresh energy and a focused mindset. Joining the Kingsport Aquatic Center is your first step towards reaching your goals in 2025,” said Aquatics Program Coordinator Madison Gump.

Membership to the Kingsport Aquatic Center gives you access to any of the pools (indoor and outdoor) during their respective operating season. Members also gain:

  • Early access to the Outdoor Water Park 30 minutes before regular opening time (except holidays and Sundays).
  • Special rates on classes (swim lessons, water aerobics, American Red Cross certification courses).
  • A 10% discount on KAC rentals (birthday parties, cabanas, private rentals).
  • A 10% discount at the Oasis (open during summer months).

Memberships can be purchased at www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then select “Aquatic Center” from the list. You can also purchase memberships in person at the KAC front desk.

To learn more about membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.

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Kingsport Parks and Recreation hosting Family Fun Night event

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a Family Fun Night event on January 18 at the Lynn View Community Center (257 Walker Street).

The event will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and feature multiple games of glow dodgeball. Cost is $5 per person.

Glow events are when participants wear neon or white clothes, the lights of a gym are turned off and the black lights are turned on. Everyone then “glows” in the dark while playing a game of dodgeball.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3SNTehg. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “glow dodgeball” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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Take aim this winter with Beginner Archery Lessons

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is offering beginner archery lessons this winter for folks interested in learning about a unique and exciting sport. Take aim this winter and you’ll be sure to hit the mark.

Classes will be held every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., January 22 through February 19 in the Lynn View Community Center auditorium (257 Walker Street). Students will enjoy a course covering all aspects of basic archery.

The cost is $40 for city residents and $45 for non-city residents. The lessons are open to anyone ages 7 and up. The maximum number of registrants is 12.

Participants will use compound bows during the classes and all equipment will be provided.

To register for the lessons, visit https://bit.ly/4flz6xg. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “archery” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

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New Planetarium Program Highlights the Constellation Orion

Bays Mountain Park is pleased to announce the second part of a two-part program featuring short stories of different cultures and indigenous societies from around the globe.

“One Sky: Finding Patterns” is now showing in the Planetarium Theater through April 30. The program is being shown Tuesday through Friday at 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Each story focuses on the part of the sky known as the constellation Orion, which is visible around the world and a visual benchmark for cultures globally. This program also includes a brief tour of the current night sky.

“Just like the first part, the visuals are stunning, the storytelling is spellbinding and the music wraps around the viewer to complete the amazing production,” said Planetarium Director Adam Thanz. “It’s truly an immersive experience, one the entire family should enjoy.”

The four stories featured in the 40-minute program include:

The Forge of Artemis
In ancient Greece, Orion was a mighty, though not particularly popular, hunter. His constellation shines brightly—a familiar shape to people around the world. Why did the goddess Artemis immortalize him in the sky?

Celestial Canoe
The First People of what is now northern Canada watched the slow turn of a canoe in the sky—mirroring the change in seasons on land. This celestial canoe guided them through a particularly challenging part of the year.

The Samurai and the Stars
For many, the stars offer solace and comfort. For our Japanese narrator, images in the sky—even the colors of the stars—bring back memories of music, history and childhood.

Wayfinders
Hear from a Hawaiian navigator as she describes how the sky provides a compass and calendar for the oceanic people whose voyages connected islands throughout the Pacific Ocean.

The alternate planetarium feature showing Saturdays and Sunday at 2 p.m. through April 30 will be “Appalachian Skies.”

“Appalachian Skies” takes visitors on a majestic tour of the current evening sky using the Zeiss optical star projector instrument. This live presentation is enhanced with additional content from our VELVET LED projectors for a wonderful, immersive experience.

Due to the live nature of the program, and the natural progression of the changing night sky throughout the seasons, each presentation will be unique. Learn what fascinating mythological constellations, from Ancient Greece and other cultures, will be easily visible. Find out what planets are easily seen as well. Visitors will take this knowledge home and be able to locate these celestial sights for themselves.

For more information about Bays Mountain Park and its programs, events and activities, visit www.baysmountain.com.

Link to: City of Kingsport
City of Kingsport, Tennessee