Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce its “Pickle in the Park” pickleball tournament is returning to Kingsport Fun Fest this year.

The three-day tournament will take place at Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview (1101 Martin Luther King Blvd.) on July 16-18 with 11 different divisions of various age groups and skill levels, including 55+ Men’s, Mixed and Women’s Doubles; Advanced Men’s and Women’s Doubles; Intermediate Men’s and Women’s Doubles; Advanced and Intermediate Mixed and Beginner and Youth Champions of the Court.

“Get ready for three days of fun, competition and community on the courts,” said Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned player, there’s a division for you in Pickle in the Park.”

The cost to register is $40 per team and only one person needs to register. You will need to sign up as a team and list your partner’s name at the end of checkout. The times for the games are based on which division you register for.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4aSr3oi. 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 “pickleball” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9460.

Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for the Fun Fest Adult Softball Home Run Derby.

The derby is open for men and women and will take place at 2 p.m. at Brickyard Park on two separate days. The Women’s derby is on July 11; the Men’s derby is on July 18.

The registration fee is $10 per person, and each participant will receive either 36 pitches or two minutes of pitches. The top four batters will advance to bracket play after the first round.

Participants must provide their own pitcher and any legal USSSA or USA stamped bat can be used. Bats and softballs will be provided by Kingsport Parks and Recreation.

“Not only are home run derbies fun for the batters, but they’re also a blast for friends and family to watch as well,” said Program Administrator Jason Wilburn. “So, grab your lucky bat and come down to see just who the best softball slugger is in the Tri-Cities.”

To register, please visit https://bit.ly/4oFtNhw. 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 “softball” in the search bar.

For more information, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-229-9459.

The City of Kingsport began the new fiscal year with a balanced budget, no increase to the property tax rate and a strong general fund balance of $28 million. This despite lower than expected revenue growth and an increase in expenses due to inflation.

City staff developed the budget during a challenging financial environment characterized by slow revenue growth, persistent and record inflationary pressures, international uncertainty and increasing operational costs.

During two public worksessions held in May, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen heard presentations from city and school officials about estimated revenues and expenditures, capital projects, utilities and budget challenges for the coming year.

The BMA approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget unanimously in June and the new budget went into effect July 1.

“This year’s budget has been one of the more challenging budgets to finalize in recent memory, but we’re pleased to have been able to balance the budget without an increase to the property tax rate,” said City Manager Chris McCartt. “I’d like to thank our staff, especially in the finance department, for their hard work and commitment throughout this year’s budget process.”

Kingsport’s general fund stands at $114 million with a general fund balance of approximately $28 million. Kingsport’s property tax rate remains at $1.67 per $100 of assessed value.

Paving will continue to receive significant funding in Fiscal Year 2027 with $4.7 million coming from the city, $1.5 million in MTPO (Metropolitan Transportation and Planning Organization) funds and $13.2 million from the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Other budget highlights include:

• A 3% cost of living adjustment for all employees.
• Step increases to be re-evaluated later in the fiscal year.
• Bond ratings remain strong at Aa2.
• A restructuring of the fire department to decrease overtime.
• Purchasing body cams for the police department.
• Just over $21 million in debt roll-off.

Kingsport’s budget is the guiding financial document for the city and includes many parts – the general fund (main operating and capital fund for the city), water and sewer funds, the school fund and several smaller funds such as solid waste, the Aquatic Center and MeadowView.

Beginning in August, Kingsport’s interactive budget book will be available online and allow residents to explore the city’s budget and see how their tax dollars fund the services and investments that keep the city running every day.

For more information and a link to the digital budget book (available in August), please visit  https://www.kingsporttn.gov/government/city-budget/