Howard County JPs Approve 2026 Budget, Employee Pay Raises

Yesterday, the Howard County Quorum Court held their regular monthly meeting.

One item on the agenda was a service agreement for the Howard County Fair Barn. County Judge Brent Pinkerton revisited the agreement during the meeting.

Justices then reviewed the overall 2026 county budget. The proposed budget includes a five percent pay raise for county employees and elected officials, approved on a 7–2 vote, with the two “no” votes supporting a three percent increase instead. The total 2026 County General budget request is $2,598,064.

There was also discussion regarding funding for District Judge Jessica Steel Gunter. Gunter requested that the county contribute $600 per month toward expenses for the building she privately owns and currently uses for court operations. Gunter had a one-year agreement with the Quorum Court and requested continued county assistance to remain in the building.

The agreement also states that beginning in 2026, Judge Gunter would move to free office space located in the Nashville City Council building, provided by the City of Nashville.

After comparing the request to last year’s county funding amount of $14,449, Justices voted 3–6 to deny the request.

After discussions regarding specific items in the proposed budget, the quorum approved a motion to adopt the 2026 budget.