ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. (WJHL) — In a recent session, Carter County officials passed a budget that excludes financial support for the Elizabethton Senior Center and various community organizations. However, Mayor Patty Woodby suggested there is potential for this funding to be reinstated soon.
The decision came after Monday’s meeting, where the budget was approved with a significant majority in a 16–2 vote.
Supporters of the senior center funding shared heartfelt testimonies, highlighting how the center became a vital resource after Hurricane Helene devastated their homes.
Mayor Woodby explained that the county’s ongoing recovery efforts from the hurricane have forced officials to confront difficult financial choices.
“Raising taxes on our citizens is not an option right now,” Woodby remarked. “Unfortunately, this resulted in the difficult decision to reduce funding for some agencies.”
Senior Center Executive Director Brittany Shell expressed her disappointment with the decision.
“Over the last month, I have felt a significant amount of frustration, heartbreak, anger, disappointment, not because of the budget line, but because I believe Carter County can do better than this,” Shell said.
Woodby said the affected organizations may come back and make their funding requests again in a couple of months for reconsideration.
“So I feel confident that our Budget Committee and our county commission will approve those requests at that time,” she said.
Woodby said she would advocate for those organizations.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t advocate also for those outside agencies that are cut. They provide tremendous services to our community,” Woodby said.