KNOXVILLE - During his Weekly Update, Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs talked about the Night of Champions event, the Knox County fiscal year 2026-27 budget, and more.

This week, Mayor Jacobs recognized Knox County student-athletes who won state championships and the regional Guardian Foundation Repair Athletes of the Week during the fifth annual Night of Champions.

“Winning a state championship is a momentous achievement and requires a lot of hard work, discipline, and sacrifice,” says Mayor Jacobs. “I won many pro wrestling championships but never came close to a high school state championship.” Criminal Court Clerk Mike Hammond and his team presented a $1 million check to Knox County. This money is a result of efficiencies in the clerk’s offices and will go into the Knox County general fund.

“Mike and his folks run an efficient operation, and it is reflected by the large surplus they generate nearly every year,” says Mayor Jacobs.

On Monday, Knox County Commission approved the FY 2026-27 budget and, along with it, this year’s tax rate, fulfilling Mayor Jacobs’ 2018 campaign pledge to not raise property taxes.

“Because of all the outstanding people who work for Knox County government, I’ve been blessed to see many great things happen while I’ve been mayor, but keeping our taxes low is the accomplishment I am most proud of,” Mayor Jacobs says.

All Knox County Government offices, including the Knox County Health Department, convenience centers, and public libraries, will be closed Friday, June 19, in observance of Emancipation Day. Libraries and convenience centers will resume regular operations Saturday, June 20. All other offices will open at regular business hours on Monday, June 22.