State of the County
February 2026

Citizens of White County,

It is my honor to report to you the current State of the County. As we move into 2026, White County stands stronger, more stable and more forward focused than at any point in history. Our progress is the result of disciplined financial management, steady economic development, stronger infrastructure, and a commitment to transparency and accountability.  

Your county government closed the fiscal year with a combined emphasis on living within our means while planning for the future. One of the most significant milestones of the past year is the state audit of White County returning zero findings, the first time in several decades our county has achieved this standard. A key contributor to this success was solving the long-standing landfill closure fund deficit. With the state requiring counties to fully fund closure/post closure liabilities, White County citizens would have faced an $8 million burden. Instead, we turned this liability into an asset. 

During the budget cycle, commisioners and the Budget Committee worked through multiple proposals to balance competitive pay for employers with a responsible property tax rate. With the reappraisal process that took place in 2025, property saw a significant increase in value. Although this is great for property owners by increasing net worth, it does raise property tax payments. To offset those increases as much as possible the tax rate for White County was lowered from $2.05 to $1.41. That was over a 30% decrease in the tax rate, putting it at the lowest rate in modern history. I am very proud to report that while working through these issues we also paid off all of the debt in County General as part of our financial strategy. 

We broke ground on a new state-of-the-art Health Department. The facility will have several new amenities to serve the citizens including tele-health and mental health capabilities. Construction has remained on schedule despite weather, with completion targeted for summer of 2026. 

White County provided and invested almost $5 million in grant funding for BonDeCroft, De-White, O'Connor, and Quebeck-Walling utility Districts. This was used to update lines, tanks and pumps throughout the county to decrease the chance of water outages and contamination. The Quebeck-Walling District also secured a $200,000 Infrastructure Planning Grant to strengthen long term planning which is critical for growth and resilience. 

The Three Star program, TN Department of Economic & Community Development's initiative, awarded grants statewide in October 2025. White County received $250,000 for an ADA accessible pavilion at the White County Recreational Complex. This pavilion will be available for events and to be enjoyed by White County Citizens.

Local employment remained solid. White County's unemployment rate as of December 2025 was 3.9%, reflecting continued labor market strength entering into 2026. 

White County Schools again achieved the top Level 5 TVAAS growth score for the 2024-2025 school year, evidence that our students are exceeding expectations and our teachers are providing a quality education to our kids, grand-kids and future leaders. With the High School's Career and Technical Education (CTE) program, along with partnering with TCAT, Motlow State, and TTU and other post-secondary education programs, this is giving the best possible training to students, preparing them for a world of opportunities as they enter into adulthood.

White County announced the brand-new Scotts Gulf State Park, officially designated as Tennessee's 60th State Park on May 9, 2025. Thousands of acres of preserved wilderness offer one of the most scenic natural landscapes in the state. The park incorporates iconic destinations such as Virgin Falls, Lost Creek Falls, Dog Cove, and Welch's Point. Plans for new amenities including restrooms, expanded trails, additional campsites, and a future visitor center. 

White County is preparing to welcome a long-awaited Upper Cumberland State Veterans Cemetery, a project made possible after receiving approximately $7.5 million in federal funding. The cemetery will sit on 127 acres along Country Club Road, offering local veterans and their families a dignified no cost final resting place. The project has been years in the making and will include an administrative building, maintenance facility, and chapel.

White County also received a grant to help fund a Parks & Rec Director. This marks a major step in building a comprehensive Parks & Rec Department, including improvements in youth sports, event scheduling, and expanded opportunities such as the new disc golf course. 

This was a historical year for White County. Through strong leadership and clear vision, we achieved many goals, delivering real results and earning well-deserved recognition for our community's success. Looking ahead my commitment remains the same: Work hard, be a good steward of your tax dollars, collaborate with our municipalities, regional, state and federal partners, and keep the focus on results that improve everyday life in White County.

Thank you to every person, business, church, school, and organization that makes White County a place we are proud to call home. May God bless your family, Sparta, White County, Tennessee, and our great nation.

Denny Wayne Robinson
White County Executive