Kingsport secures transfer of dental clinic for future school development

Kingsport is making significant strides towards establishing a dental school, as the City Council approved a resolution to accept the transfer of the Kingsport Dental Clinic property at 117 West Severe Avenue. This move marks a pivotal step in the city’s vision for a comprehensive dental education facility, with plans for master planning in collaboration with Northeast State, ETSU, and UT Health Science Center.

During the meeting, city officials expressed gratitude to Governor Lee's office for providing $6.5 million in funding, which was crucial for the acquisition and future improvements of the facility. "We are now the proud owners of the building that for the last couple of years we have leased," stated a council member, highlighting the unique opportunity this project presents for Kingsport and the region.

The resolution passed unanimously, with council members emphasizing the importance of this moment for the community. Vice Mayor Duncan noted, "This is the first step towards a full-fledged dental school here in Kingsport," underscoring the potential impact on local education and healthcare.

In addition to the dental school discussion, the council also approved a resolution for electronic bill payment services with Paymentus Corporation, transitioning from their previous provider to enhance customer payment options. The new system will allow for credit and debit card transactions, bank transfers, and eChecks, with a transaction fee of $2.25 for credit cards and 20 cents for checks.

Lastly, the council discussed an agreement with Fifth Asset, Inc. for improved debt management, aimed at increasing transparency and efficiency within the city's financial operations. This initiative reflects Kingsport's ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for better governance.

With these developments, Kingsport is poised to enhance its educational landscape and streamline city services, marking a promising future for its residents.