[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6239730,"mediaKeyId","3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae","parentId",3335620,"title","Resident warns commission about local impacts of Bitcoin mining and urges proactive engagement with utilities","audioSeconds",247,"startMs",1887000,"endMs",2134000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae&start=1887&end=2134","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae/thumbnail_1887000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6239730/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Resident-warns-commission-about-local-impacts-of-Bitcoin-mining-and-urges-proactive-engagement-with-utilities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239730-0e8e943fe22ac50ad542c9d6edaeca4a/orig.mp4?Expires=1774964227&Signature=MEE6RsZaQWeCdMzNM3kM4G3wqX7bKqshtiWklIBymNE0NaPHkxuzQH0RuLWe3GnIq017WbFLP2NRDTjHHbmNZ~0ostn4LqDskHEY7K8nYZN-zsMDXHp6tKAF5wb2RGkJ8oNAt7GyDpvYA7IFq0PSmkxT6zcLzSy3rGBOcutT-lk~YBuax6JN7Bh7lHX46~Yk1dou7w-NAS6~liaE6nJUP066t8QZypA8poM2TWkJ7zCxoKUijRgF6o0inmoBaHP0BZvKdkFVKLcGOwz2NjR662FVLZN9QDnbPy1oY0goJnf498V78JClm2q0Biz93r5dClbvltm0lP~QhaOebPHRvw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sullivan County, TN","date","2025-05-15T22:00:17Z","article","A Sullivan County resident told commissioners she wants the county to prepare for and, if necessary, say no to local cryptocurrency mining operations because of energy use, noise and community impacts.

Maureen Christie of 331 Warren Road (Klein Flats) asked the commission to “be proactive so we know what to expect, to be educated, so we can make an informed decision and say no to Bitcoin.” She said a Bitcoin mining operation in Limestone had used as much as “20% of the energy in Washington County” and that the facility there had been sued and planned to shut in March 2026.

Christie described plans by other firms to build large facilities nearby, including a reported “30 megawatt Bitcoin mine on 25 acres near Milton City,” and she warned that typical plants can use “75 megawatts of power, which can power upwards to 20,000 homes.” She said the larger new facilities “will use much more wattage, which in comparison can power a hundred thousand homes,” and that exact capacities were “not known.”

She raised nuisance concerns including sustained noise, effects on animals, and falling real-estate values, and urged the commission to maintain “open communication with our local electric companies” and to be “upfront and proactive” to prevent such facilities from locating in Sullivan County.

The remarks were delivered during the meeting’s public-comment period; commissioners did not take formal action on the matter at the meeting and did not cite specific county regulations or statutory authorities in response.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sullivan County Commission Meeting - 5/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","A resident urged Sullivan County commissioners to be proactive about potential Bitcoin mining operations, citing energy use, noise, property-value and zoning concerns and urging dialogue with local utilities and regulators.","taxTitle","Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",3933,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6239735,"Sullivan County opens recycling facility testing, partners with schools on poster contest and education",593,724000,1317000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae&start=724&end=1317","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae/thumbnail_724000.jpg","/articles/6239735/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Sullivan-County-opens-recycling-facility-testing-partners-with-schools-on-poster-contest-and-education","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239735-f41bbd8453221252381c0b1872e02d15/orig.mp4?Expires=1774964227&Signature=K3ChuihHCiVtrRG9odFVG6fZD5l3JGNqCCz1TbYAaf5vYDoFW84e6EZGfiKEVqlWMIoXW8MYDlZSh9WpdYaC2wmtfSecOE2-fsNjZ9OxyjDLI~RVcWzeGT01BZmdpMWjNflwl1wY4GF5zqH8myjDcXj40IwP23UfFCG3I2AUZLyJLwjL41DD9URfHHJNDhJ3Msz5kttwym32dZovIrpuOKEM0tFbcJqibcZdn1EZ9wfOt2DUXNC3suEhFgkrzebj-dux4eJ6mGsDB2InbD7WS7qfMcdQmpYnvZR64VQKjz-NAAvuJ4qKJt~IFbfmsQ6Wgv7OcLQ395O5BDrmZM3daw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sullivan County officials announced testing of a new recycling plant and highlighted a partnership with Sullivan County Schools that produced an Earth Day poster contest and school awards.

County staff said the recycling facility completed initial testing for hardwood and plastic processing and invited officials and the public to a formal opening and ribbon-cutting scheduled for June 10.

County recycling staff described a joint education program with Sullivan County Schools that brought classroom activities, coloring pages and poster competitions into elementary, middle and high schools. County staff member Mark (presenting) credited Angie Gilmore, the county recycling coordinator, and school officials for the collaboration and named Haley Barnett, a Westridge graduate and county employee, as the artist who helped create materials for elementary students.

County officials announced winners at the meeting: Emmylou Eden from Indian Springs (elementary), Madison Bennett (middle school), and a Sullivan East High School digital entry by Riley Hicks (high school), who was unable to attend because of graduation. Officials also presented “above and beyond environmental stewardship” awards to Emmett Elementary, Sullivan Heights Middle School and Sullivan East High School for campus cleanups and related activities.

County leaders said the outreach supports broader litter-prevention and beautification efforts under the Keep Tennessee Beautiful umbrella and encouraged community participation in the June facility opening and in school recycling education.","County solid waste leaders announced testing of a new recycling plant and a partnership with Sullivan County Schools that included an Earth Day poster contest and awards for schools' environmental stewardship.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6239740,"Commission reviews school budget first reading as residents urge tax-rate relief after revaluation",448,2926000,3374000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae&start=2926&end=3374","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae/thumbnail_2926000.jpg","/articles/6239740/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Commission-reviews-school-budget-first-reading-as-residents-urge-tax-rate-relief-after-revaluation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239740-1dc8a43fd4016d8ca240a2fc74173c2d/orig.mp4?Expires=1774964227&Signature=ccR7nSi52S4BC6y6CXeU3~eLsl3jhWb3cFGK2s9QXTwjETj2zC-LRoRu-c8wn8JEXZrW2aqPaNnS8WzzV-PeOtMarAydGIYE3k9MMon~R4xZ3-YihP6kZK-dtFUv55vr7GIj-bSwmr6IMHVhMXcND~7jKrsPzcYFl13mT1tduORnGxGTtYl2mXsgPgNarpM0bIlIP7ED8lGTbJAwY7Ezs6p6JSe2vy766vWMpgJZB0Zy9DHVs8KQBWWzTH4mcwOB3OL~UqomtNrM2Ch627OzdxJjbOGnazNkJydfEPdFwmL2HGje0VTmyguCmK9cd72H8lO7cMNehpMUQMuY~~fwxw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sullivan County Commission accepted a first reading of the school system’s budget and heard public comments urging the commission to reduce the county property tax rate to offset recent reappraisals.

Commissioner King presented the school budget and moved first reading on item 14, a step that forwards the budget for further consideration. He said the school system’s proposed spending is similar to last year with roughly $3 million in total expenditure increases and capital outlays included.

Commissioner Jones told the commission, “There is no tax increase for the school board funding this year, and, they're using the money received from the state and out of their, reserve account in order to balance school budget.”

During general public comment, two residents raised concerns about property revaluation and the tax rate. Ken Taggart said one of his properties increased “230%,” and asked why taxpayers could not appeal appraisals with the tax rate known. He asked whether appeals on appraisals would be coordinated with setting the tax rate so residents can evaluate effective tax changes.

Cynthia Kessler, speaking for a family business that owns rental homes in Piney Flats and other parts of the county, urged commissioners “to do its part as it enters and works through the budget process to plan on reducing the tax rate so that the effective taxes that citizens of Sullivan County pay will not rise through the revaluation process.” She warned that higher property taxes can reduce housing affordability and be passed through to tenants and customers.

Commissioners noted the school budget was submitted on a schedule that allows for normal advertising and review; at the meeting they did not set the county tax rate. Several commissioners said the budget committee had accepted the school budget and that more work remains before final adoption.","The commission advanced a first reading of the school budget; commissioners said the school funding requires no tax increase this year, while residents urged the commission to lower the county tax rate after steep property revaluations.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6239745,"Commission approves $12,000 increase for planning and zoning engineering reviews",296,2522000,2818000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae&start=2522&end=2818","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335620-0fb3eef6e274b29410f32303d11b4eae/thumbnail_2522000.jpg","/articles/6239745/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-12000-increase-for-planning-and-zoning-engineering-reviews","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6239745-672c037923c57f6e8278887a6990d75c/orig.mp4?Expires=1774964227&Signature=Wr7pVg9cLSLKmBYH8PpgE4FbDk7eSa3oF6zgH9R8iCP~cq1rMhAgtErnsaVeavCa4vUAQJsbWhNgmRT4tzyz58UlFxVWhnTZkkEdEEH9kRTgDeRTQeysgKl3J628VYuzTbAXi4Yzjg3aBWcZrR5k4JuRMq1BuoBZ9agNmJ0210HbPFV-N3-Q4apUlbXvi2I0whKIyiSsTPV2lTyznjDmiF~dqRW9ikQjKVeK8E1prLjJEaG8MlONIelddrbU1zBulnd5ux~XIB6TwGuNL9TJe~7FoTQyp64-9H4Eb-mPecvOpnQ8zhk32d-eloeg5xvroyiPldewC0auAEMvVlwtVA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Sullivan County Commission approved a $12,000 increase to the Planning and Zoning department’s contract services to cover engineering reviews of developer plans.

Commissioner King told the commission the department had budgeted $5,000 last year but “with the amount of plans that had came in, we're gonna need $12,000 in order to pay for the engineering services.”

The request covers outside engineering reviews performed when developers submit plans for review and approval. Commissioner King said the additional funds will come from the general fund and reviewed permit fee increases approved previously would offset the cost.

Commissioner Glover supported the vote, saying the engineering review “protects the county from any litigation if we don't have this in place.”

The sponsor moved the item under the waiver rules requiring an expanded majority for passage; the clerk recorded the vote as 17 yes, 7 absent, and the measure was adopted.

The commission and staff did not change the county’s permit fee structure as part of this vote; King noted the permit fee increases already approved are expected to cover the expense going forward. No ordinance or statute was cited during the discussion.

The funding change takes effect immediately for payment of services already rendered and for anticipated future reviews, and staff were directed to administer the contract increase through the department's existing procurement processes.","Sullivan County Commission voted to add $12,000 to the Planning and Zoning department’s contract services to pay for outside engineering review of development plans, with commissioners saying the work protects the county from potential litigation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident warns commission about local impacts of Bitcoin mining and urges proactive engagement with utilities

Sullivan County opens recycling facility testing, partners with schools on poster contest and education

Commission reviews school budget first reading as residents urge tax-rate relief after revaluation

Commission approves $12,000 increase for planning and zoning engineering reviews