[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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",6639547,"mediaKeyId","3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf","parentId",3633136,"title","Commissioners ask county attorney to review river navigability and outfitter fees after tourism concerns","audioSeconds",463,"startMs",4273000,"endMs",4736000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf&start=4273&end=4736","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf/thumbnail_4273000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6639547/Polk-County/Tennessee/Commissioners-ask-county-attorney-to-review-river-navigability-and-outfitter-fees-after-tourism-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639547-7b6b4f9b9150b47cd72ce61dbc9f98b5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775118799&Signature=elvxDnBENB1Y1PCIJ11OSkCDjC4RKL~DLxhuuze6mOpH69vrEQEMt40nA~N8TlBZeGD8FknT6TFSlyLiN41gJMAOmafPkkHXhRcIsb7myTAgncN0fB2AHmwIYIdTxh11rX9vVWZulxGpZ-B7kFu9UuQ6POr07WYJ~0LTBgoZIgVqhZjCMIhyx1tr-VsRn2inDbA4lQXO0~1VWYG8F2~dmw9iS~ikW2ZcozsN2Fb0hp8kXM9Ruqdyl~dRB1ppY9PA7izNODjVTDE~1MksELHToSlfQvg7gnV7j6tG-4r-s4G0TsYEbAhJT8m9PST~zKqDbfdRCDrem3cNG3nfXxN9Rw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Polk County","date","2025-05-31T20:36:33Z","article","Commissioners raised long-standing concerns about commercial outfitters on the Ocoee River and whether Polk County receives a fair share of revenues from river-based tourism.

Several commissioners said outfitters and visitors use county services—ambulance, trash collection and law enforcement—but do not pay a direct fee to Polk County. One commissioner urged exploring whether the river\u0000s navigability classification could be revisited or whether a local fee or negotiated payment could be secured. Staff and an attendee noted a state-level payment program that provided about 18 cents per head in prior years for some uses; a county contact, Ryan, was credited with helping secure those collections.

Committee members asked the county attorney to research legal avenues, including whether navigability could be reconsidered or whether other statutory or administrative approaches could secure a per-head or per-trip payment from outfitters. Commissioners emphasized they were not targeting individual businesses but sought an equitable contribution to county services that support river tourism.

Ending: County counsel was asked to review the legal framework and report back; commissioners said any approach must be applied consistently to all outfitters if pursued.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Polk County Commission Meeting 5-22-2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners discussed the county\u0000s lack of a direct fee on commercial rafting outfitters, asked county counsel to review navigability status and legal options, and noted an existing state program that returns 18 cents per head in some cases.","taxTitle","Polk County, Tennessee","taxId",73406,"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},6639550,"Polk County commission dispute over library board minutes leads to repeated votes; minutes approved after roll call",636,3252000,3888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf&start=3252&end=3888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf/thumbnail_3252000.jpg","/articles/6639550/Polk-County/Tennessee/Polk-County-commission-dispute-over-library-board-minutes-leads-to-repeated-votes-minutes-approved-after-roll-call","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639550-4bee24f4fd6749587da37ef1ae834832/orig.mp4?Expires=1775118799&Signature=hlFtNpqWu-uSHBJvzu57G6gms~RrNLZKOz56BvUtpSsyBGpTrn-4CIcoen9id6t4uzLQ55FBYfvxeLEOOreDTXX5sAYGTYrvb~onS3m3PTZwEy-r5zqxdWBQR-QB2wyRflw9CvQps~Uh39s1Etqm~nazNs6bcZHMSYr~aG8CrapXriIQylSyUwj-UvBRQ4frypjVvwng3~kXjdvBU5Xsc0NmeG24RI~gNdgjeHJgklle~vfJemlngHunHqq4sRaB70E1SC8xavY-QDXSFqLsAb5qNmNtrJ3uJ6ED7GZQdrInM70PNWnRYHPVdo3hK1ZrPEaLp6eAOIK0cVDubh06Qw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A contentious exchange over library board appointments and minutes resurfaced at the May 22 Polk County Commission meeting, culminating in a roll-call vote to approve minutes from March.

Commissioners and county staff said the issue has persisted since February. Some commissioners argued that library board members present at a previous meeting had said they had no objection to a named appointment, while others said the minutes and process required further review. One commissioner said the matter has been delayed multiple times and urged a final vote.

After debate, a motion to approve the March minutes passed on a roll call; the meeting record shows votes taken and a final tally described as \"1 pass.\" Meeting participants noted that the library board has 12 members, and county officials said nominations are submitted to the commission for approval. Several commissioners emphasized this is not an open invitation to overturn board decisions repeatedly and urged moving on after the vote.

Ending: Commissioners approved the March minutes and said the matter should not be raised repeatedly; the commission will revisit library appointments only as required under applicable procedure.","A long-running disagreement over library board appointments and approval of minutes resurfaced at the May 22 Polk County Commission meeting. Commissioners repeatedly debated whether to accept March meeting minutes; after discussion the commission voted to approve the minutes.",{"_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},6639555,"Commission discusses County Powers Act as tool to regulate noise, crypto-mining; item tabled for further review",407,461000,868000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf&start=461&end=868","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf/thumbnail_461000.jpg","/articles/6639555/Polk-County/Tennessee/Commission-discusses-County-Powers-Act-as-tool-to-regulate-noise-crypto-mining-item-tabled-for-further-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639555-2254cc5cc8a81d1fc8d206a164d00a6c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775118799&Signature=m7mKk-KVEgrTmPyx6CP6ZDDv8Yf5NLgTdhrvwH7tTcMU0MrWHU1gP8Fr5tsHaicPo0ceZ5Tcw30FGde29IAfajZP9weL-Su3uXWZuL0QJSm0~zmK9QAnxwPSMw4uMtkVilu38klfwo6YuWyu0dBuzUIqMSY-rxs7j~MZ0U7FKwwGqo6TZyJCxqP~zHhQ1uOMA0w4zVT22RPswTcKsAt49yGNkdqM1PRvGXX8TJ1Bdw7iFgsZ76z3w6K-icmvJha6V6UPEK~fCjfGDItNoQ55Yblh7omoQeiaL6gvHgl~Vdn5kVObkryLvb3o6WkkeVMWic0DdwsoOmwyO-Eqsb0NHA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners debated adopting the County Powers Act language that would allow the county to pass resolutions regulating certain activities in unincorporated areas, including noise and business operations such as cryptocurrency mining.

Commissioner Smith introduced the item and county staff and counsel explained the statute\u0000s mechanics: the County Powers Act, drawn from Title 6 of the Tennessee Code, would give counties explicit authority to adopt resolutions that apply in unincorporated areas and to enforce those resolutions through local authority or, when necessary, court action. Staff noted a two-thirds vote is required to adopt the act and to use its powers for particular matters.

Discussion focused on whether adopting the act would let Polk County regulate specific complaints commissioners have received, including noise, excessive power use, and other nuisances tied to potential crypto-mining operations. County counsel and staff said adoption would not itself create new rules; it would provide a mechanism to adopt resolutions addressing specific issues in the future. Several commissioners asked who would enforce such resolutions; staff replied that the county would enforce resolutions in unincorporated areas and that law enforcement or county code officers could be tasked with enforcement, and the county could seek court remedies where appropriate.

Commissioners raised concerns about the breadth of the act\u0000s language and the need to avoid stepping into zoning authority. Staff emphasized that zoning is separate and that the County Powers Act is a different statutory tool. After questions and discussion, the commission decided to table the item for further review and to provide more detail on enforcement mechanisms and the kinds of regulations the county might adopt under the act.

Ending: The commission did not adopt the County Powers Act at the May 22 meeting and tabled the item for additional information and follow-up.","Commissioners discussed adopting the County Powers Act authority that would allow Polk County to adopt resolutions regulating activities in unincorporated areas, including possible limits on noise and operations tied to high-power crypto-mining facilities. The commission tabled the item pending further review and clarification.",{"_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},6639560,"Polk County commissioners press Forest Service after truck traffic damages Cookson Creek Road",314,1664000,1978000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf&start=1664&end=1978","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","/articles/6639560/Polk-County/Tennessee/Polk-County-commissioners-press-Forest-Service-after-truck-traffic-damages-Cookson-Creek-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639560-cfb27ade2c26591e5ea1fd3dbd7e5676/orig.mp4?Expires=1775118799&Signature=gt83VnpmQupgsGAJyo7whWnqBKS~-yt-9wyjosK-ShTw~BV7v2bOpuhHFe3t5GJfmaDFLSTtFV6PqS~sZDODdP0hyICi8dFiA3tdieW9torxc6OJZywGuTgkf8IXsT8jrcAPQr8OcyBSQQF4KX147qNc9bNrWTLSe7MneRKmMpWuE1N6brKFxWdKTKyaY3nK1HT0Qmsjs~fsUWgIEk6FsmKGW8bv1wlmeYZOWShXe~8SjDykpLl~NfOT2igE4eZocTS34HSGyalQemiG6fd~G0NEVka650x3eofETGqmrWLEyrwL-FwJVgxxaKGmnCksIXQ3ANKhwOBmtfPuBqmmrA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Polk County commissioners said heavy truck traffic tied to U.S. Forest Service timber hauling has severely damaged Cookson Creek Road and directed county leaders to press federal officials for remediation and financial assurances.

Commissioner David Davis told the commission the road, once among the county\u0000s best, was \"destroyed\" by timber-haul trucks working on Forest Service projects. Commissioners and residents described cracked pavement, broken base and daily heavy loads: one resident reported counting roughly 100 trucks in a single day. Commissioners said damage appears greater than road-edge cracking, and they worry the road base will require major work if the trucking continues.

Legal counsel and local officials discussed jurisdictional limits and remedies. County attorneys said the Forest Service has administrative authority but that the county may pursue claims against private trucking contractors in state court or seek federal injunctions if administrative processes fail. One commissioner urged stopping the hauling until a bond is posted to guarantee repairs; counsel said a bond or insurance held by contractors could be used to indemnify the county for repair costs.

Commissioners asked staff to arrange a meeting with Forest Service representatives, gather documentation of truck counts and damage, and prepare potential administrative claims. Several officials urged urgency: one lawyer estimated a reasonable repair-cost estimate could be \"around a half a million dollars\" depending on base repairs.

The commission did not take a formal vote to sue but instructed county staff and the county attorney's office to pursue administrative remedies, meet with the Forest Service and prepare options including injunction or litigation if the Forest Service does not agree to repairs or financial assurances.

Residents and officials said the next scheduled Forest Service public meeting on the rally race will provide a public forum for local concerns; county leaders planned to compile questions and documentation for that meeting.

Ending: County staff were asked to coordinate a meeting with the Forest Service and to compile damage documentation and cost estimates; commissioners said they would consider legal options if the Forest Service did not address the damage.","Local officials described extensive damage to Cookson Creek Road from heavy Forest Service logging truck traffic and directed staff to seek a meeting with the Forest Service and explore legal remedies, including bonds or injunctions, to cover repair costs.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6639565,"Polk County adopts new beer sales hours, OKs surplus sales and hires law firm; several routine resolutions pass",1673,1507000,3180000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf&start=1507&end=3180","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3633136-7701557377f1e547a2ad3bb4662c5fcf/thumbnail_1507000.jpg","/articles/6639565/Polk-County/Tennessee/Polk-County-adopts-new-beer-sales-hours-OKs-surplus-sales-and-hires-law-firm-several-routine-resolutions-pass","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6639565-0c39f8967230597ab567cc00005c72e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775118799&Signature=cPfJR5AkybwdrDrczzszepmdeO0ofl~aab6U9cAqDhzlZgevsVmnH~Kr5BuVLW3RtuGmFSW4C-g9qPuKMrQ6D3uDYijBys~QiZpe8htHhp3n00V0W8wXAWA7AVgebZaaUJpNI~4erxu1fS5Kc0XhPiL2NkEWqnndrduBsn5TB2tYvI9tQqgssIqGLQjw1XFAotMpDB6xPlNi9PjXqrjRARrUT-5r5V09GN5bpSCJkjKrpu3ph7t70ohn9bl58Lf6wUtKZFcOUXBY2sjxTbsuXhvowTd8ffg2DbHKJlrZLLgWVM~HAK-CxKXwf6qydNl4T7RO8qTQb1vcQsLA0INLQQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Polk County Commission voted on multiple routine and policy resolutions during its May 22 meeting in Benton, approving changes to beer sales hours, authorizing surplus property sales, and hiring outside counsel to resolve potential title issues tied to a planned Ducktown courthouse.

The most prominent vote amended county rules on beer sales and extended hours for licensed beer sales to 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. the following morning, Monday through Sunday. Commission members read the resolution (citing Tennessee Code Annotated §57-5-301) and moved to adopt the change. The resolution text states the change takes effect on adoption and when the county executive signs; county staff later said it would become effective after signature and noted a 10-day administrative timing detail.

Commissioners also approved multiple surplus-property resolutions. One resolution declared several county vehicles—listed in the meeting materials as a 2020 Dodge Charger, a 2014 Dodge Durango and a 2012 Ford Escape—surplus and authorized sale consistent with Tennessee Code Annotated provisions for disposition of county property. Separately, the commission approved listing a 1988 fire engine (500-gallon tank) from Copper Basin Fire Rescue for auction on the state
pproved gov-deals platform.

The commission voted to employ the law firm Logan Thompson, P.C., to investigate and, if necessary, litigate potential title defects affecting the county\u0000owned lots for the old and proposed new Ducktown courthouse, and to prepare any contracts or request-for-proposal materials needed to move the courthouse project forward.

Other building-and-grounds items passed with little discussion, including permission for the local fair association to place a movable storage building (subject to size and relocation conditions) on designated county property if the group secures funding and site approvals from relevant committees.

Commissioners recorded roll calls or motions for these items during the meeting; meeting materials and the read resolutions provide the legal citations and conditions for each action.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution to extend beer sales hours (Tennessee Code Annotated §57-5-301): Motion and second recorded; commission read and adopted the resolution; effective on adoption and county executive signature (administrative timing noted).
- Resolution declaring vehicles surplus (multiple resolutions): Motion and second recorded; commission authorized sale under TCA chapter on disposition of county property.
- Resolution to list a 1988 fire engine as surplus and allow Copper Basin Fire Rescue to auction it on gov-deals: Approved.
- Resolution employing Logan Thompson, P.C., to resolve potential title issues for Ducktown courthouse land and to prepare RFP/contract documents: Approved.
- Building/grounds permission for Fair Association to place a movable structure (with relocation terms): Approved.

The meeting packet included the text of each resolution and citations to the Tennessee Code where applicable.","At its May 22 meeting in Benton, the Polk County Commission approved a set of resolutions including extended beer sale hours, surplus-vehicle dispositions, employment of a law firm to resolve courthouse title issues, and several building-and-grounds permissions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners ask county attorney to review river navigability and outfitter fees after tourism concerns

Polk County commission dispute over library board minutes leads to repeated votes; minutes approved after roll call

Commission discusses County Powers Act as tool to regulate noise, crypto-mining; item tabled for further review

Polk County commissioners press Forest Service after truck traffic damages Cookson Creek Road

Polk County adopts new beer sales hours, OKs surplus sales and hires law firm; several routine resolutions pass