[{"_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",6544140,"mediaKeyId","3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581","parentId",3804295,"title","Oakland releases $75,000 surety for Fairway Village Section D after inspections","audioSeconds",246,"startMs",3700000,"endMs",3946000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581&start=3700&end=3946","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581/thumbnail_3700000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544140/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-releases-75000-surety-for-Fairway-Village-Section-D-after-inspections","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544140-e90a27732feb343583f673399dd0516a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109593&Signature=btT-Hxbz50ozATCFSTDZJGCGa7AIhOBHaTfuIp6rVOXvyAHKfYxuIuIYC2CIsgifJAAajWrer8p2EVeR1QfPVGnHN8VVfo~y6QJ5fBwT4vIp0OOs82y63j6sGfPTxnUZXUKCX~rFsSt40oKdU3L6RH7u9R6bcI~UGu0FZK-CAxdGqKoIwWJg-sMgdzEnAX4LseLCw2QCrO4Zf-ObBeLqqUtBiwFjc1a92~lWq8u8fFwyMUE3JLXM8wx5SAvjqDseiutz6OvouBOEQEnGNdtE6W4bcr7KH5IXGlV7fwdJqQTc7SmzqWX~nTZWcWmmEU4ony8s5Tjr-k5YLdzDkjc86w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Oakland","date","2025-06-12T00:00:00Z","article","The Oakland Board of Aldermen approved releasing a $75,000 surety bond for Fairway Village Section D after town staff and the planning commission reviewed the subdivision's final surfacing and warranty period.

Town staff and consulting engineers reported that the final course of pavement had been in place for more than two years and that inspections found no warranty issues requiring the bond to remain in place. The development agreement requires warranty coverage until 100% of lots are occupied; staff said only a small number of lots remained unoccupied and that on-site checks by town representatives found the roads in good condition.

Town Manager Mister Ellis and planning staff explained the developer had paid both base and surface course work and had requested release of the surety after the warranty period elapsed. Ed Corton (developer representative) and staff reviewed the final-course condition; the board approved release on a motion made by the vice mayor and carried by voice vote.

Staff noted that if any subsequent warranty issues arise the town retains remedies available under the development agreement; the release was approved subject to administrative confirmation of minor punch-list items.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Oakland Tennessee Live Stream 2025-06-12","oneSentenceSummary","The board approved release of a $75,000 developer surety for Fairway Village Section D after town staff and on-site checks found roads and final surfacing in acceptable condition; the release is subject to minor corrective items noted by staff.","taxTitle","Oakland, Fayette County, Tennessee","taxId",71227,"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},6544145,"Oakland approves water rate decrease, sewer rate increase to cover treatment debt",123,2587000,2710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581&start=2587&end=2710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581/thumbnail_2587000.jpg","/articles/6544145/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-approves-water-rate-decrease-sewer-rate-increase-to-cover-treatment-debt","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544145-4fc68bef03b501f6e06ccb341a418287/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109593&Signature=nFhrEcBWoQJp9U6EqEywKvz7ymch46Dd~nYiOFDuAARNuL9LwCCRt0JhnAIvao0tQ15lIMZhgDUuRvl~~AlJxu3zm05qb2dQEbH0y2bHqD0~Sbn08yJvoOLVSxqMAvyCdDz0NeX0hdTorNJ7YfN7HFnpR9wYdNM0tMfv9LJqaH3VqoG~UJW2XpX8rlY9KiPMtUDwdLr-AR8QL9DYKdSacsFIfnanrKy92Ts0X~-YPvo6-QICIsV3asNBLWYfDdWy~KG8z6iATRx4ihciM7evisl6wNggkJTFaEtY3cRE9Y9hPUDD7JC23B9hwi0fvJre-9iHErv54Pd7znvgFsKe9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Aldermen passed Ordinance 2507 on first reading, approving a $2 reduction in the water base fee for the 2,500-gallon base and raising sewer rates to cover debt from recent wastewater plant upgrades.

Town Manager Mister Ellis said the town incurred substantial debt to update its wastewater treatment plant and explained state law requires sewer revenues to pay associated debt; those costs cannot be paid from property or sales taxes. He said the sewer revenue shortfall is borne by approximately 5,000 sewer customers.

The ordinance sets the in-city base water bill to $15.47 (a $2 decrease on the 2,500-gallon base) and leaves other water tiers unchanged. For residential sewer service the ordinance raises the minimum bill to $28.39 for the first 1,000 gallons and charges $8.11 for each additional 1,000 gallons. The commercial rate was set at $43 per 1,000 gallons with $12.17 per additional 1,000 gallons.

Ellis said the decrease in the water base and increase in sewer charges are scheduled to take effect July 1; the billing cycle means customers will receive one month of the prior adjustment in June. The town cited a utility rate study performed by MTAS (Municipal Technical Advisory Service) and staff in proposing the changes.

Aldermen asked about irrigation meters that can bill water without sewer charges; staff said an irrigation meter option is available and should be advertised to residents who irrigate extensively.

A motion to pass the ordinance carried on a voice vote.

","Board passed Ordinance 2507: the town will reduce the water base fee by $2 (base inside city limits $15.47) and raise sewer rates (residential minimum $28.39) to cover wastewater treatment plant debt; changes take effect July 1 if adopted.",{"_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},6544150,"Oakland aldermen keep property tax rate at 0.6342 on first reading",165,2385000,2550000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581&start=2385&end=2550","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581/thumbnail_2385000.jpg","/articles/6544150/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-aldermen-keep-property-tax-rate-at-06342-on-first-reading","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544150-883fae5feb4ef9a5c4d116fbdd1bded8/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109593&Signature=N3uxCFfwyGJfRc2cHcvCT114oPJHqsy1lJjAD2ebemzUOUDuqmbClNevrfsUp~q89bwJZhO1E1OgwO6OG-~bMKp8x8mThx7gfYx7yJb5VNXDKQtbii-FzlGaIKkt9R7ttWGLpMaCogJC6fpxx9irIdby5Ft0RGVkRO1uCEKAjHMqx3NHxpanoGH24Kq~rGBeq0ra5xpwuDgIv3RjZ9NLt1uUBgmZrhIhjURRsCN8h9vOrm7UtdrpIIE-cKGMJQYhgbdCWY7DsBlNy1Ty4EQBn~eGFCGOmrHc-AfkTYm259JMW97cLIlzQFJtIe8gJ~FBI3UNoJOfEyZkyBN1BCRsJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of Ordinance 2506 to establish the municipal property tax levy for fiscal year 2026 and set a public hearing date in June.

Town Manager Mister Ellis explained that Fayette County completed reassessments and the assessor recommended a certified rate of 0.4552. Ellis recommended the town leave its property tax rate at the current 0.6342; he acknowledged that maintaining the existing rate will result in a property-tax increase for some taxpayers because assessed values rose.

Ellis and board members discussed priorities for any increased revenue, including public-safety salaries, advancing design work for Fire Station No. 2 and adding public-works staff. Vice Mayor Cates and other members said they support dedicating revenue to first responders and critical infrastructure. On a motion, the board passed the reading on the town manager's recommendation.

","Board accepted the first reading of Ordinance 2506 establishing the municipal property tax levy for FY2026 and set a public hearing date; town manager recommended keeping the current rate of 0.6342 despite a lower county certified rate.",{"_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},6544154,"Oakland aldermen accept FY2026 budget reading, set public hearing for June",255,2129000,2384000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581&start=2129&end=2384","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581/thumbnail_2129000.jpg","/articles/6544154/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-aldermen-accept-FY2026-budget-reading-set-public-hearing-for-June","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544154-e2d277094a5e06c259684e76d324e825/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109593&Signature=cXWL~~3BoUsW92Kp9OOijpXQ-N0LKcuf6MUvDevDON4ZrKZ8T42RT6CZIBYVIEVy5YdcDDFXMQ7UNC28WITEyQIteNIhF6Vbo9J6Lg7Sqy9mtXlJ3qVZnO7M1Wa0ThvMoqcQ7OJO33-HMsbwdCWyhu5dXK5H2Szv31bYuzPCaSfRAQ1~vEF1OTLx1PX-aoYDQ3miRfKNBnUXEL~OAXPIOrSh5ZJm2VRggQbw-odT05~zQM76qaU-nrW3Kg5ostlOXlAGAs3BbOj8gv4igpVSuDxwsySKsSZqFModwghM-yvK6LA9xhhwHD9HhYzF4xNyiJ-LAKWCeAT5kqZwQ9wN5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of Ordinance 2505 adopting the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget and established a public hearing date in June.

Town Manager Mister Ellis presented the budget packet and noted a typographical correction to his title on the final page (changed to town recorder, Miss Bullock). Alderman Hummel and other board members asked for clarification on a $1,000,000 line item listed under pending capital projects for \"city hall renovation.\" Ellis said that figure was a placeholder that would probably be revised based on recently received inspection and remediation estimates.

Alderman Hummel questioned whether the $1,000,000 estimate would be sufficient; Ellis responded that the draft was prepared before the most recent contractor estimates were received and that he would forward the updated mold and remediation quotes to the board. Alderman Campbell and Vice Mayor Cates supported moving the ordinance forward for the reading and scheduling the public hearing.

Board members also discussed staffing and departmental needs. Vice Mayor Cates asked the town manager to explore adding personnel to public works and parks and recreation, citing peer comparisons with nearby towns' public-works staffing levels. The budget package shows available funds in the water department and identifies areas where departments seek increased resources; the town manager said those items could be modified before final adoption.

A motion to accept the reading with discussed changes carried on a voice vote. The board set a public hearing in June to take public testimony before the ordinance's second reading and final vote.

","The Board accepted the first reading of the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget, with changes discussed and a public hearing scheduled for June; members questioned a placeholder $1,000,000 line for city hall renovation and asked staff for more detailed cost estimates.",{"_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},6544159,"Oakland aldermen decline purchase of former church at 14655 Highway 194",700,2915000,3615000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581&start=2915&end=3615","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3804295-db675d0c0ddae92c78218fe997bd1581/thumbnail_2915000.jpg","/articles/6544159/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-aldermen-decline-purchase-of-former-church-at-14655-Highway-194","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544159-30095728fbc894adccead8561d81368a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771109593&Signature=kAAQkZato6GDhbSa9c1FrAUoh6dcCV~O8pNX~NdoqF6OB9nfqrLwNGNh2eVd3DvSYXjo5MMPb-D12ociwK3jYeIE6Mq16H-djOhRgD4F6yY4crlLgqKuF8BrDtUg4wqGogOJ~bKHBKGbFFvpfwTP3tL1Cz~mjxz5C-0jsPKNTDdERv7cSVWhIfD2GfDEYzeBFitcGTARxMVG1Rfy03IS9jt6wLvwWRtCZ4wrfrfuqheb-b3F-nEY6Lk1o6W64eShid0egROvqgHjfWE9uDv5fKLjS3AHSfl-Pyox2fhEaHPvlvi9e9sdI6YSKJ~uGXiWi2WJHkpYEkjA-9A~1eHxPQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a special-called meeting the Oakland Board of Aldermen voted to stop pursuing the purchase of the former church property at 14655 Highway 194, declining a resolution that would have authorized the mayor to execute a purchase contract.

The vote followed extended public comment opposing the buy and staff presentations that summarized inspection reports and cost estimates for repairs and hazardous-material abatement. Town Manager Mister Ellis said the purchase was proposed to give immediate office space for town employees and to buy time while the town pursued longer-term options. Town Attorney Mike Miner warned the board that if it did not notify the real-estate agent before the contract deadline the town could be legally required to close on the property.

Supporters and opponents of the purchase spoke during citizens' comments. Paul Ponce, a resident, said continuing to pursue the purchase “reflects a troubling disregard for fiscal responsibility.” Several speakers urged the board to consider alternatives, including building new facilities on town-owned land or leasing space rather than buying and renovating an older building.

Mister Ellis told the board the idea behind the purchase was to remove employees from cramped leased and converted spaces and avoid incurring long-term debt by renovating an existing structure. He also noted the binder the board received contained structural, hazardous-material and cost-estimate reports. \"If you're not 150% committed to this project, vote no and we'll look at other options,\" Ellis said.

The board heard multiple cost estimates during the discussion. Residents and staff cited a $375,000 asking price for the property and a renovation/abatement estimate of $1,649,849 provided in the town's packet; Ellis and a real-estate representative cautioned those numbers were estimates and likely to increase when contractors begin work. Citizens raised specific concerns about asbestos, mold and potential septic issues in the building and questioned whether the town would be better served building a new facility on land it already owns.

Town Attorney Mike Miner explained the contract timeline: the original 30-day due-diligence period ended May 29, was extended 15 days, and — absent a timely notice from the town — the contract would “go hard” on the stated date and obligate the town to close. Miner said he would send a letter to the seller and the seller's attorney immediately if the board decided not to proceed.

After debate, Alderman Hummel moved that the board not proceed with the purchase; the motion carried on a roll-call vote. The board directed the town attorney to notify the seller promptly so the contract would not become enforceable.

The decision ends the town's immediate effort to buy and renovate the former church for municipal administrative use; board members said they expect to continue evaluating other sites and options for a new city hall.

","After public comment and a review of inspection estimates, the Oakland Board of Aldermen voted to stop proceeding with a contract to buy a former church and related property at 14655 Highway 194; town attorneys said failure to notify the seller before the deadline would obligate the town to close.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oakland releases $75,000 surety for Fairway Village Section D after inspections

Oakland approves water rate decrease, sewer rate increase to cover treatment debt

Oakland aldermen keep property tax rate at 0.6342 on first reading

Oakland aldermen accept FY2026 budget reading, set public hearing for June

Oakland aldermen decline purchase of former church at 14655 Highway 194