[{"_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",6196393,"mediaKeyId","3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2","parentId",3857703,"title","Cocke County delays final budget vote pending certified tax rate from state","audioSeconds",130,"startMs",583000,"endMs",713000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2&start=583&end=713","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2/thumbnail_583000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6196393/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Cocke-County-delays-final-budget-vote-pending-certified-tax-rate-from-state","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6196393-dac6fd3f898364532b217b5804f0ddd5/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497608&Signature=bsTSvNw2Jp8~ni0lPfJK5hb-3FGufujdEByindDsf5KYdVJqdYUDAeH-tast1Lzg3zls0CFKGgd4fqWdqFm1tei7YG4Y2fkjro-ZhKaIA2Xtj9mOwp4U-yAAshAvG3jou~So0b8N76tFL4AQePF~ofDUI9zAHx05zIPIQ7B46x~u7jmIZ~NxsWfiW0g505XDsQg-EobzcLoO~jUleBVeQ5Wjye9a76QRuA51r-ZgVUzzIWw-REzuM9s~KOZ9TeK7J~4nh7Ibu3DNvgq6P9NPwz69YnT1iOaFoYxhVKHg~vnCwakKSGXkp1RsS2EGseYvMrxAfyHmfhfYJUvmbaY9OQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cocke County, TN","date","2025-06-17T02:48:26Z","article","Cocke County officials told the commission that the county will delay final budget adoption until the state issues the certified tax rate required in a reappraisal year.

Heather (identified in the meeting as the budget committee representative) said the budget committee recommended approval of tax transfers and amendments but noted one item affecting the school system came to the committee after its meeting. She told commissioners she was being cautious to avoid audit findings and to ensure line items do not exceed authorized budgets.

County leaders and the mayor repeated that the county completed internal work on the budget but must wait for the state-certified tax rate, which depends on the board of equalization and reassessment calculations. \"We're waiting on a certified tax rate from the state. And then once I have that, I'll be able to publish it in the paper and we can set a meeting date,\" the mayor said.

No final budget vote was held; staff indicated they will return with the budget for formal consideration once the certified tax rate is received from the state.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","CLB June 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","County leaders said the FY budget could not be finalized because Cocke County is in a reappraisal year and must wait for the state-certified tax rate and board-of-equalization results before a final vote.","taxTitle","Cocke County, Tennessee","taxId",52281,"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},6196397,"Commission approves OHM master-plan contract for Exit 440 water/wastewater study; city annexation questions remain",135,2107000,2242000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2&start=2107&end=2242","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2/thumbnail_2107000.jpg","/articles/6196397/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-OHM-master-plan-contract-for-Exit-440-waterwastewater-study-city-annexation-questions-remain","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6196397-90eb8f67cd2adb69f663997cd8feec45/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497608&Signature=MMBeAXurgWcBlM35-oCN3Fa1bkpk7qv6JHWp9e2DXSw73-03GBjvGO4-U4IJ96tYb03o~YAYXYC0ZUKNh56wVIgD5bFxEouvG60Z4MYiqtC0YASXj9Kq~-H3dAbZpgYVrQR01kCsa~SCrCm7--gtVlOMwWAhDFRtoQ1Sm4LY3GWQILVKHpxSmSg7-ap7gyZWV3v8qm80BoGI8JgRhmyYKaFIEf8PbXzwMrOGvWCZbw1VUIs-v8LFAnCdncEAfL3h7gtLzayqBpMC2SR33qfLJCyqs~ESxhFRFtfAxvgkz7KlTbtrT88r8jOUdGFczN7h8NfW8jYZjTfn6sgD6MKLzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cocke County commissioners voted to contract OHM to develop a master plan for infrastructure (water and wastewater) at Exit 440, a step county leaders said is necessary to identify a permanent buildout strategy for the area.

Mayor Mathis told the commission the OHM contract is intended to produce a permanent solution — a master plan that shows how water and sewer could be extended to serve the Exit 440 area and the Cosby school area for the next decade. The mayor said funds for the planning study come from AquaFunds and that no county general-fund money is required to pay for the study.

Commissioners raised concerns about the city of Newport's growth plan and the potential for annexation of Exit 440 once infrastructure is in place. \"What is gonna stop the city of Newport from annexing Exit 440?\" Commissioner Andy Ford asked. Mayor Mathis said the county will need to negotiate with Newport — either by adjusting the city's growth plan or by contractual agreements that could limit annexation or define terms for future service and development.

The mayor and staff said the master plan will be used to determine costs and the next steps; once the plan identifies the build-out and price, the county would seek funding and negotiate with the city on potential annexation or service agreements. The contract with OHM was approved by roll call. No county appropriation for construction was approved at this meeting; the vote authorized only the planning study.","Cocke County accepted a contract with OHM to prepare a master plan for Exit 440 infrastructure, funded through external AquaFunds; commissioners discussed how to address possible future annexation by Newport and confirmed the plan will identify buildout needs and funding options.",{"_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},6196402,"$6 million federal grant moves Halestop Mountain trail plans forward; county weighs maintenance commitment",185,1384000,1569000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2&start=1384&end=1569","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2/thumbnail_1384000.jpg","/articles/6196402/Cocke-County/Tennessee/6-million-federal-grant-moves-Halestop-Mountain-trail-plans-forward-county-weighs-maintenance-commitment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6196402-e5f4bd664c7f647dc9a7f8b43f2fb71c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497608&Signature=gFvk5wOkOBT0ARk4-BlRg72P4LfttoWrt3BD5wSLmm1bRWKta3ErtnkrK35b78zHMgnnomtgiu-smIzMUuRftxkeMHZmNboqcskec46HL~14~v~l2u8gx-MSsUnp9Qyoo4A~GSEWZtVkgPTA51PvayRAUijHTLTE1IC26F02oytXGeOIlmSSQSzofaOJ0rWgAp5QC9p-vVqfBIJd-sk346A2IMmpZxCCeKLPrMWtcd5veBdmHVwNkCoWjOM4Umt-ZGdws3-gjeQROGhSODUNGpa4Ephmf3HmCyNJ8AdvwEpze1pYNdlwz4yEoq~nXqlphlO9wUHeUPMeBT7Zy9eygw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County economic-development officials told commissioners the Halestop Mountain trail project has federal funds committed but that the county must still meet permitting and maintenance conditions before construction begins.

Michael Brady, representing the Cocke County Partnership, said the project has an approximately $6 million ARRC grant allocated from then-Senator Lamar Alexander for construction of 50–75 miles of mountain-bike trails, with the first phase planned at about 11 miles and money set aside for parking and restroom facilities. Brady said procurement letters have been sent to adjacent property owners to acquire or lease the small parcels needed for trail access and facilities.

\"We have funds available to purchase or lease an acre from each one of these individuals, and it sounds to me like both of them are gonna kinda work together to have a win-win situation,\" Brady said.

Brady outlined required next steps to the U.S. Forest Service: an SF-299 special-use permit, a memorandum of understanding, a maintenance plan and a business plan. The Forest Service has requested that the county stand behind maintenance; Brady asked the commission to consider a resolution showing support while avoiding an unconditional financial guarantee.

Brady said trail-maintenance partners — including the Southern Off-Road Bicycling Association (SORBA) and a Knoxville-based Appalachian mountain-biking organization — have offered to help. \"They said, look. We'll do it for you. You don't have to buy any trucks. We'll just bring our own equipment. We just have to cover our gas and our time. We also will involve volunteers,\" Brady said, cautioning that cost estimates remain preliminary.

Brady also described a task force and a public listening session where residents raised ancillary concerns such as road impacts and trash on holiday weekends; he said the county will provide a five-year maintenance estimate and explore state funding options to reduce county burden.

Commissioners asked staff to produce a business plan and maintenance-cost estimate and to return with a recommended memorandum of understanding that clarifies the county's commitments and the role of volunteer organizations and contractors. No construction contract or land purchase was approved at the meeting.","Cocke County Partnership reported a $6 million federal grant for 50–75 miles of mountain-bike trails in phases; county staff must submit a Forest Service SF-299 permit, a maintenance plan and memorandum of understanding, and commissioners discussed how to limit long-term county liability.",{"_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},6196407,"Cocke County commissioners approve three state-highway rezones; campground rule change tabled",325,5000,330000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2&start=5&end=330","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3857703-2c1ae28bbece1c0247a8649d76da64f2/thumbnail_5000.jpg","/articles/6196407/Cocke-County/Tennessee/Cocke-County-commissioners-approve-three-state-highway-rezones-campground-rule-change-tabled","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6196407-37132c874dc38fab7c9b501fae240449/orig.mp4?Expires=1775497608&Signature=VxRlhl5Olycwo2NArwYdJY06JQHe1bQYoaDE16VbfP75Y~M03S~bcqqxTmu8VeLv9RfmnpIgSyRcPVqWzlqbGJoC6rgKOY9DK38-LiePz9Lp4HITnHHdbVAmGxqH4iiV7yjA3kH6CEhw9Rhs870W3ElB9fNsVx1ilhZIyYeptspVN9rJVx3hhuLUXCzZHUe7t4i5BeSMCtU3wwMA-ZppETfreZWhhDnfzY4al0DekOjVIwH7I5dMl7zdmavvdlTw6DLhnB8L-9XeNNtqgFu5eriHgUmIZdi6ooU89mfMNndmv7twYOzywSLVHTN~rzUyJoyAXVlsY8TyDJeVCXJcQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Cocke County commissioners on Thursday approved three rezoning requests for properties along Cosby Highway but tabled a separate proposal to amend the county zoning resolution to permit campgrounds and recreational-vehicle (RV) parks in the A-1 Agriculture/Forestry zoning district as a special exception.

The commission approved rezones for 3066 Cosby Highway (Map 093, Parcel 071) and 3082 Cosby Highway (Map 102, Parcel 017) from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (commercial), and for 4362 Cosby Highway (Map 119, Parcel 075.06) from R-1 to C-2. A fourth petition, for 565 Highway 160 (Map 039, Parcel 043.01), to change from R-1 to A-1 (agriculture), also passed. Each item had been recommended by the planning commission during a prior meeting.

The rezoning votes were handled individually after an initial attempt to bundle the requests with the zoning-amendment resolution failed. The commission took voice or roll-call votes on each parcel and approved the individual rezones following planning commission recommendation and staff presentations.

Commission discussion about the proposed zoning amendment — which would add campground and RV-park uses as a special exception in A-1 — focused on location and process rather than outright opposition to campgrounds. Commissioners and citizens raised concerns that allowing campgrounds in agricultural areas could permit RV parks on small county roads and in valley communities where neighbors do not want that use.

\"Most of them that I've talked to ... do not want RVs in agricultural areas,\" Commissioner Gail Blaser said during debate, pressing for clearer limits on where the county would allow such uses. Several commissioners asked for language that would limit special-exception campgrounds in A-1 to parcels that front state highways and that require Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) approval when on state routes. Planning commission staff and representatives said a site plan and planning-commission review would still be required for any special-exception application.

Planning commission staff confirmed that campgrounds are not currently listed in Cocke County's zoning regulations and that the proposed resolution was intended to add a regulated pathway — not an automatic entitlement — for those uses. Staff noted additional permit requirements for some sites, including TDOT access approval and floodplain elevation certificates for properties in flood-prone areas.

After several commissioners asked for the proposed language to explicitly require state-highway frontage or other guardrails, a second to the motion was withdrawn and the item was tabled for revision and return to the board.

The commission’s actions mean the individual rezones will proceed as approved; the broader zoning-text amendment to allow campgrounds in A-1 will be revised and returned for further review and vote.

The commission meeting record shows planning commission support for the rezones; objections from several residents were noted at the planning level and in public comment to the zoning amendment. No new ordinance or code text was adopted for campgrounds at this meeting.","The Cocke County Commission approved three rezoning requests along Cosby Highway and voted to return a proposed amendment that would allow campgrounds and RV parks as a special exception in A-1 agricultural zoning for further work after commissioners raised location and guardrail questions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Cocke County delays final budget vote pending certified tax rate from state

Commission approves OHM master-plan contract for Exit 440 water/wastewater study; city annexation questions remain

$6 million federal grant moves Halestop Mountain trail plans forward; county weighs maintenance commitment

Cocke County commissioners approve three state-highway rezones; campground rule change tabled