[{"_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",6521272,"mediaKeyId","5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9","parentId",5107969,"title","Oakland to contract with Godwin & Associates for FY2026 audit","audioSeconds",188,"startMs",4375000,"endMs",4563000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9&start=4375&end=4563","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9/thumbnail_4375000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6521272/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-to-contract-with-Godwin-Associates-for-FY2026-audit","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521272-c35b4de3e01a62de0a7b6c76ac666f52/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163168&Signature=QA3hQQwgXw6LMKtJgf~awPrivEW2stJVZtonTinESMmLtAJRd1cVvmTrM3L0BFPFvZ0r1Fnznb6CKZcEGnr6uTT3pMhpPjgjObYOyK1hkKOX4nkodlnP1C3MG-lYKjAC0ebnKcGDEOUu~DYpZsCNsk~00OH9ZnHSaRKXv9WsRTJuvR-XjrgpsxKBGdbmO8BozKKCAjyFocWVUqVDFPBa-j0yZ8ZtGsDIYxFYxG0hyBu~eh7JrNdMIH-7wLPAKXCl9gfjNhkJC2Ra~J-wzMhmQe1QPgB9~78KSc1aQQqE5zsQsgyAzhzYLTgbBGflQvoUOKSNZrXvvzvSIRrVc9jIZg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Town of Oakland","date","2025-06-30T22:39:45Z","article","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted to authorize the mayor to enter a professional-services contract with Godwin and Associates of Savannah, Tennessee to perform auditing services for fiscal year 2026, as described in resolution 25-19.

Town Manager Ellis told the board staff had worked with Somerville to prepare information and had adopted several Somerville policies and procedures to streamline audits. The manager said Godwin approached the town and that the firm already audits Somerville; staff recommended rotation of auditors after five years with the prior firm. The proposed contract is a one-year engagement with two optional additional years.

Vice Mayor Cates moved to accept the staff recommendation; Alderman Campbell seconded. The board approved the measure by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Board members noted that rotation of audit firms is good practice and that adopting a new firm can provide an additional review of municipal finances. The mayor asked staff to proceed with contract execution and onboarding steps to ensure the FY2026 audit work begins as scheduled.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Town of Oakland Tennessee Live Stream","oneSentenceSummary","By voice vote the board authorized the mayor to enter a professional-services contract with Godwin and Associates (Savannah, Tenn.) to perform the FY2026 audit, citing rotation of auditors and staff coordination with Somerville.","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},6521276,"Oakland names seven volunteers to new Industrial Development Board with staggered terms",300,1457000,1757000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9&start=1457&end=1757","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9/thumbnail_1457000.jpg","/articles/6521276/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-names-seven-volunteers-to-new-Industrial-Development-Board-with-staggered-terms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521276-94f4bf69e0969aec5146581a8573ea43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163168&Signature=R5oOkTI3-Z4Ia8cuoTXdfmc7lE7EvM~NiHjx1uEuOyDB1yVgdfuoqatokY~wOu4xlEhvyWTgi9gd4MjmdSRQ6A9ZCdbIoNcvAL9AR3dxGZPYjgqSSthqViD6Xdd1cTaV6ZqSJcuOlXRJReVFud7Figd8DTgeaT9oSUCQyHAOirOzU-Eg0N3yIism9kwM6-cEb9E4Jl7iFMXWRn5Ml-PNw1FNNumq791n4wJWNYSS7MdPy7HwlogSqURxiTsuSw7p7bFTgnTO3azvFvPZ2GO06jS6UNwZRFL5o9B7vsVXeC3Urjnm-G0cNztznJQ3fAtY~MbxwDjcNkN~SSBhg0fx2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved a slate of seven nominees to a newly formed Industrial Development Board charged with recruiting businesses to Oakland, a move the mayor said is timed to allow immediate work if the budget passes.

The board confirmed nominees and the staggered terms described by the mayor: two members begin with two-year terms, two with four-year terms and three with six-year terms. The nominees and the terms listed by the mayor were: Ken Sutton and Dave Prosper (two-year terms); Blake Daigle and Paul Witt (four-year terms); Holly Holland, Aaron Polin and Vinny Blue (six-year terms). The mayor described the board's purpose as seeking businesses not currently located in the town to boost shopping options for residents and increase sales-tax revenue.

The mayor introduced brief biographical notes for each nominee during the meeting: Ken Sutton was described as a former alderman with experience in law enforcement and transportation; Dave Prosper as a local State Farm insurance agent active with the Chamber of Commerce; Blake Daigle as a manager of engineering for Chickasaw Electric with utility experience; Paul Witt as an assistant fire chief and former fire marshal; Holly Holland as a branch manager at Guaranty Bank and long-time resident; Aaron Polin as a restaurant partner with operations in the region; and Vinny Blue as a resident with experience in the bond industry.

Aldermen spoke in support of the nominees during the meeting; one alderman noted the difficulty of recruiting volunteers with relevant expertise. Following a motion to accept the list from Alderman Kates and a second, the board approved the slate by voice vote.

Board members said the Industrial Development Board will begin work quickly if budgeted funds are available to support its activities.

","The board approved seven nominees to a newly formed Industrial Development Board intended to attract businesses to Oakland; members will serve staggered two-, four- and six-year terms.",{"_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},6521281,"Oakland approves sewer-rate increase, small water-rate reduction; residents warn of sharp bills",969,3391000,4360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9&start=3391&end=4360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9/thumbnail_3391000.jpg","/articles/6521281/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-approves-sewer-rate-increase-small-water-rate-reduction-residents-warn-of-sharp-bills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521281-7be448ee3b12bdb2a8658b7920830234/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163168&Signature=ZLwRYtrlWa8N4Bj8nd8SfsKmzP4dFKFsPtEHTbMJyr2jgshDDQuN8DUSvm8yf9VE6g13vosnZ1YovBV54-XWMjmPDFH6rsj5IwT3AUYOCYpnfjY4QCXUVzLU3bT4xGd4M8~9v3BU6jleMJ55WW-8FA4ezTHIiTbUBILccS6TPkEEsg4DQdi6bBV3seQljCoBfzET6mmKKtrCPtZe~lyNZ0KTzcYCVrKCn9A84g04kU4mlIZSUZHHZ98ISoNcdyBX66EdEtqe3-MJM7FFm-D~Q4lBHzRBaTTJ0psQpjrxmebERf3RbzbYT2rMVAp5FdHT1BZM52Qdzd0ElbnPjbXTFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved ordinance 25-07 to adjust the town's water and sewer rates, voting 4-0 after a public hearing in which residents said the changes could produce sharp household bill increases.

Under the approved changes discussed at the hearing, the sewer schedule cited by residents included a charge of $28.39 for the first 1,000 gallons and $8.11 for each additional 1,000 gallons; town staff also reported a modest reduction in water charges that will lower water bills by roughly $2 for most customers. The changes reflected in ordinance 25-07 were presented by town staff as necessary to cover the wastewater fund's deficit, long-term debt service and to add depreciation funding. Town staff said $350,000 of additional depreciation was added to the sewer fund in the coming budget year and that next year that figure could rise to $700,000.

Several residents said published examples show dramatic bill increases under the proposed rates. Gary Borth presented a calculation using his household usage and said his six-month sewer bill would rise from $150 last year to $457 under the proposed rates, an increase of nearly $300. Other residents said increases of 97% to more than 300% appeared for some months when the town's summer sewer adjustment was removed.

Town Manager Ellis and other officials explained why the change was necessary. Ellis described the water and wastewater funds as enterprise funds that must be self-sustaining and warned that a sustained deficit could prompt the state comptroller to set rates for the town. He also told the board the town had financed a new wastewater plant with variable-rate debt and that interest costs were substantial. \"If we didn't have to spend all this money on interest, maybe we wouldn't have to raise taxes as much,\" a public commenter said; Ellis said the loan was structured with a five-year term and staff would seek refinancing when the term ends.

Staff noted options residents can use to reduce bills: an irrigation meter (stated at $500) that supplies water not charged to sewer, and the town's existing policy permitting a summer adjustment in certain years had been discussed and will be revisited by the board. Aldermen also flagged the town's limited ability to apply tap fees to repay loan principal because of state statute restrictions.

After the public hearing, Alderman Hummel moved to approve ordinance 25-07; the vice mayor seconded. The roll call recorded Alderman Campbell, Alderman Austin, Alderman Hummel and Vice Mayor Cates voting \"yes.\" The motion carried 4-0.

Officials emphasized the necessity of the action to keep the utilities solvent and noted that staff will continue to explore contracting options for sanitation and other cost-saving measures.

","Ordinance 25-07, approved 4-0, reduces water charges slightly while increasing sewer rates to cover wastewater plant debt and operating shortfalls. Residents warned the change could sharply raise bills for higher-usage households.",{"_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},6521286,"Oakland raises municipal tax rate to 63 cents; residents voice affordability concerns",1210,2161000,3371000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9&start=2161&end=3371","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9/thumbnail_2161000.jpg","/articles/6521286/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-raises-municipal-tax-rate-to-63-cents-residents-voice-affordability-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521286-19c6b6da3de3bac7748905cd0aefe420/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163168&Signature=fU-MMEXImPu4GJFsLVn7lJO5kKBTAmSrqlF6Ghq-76ExDlik1cPo-m8qbZyCQeyplhqEXc7KVKvMCBKJsHCdcuKIoSNDZ3Yhgn3mWlnDb8hL5r3aPxRwhTrKNX7gj6h6yW4lV8LAugXJZCQIBgi~9ZY9A8WIneJn46WjU9mNVjd0Qt2ctg5LYTCHH~EFQ0OzHX-bM2Ya79BQbOtmBiF67U~mm209wCbYbu~CCqM3yQxoe3DVKnkE3miWis3Qmb7zSS0kdmsHU0LNuqVxxGJN22QXpwbVWff8ZrE8R1o-miSGurgAArRbhC877rZZHwXemm~KLQo4eNEKF~g3BOXQnw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen adopted ordinance 25-06, establishing the municipal property tax levy for fiscal year 2026 and moving the town's rate to roughly 63 cents per $100 of assessed value. The ordinance passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote.

The board opened a public hearing before taking up the ordinance. Dozens of residents spoke or were recognized during the hearing; many said a 40% increase in assessed value or an increase from about 45 cents to 63 cents would create hardship for seniors and fixed-income households. \"I agree property taxes probably need to go up a little bit, but 40% is quite a burden,\" one resident said during the public comment period. Several speakers asked for greater transparency about how the revenue would be spent.

Town officials and aldermen defended the rate increase as necessary to cover essential services and deferred infrastructure needs. During public comment the mayor reminded the audience that the town's $17 million annual budget relies primarily on sales tax receipts and that \"only $3,000,000 of property tax is going to be collected\" under the proposed levy. Alderman Hall said the board had scrutinized department budgets and that the increase was required to fund public safety and infrastructure, including planned fire protection staffing and capital needs.

Residents described the personal impact of the change. Gary Borth, an Oakland resident for 15 years, said his city property tax rose from $327 in 2022 to $493 in 2023 and would go to $679 under the new levy, a change he described as a 107% increase in three years when combined with other assessment changes. Violet Gray, who identified herself as a 79-year-old senior on fixed income, said her city property taxes had doubled in recent years and that another increase was unaffordable.

Alderman Ken Sutton and others discussed the distinction between assessed value and taxable value, noting that Tennessee's assessment practices (cited by Sutton) typically assess property at 25% of market value and that a 40% reappraisal does not directly translate to a 40% tax-bill increase. Sutton also noted state tax-relief options for seniors who cannot afford increased bills.

After the public hearing, Alderman Humble moved to approve ordinance 25-06; Alderman Campbell seconded. The recorded vote was Alderman Campbell, Alderman Austin, Alderman Hummel and Vice Mayor Cates voting \"yes.\" The motion carried 4-0.

The new levy will appear on next year's property tax bills and the board said the funds are intended to support services and capital needs outlined in the recently adopted FY2026 budget.

","The Oakland Board approved ordinance 25-06 to set the fiscal year 2026 municipal property tax levy at approximately 63 cents per $100 of assessed value after a public hearing in which multiple residents said the increase was a significant burden.",{"_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},6521291,"Oakland adopts $17 million FY2026 budget, allocates $1M for paving and adds staff positions",313,1811000,2124000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9&start=1811&end=2124","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5107969-aeb3dcc6b0295e08a4eaec78d10376a9/thumbnail_1811000.jpg","/articles/6521291/Oakland/Fayette-County/Tennessee/Oakland-adopts-17-million-FY2026-budget-allocates-1M-for-paving-and-adds-staff-positions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6521291-8a9d5da1de6c6a494f1fddb09d0b536b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771163168&Signature=Dor3vR6Cgo9j~zSkIX1JfOw78bWXNuie-kxOO8MhRlb5hy5StLhKmvojcXbtQRFh7Qjr~b-TPdIJMNgSqd9zUyuu9H-85RT57ZLZBwguCkjN6Czc48rr4ZHWO~IMv5fdr0Prmoyn14UgW-53kSx1Iu3LdOkfbiVx1J9Q7pu-Htguo4eOo~qDhpQiB-mShSyrRnlFOoJH2j68E3C0YbKpeUHkfch490i~87H5gsti0fHz5zhbbxDexkfN8rWkB7oYAvlEQU-WjN4j33JbGbCOm61Jefdf9DDzASDc~qYBKeVqCPAMMBQeYgRpRcpvu86nlF12YZuA4B0FE090wtDnXw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen voted unanimously to adopt the town's fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget, ordinance 25-05, moving the $17,000,000 spending plan into effect immediately.

The budget passed on a 4-0 roll-call vote after a public hearing in which no members of the public spoke on the item. Vice Mayor Cates made the motion to pass the budget; an alderman seconded. The roll call recorded Alderman Campbell, Alderman Austin, Alderman Hummel and Vice Mayor Cates voting \"yes.\" The motion carried and the mayor said the budget would take effect \"tomorrow.\"

The budget keeps the tax rate at the proposed level and adds targeted spending and personnel. Town staff highlighted three points in the council's discussion: a $1,000,000 allocation for paving in the coming year, one additional position for parks and recreation and one additional position for public works. Town Manager Ellis reminded the board that those two personnel additions had been approved at a prior meeting and that the FY2026 document reflects those earlier actions.

Town staff and aldermen framed the personnel increases as responses to routine service complaints, including tall grass, weed control and pothole repair. \"Having more hands to do the work solves those problems,\" an alderman said during discussion. Town staff also pointed to the budget's presentation charts showing the street fund and other revenue lines discussed during the work session.

Council members and staff said the proposed tax rate and the budget were developed with an eye to maintaining services and addressing infrastructure needs. The mayor and aldermen noted the town's reliance on sales tax as the primary operating revenue source and that property taxes account for a portion of the town's revenue stream.

The budget adoption concludes the town's formal budget process for FY2026 and allows staff to begin implementation of capital projects and hires identified in ordinance 25-05.

Votes at a glance: ordinance 25-05 (FY2026 budget) ' approved, 4-0.

","The Oakland Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved ordinance 25-05 adopting the fiscal year 2026 operating and capital budget. The $17 million plan includes $1 million for paving and adds one staff position each to parks and recreation and public works; the vote was unanimous.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Oakland to contract with Godwin & Associates for FY2026 audit

Oakland names seven volunteers to new Industrial Development Board with staggered terms

Oakland approves sewer-rate increase, small water-rate reduction; residents warn of sharp bills

Oakland raises municipal tax rate to 63 cents; residents voice affordability concerns

Oakland adopts $17 million FY2026 budget, allocates $1M for paving and adds staff positions