Council delays public‑hearing date on Dats Branch Road annexation to study expanded area
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Summary
The Cookeville City Council voted to postpone a resolution calling a public hearing on the Dats (Dots) Branch Road annexation until July 17, 2025, after staff said a property owner on Shipley Road expressed interest in joining and the planning commission suggested the plan without a specific sewer timeline.
Cookeville — The city council voted unanimously on June 5 to postpone consideration of a resolution that would call a referendum and public hearing on annexing territory along Dats (Dots) Branch Road, setting the new date for July 17, 2025.
Why it matters: Annexation by referendum can expand city boundaries and shift service responsibilities and tax obligations for property owners. The council postponed action so staff can study including additional adjacent acreage that a property owner along Shipley (Chipley) Road expressed interest in joining.
Discussion and next steps City planning staff told council the planning commission reviewed the plan of services as requested but recommended the plan as drafted without adding a specific timeline for sewer installation. After the council’s work session, staff said an adjacent property owner contacted the city seeking inclusion; staff recommended postponement to study efficiencies and to take the revised plan back to the planning commission.
Council action A motion to postpone the resolution to July 17, 2025 passed 5‑0. Staff said they will return the matter to the planning commission, evaluate costs and service timelines (including sewer), and bring an updated plan of services to council for a future public hearing and potential referendum timeline.
Ending The council emphasized that annexation would be accomplished by referendum and that staff would provide additional cost and service information before a public hearing is scheduled.