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Loudon County and Lenoir City plan joint Browder Hollow/Johnson Drive work; county seeks payment assurances
Summary
The commission reviewed an interlocal cooperation resolution to split an estimated $306,000 Browder Hollow/Johnson Drive repair between Loudon County and Lenoir City, and commissioners sought stronger payment assurances from the city based on past disputes.
Loudon County commissioners reviewed an interlocal cooperation agreement on May 19, 2025 to repair Browder Hollow Road and Johnson Drive, two streets that are split between the city and county. Staff presented a total project estimate of roughly $306,000 and described the county’s plan to lead the work while splitting costs with Lenoir City.
County staff said the project estimate includes a 10% contingency and that the total project cost to be split would be about $306,000. "That that is the not to exceed the 10% over the estimated cost of $270,000," a county official explained in the workshop materials. Officials said the county’s expected share would be about half, or approximately $153,092.94.
Commissioners pressed for payment guarantees. One commissioner asked bluntly, "How do you intend to collect the money from Lenoir City?" Staff answered that Lenoir City officials had indicated they were agreeable to paying 50% and that Lenoir City Utilities Board (LCUB) would contribute in‑kind infrastructure materials (manhole covers, valves and related materials).
Commissioners who spoke cited past episodes in which they said Lenoir City had delayed or refused payment on county bills, and they asked staff to secure clearer contractual protections. Staff told the commission that the county would oversee the contract and that a contractor (Harrison) was expected to perform the work under county management.
The resolution and interlocal agreement materials will appear on the June 2 commission agenda for final action; staff said the county intends to initiate the project with one half of the estimated cost available and then seek the city’s reimbursement under the interlocal terms.
Why it matters: the project affects local roadway condition, safety and taxpayer funds; commissioners said they want explicit assurances that the city will reimburse its share rather than leaving the county to cover costs up front without firm guarantees.
No final vote was taken at the May 19 workshop. Staff told the commission the agreement will be placed on the June 2 agenda for a formal vote and asked the commission for direction on any contract terms they wanted added before final approval.
