The City Commission approved a preliminary resolution on May 1 calling for public hearing and further consideration of a voluntary annexation of approximately 3.9 acres at 5840 Bobby Hicks Highway and a zoning assignment of Planned Community Business (B-5). The applicant proposes the site for a Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security DMV facility with a driver testing course.

Callie McGrew of the planning staff presented the request and the plan of services, telling commissioners the parcel is adjacent to city limits, lies within the urban growth boundary, and is designated for commercial use on the future land-use map. McGrew said the Planning Commission approved the plan of services and the zoning assignment on April 8 and that no concept plan is required for B-5 zoning.

Staff reported an estimated water and sewer extension cost of $290,637 to serve the property and an estimated annual property-tax revenue of $214,445. A water and sewer representative said a 12-inch waterline with robust flow exists along the highway and that extending sewer service would also open service to several nearby parcels that otherwise lack sewer.

Commission debate centered on whether the city should spend capital funds for a sewer line whose immediate payback from property taxes does not cover the extension cost. One commissioner said the required public-infrastructure investment "is a big chunk of water sewer capital" for what appeared to be an isolated project and moved to deny the preliminary resolution; the motion failed for lack of a second. After further discussion, another commissioner moved to approve the preliminary resolution on first reading; that motion passed and the item will return for public hearing and additional readings. Staff noted that the preliminary resolution is not a final approval and that the annexation process will include public notice and additional opportunities for comment.

Staff also suggested city staff could consult with state representatives about possible state assistance for the sewer extension. The commission asked staff to provide additional information about long-term system planning and whether alternative locations or sequencing could better deploy limited sewer-extension funds.