Hickman County Commission adopts road closure, several rezoning measures, budget amendments and an appointment

Hickman County commissioners voted Jan. 27 to close a short portion of Taylors Creek Road, approve several rezoning requests and budget amendments, and appoint Ron Puckett to fill a vacant commission seat.

The commission adopted Resolution 2504 to remove a small cutoff section of Taylors Creek Road from the county road list after the county road commission recommended the change; the commission voted to adopt the resolution by recorded roll call. Tanya Darden, a nearby resident, told commissioners, "I'm just coming to ask you guys to, if you would approve the road closure. We've done all the steps that we need to do." Commissioner Wally McNair spoke to the item on the commission's behalf and said the road commission had already approved the recommendation.

Why it matters: removing a road segment from the official county road list changes maintenance responsibility and can affect local access and development. Commissioners said the closure responds to a new family's safety concerns near the small shortcut.

In zoning actions, the commission postponed Resolution 2505 — a rezoning request for property identified in the meeting packet as at "10,000 and 4 North Till Road in Bon Aqua" — to the February meeting so residents could take their questions to the planning and zoning committee. Several speakers in public comment had raised questions about water and sewer availability and other infrastructure before development.

The commission approved Resolutions 2506 (rezoning of property at 5688 Highway 100 in Wyoming, Tennessee) and 2507 (rezoning on Gordon Lane in Lyles, Tennessee). Commissioners said both items had passed the planning committee unanimously and no additional discussion was offered before recorded votes.

On a statewide revenue measure, the commission adopted Resolution 2501 asking the 114th Tennessee General Assembly to remit one-half of the state real estate transfer tax collected locally to the county. Commissioner Justin Jordan explained the intent, saying, "Currently, the state collects 37¢ per $100 value on real estate sold. It's collected here. It is sent to Tennessee. We don't get any of that." The measure passed on a recorded roll call.

The commission also adopted Resolution 2503 to add a road in the county industrial park to the county road list; commissioners said a bond will be required, with the developer guaranteeing the road for the first year.

Budget and contracts: commissioners approved multiple budget amendments. The commission approved Budget Amendment 2534 (reclassifying costs for the EMS Station No. 3 grant using fund balance) and a grouped set of amendments 2535 through 2540. Budget Amendment 2541, described as courtroom security and funded from reserves, was approved separately. The commission approved adding a $4,700 bonding cost to Blasdell Construction's East Center public works project so the contractor meets bonding requirements; the commission said the bonding cost will be added to the contract.

Appointments and administrative business: Commissioner Devin Pickard nominated Ron Puckett to fill the vacancy caused by Commissioner Moore's resignation; the body elected Puckett by acclamation. The commission approved the November 25, 2024, meeting minutes, confirmed 18 county notaries by name and accepted quarterly financial reports and committee reports included in the packet.

Public comment and process notes: multiple members of the public spoke during the comment period about rezoning and infrastructure, including concerns about water and sewer connections and timing of planning review. Ashley Powers expressed interest in a Highway 7 emergency tower parcel and was advised to contact the properties committee. Commissioners repeatedly directed detailed land-use and utility questions to the planning and zoning committee and the properties committee so those matters could be addressed in the appropriate forum.

Votes at a glance: Resolution 2504 (Taylors Creek Road closure) — adopted (tally: yes 9, absent 4); Resolution 2505 (rezoning at North Till Road/Bon Aqua) — postponed to February (tally: yes 9, absent 4); Resolution 2506 (5688 Highway 100 rezoning) — adopted (tally: yes 9, absent 4); Resolution 2507 (Gordon Lane rezoning) — adopted (tally: yes 9, absent 4); Resolution 2501 (request to TN General Assembly on transfer tax) — adopted (tally: yes 10, absent 3); Resolution 2503 (add road to county road list for industrial park) — adopted (tally: yes 10, absent 3). Budget amendments 2534, 2535–2540, and 2541 — adopted (tallies reported on the record; commission recorded approvals). Appointment of Ron Puckett — appointed by acclamation.

The commission did not place new conditions on the adopted rezoning items at the meeting; commissioners emphasized planning committee review for infrastructure and developer requirements where applicable.

The body adjourned after routine announcements and scheduling.