Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Loudon City Council approves public‑safety vehicles, adopts parks plan concept and authorizes $22.3 million in water and sewer bonds; rezoning vote splits 3–2
Summary
Loudon — The Loudon City Council on July 28 approved several administrative and land‑use items, including the purchase of two Ford Explorers for public safety, adoption of a parks and recreation master plan concept, and authorization for the sale of $22,300,000 in water and sewer system revenue bonds to fund capital improvements.
Loudon — The Loudon City Council on July 28 approved several administrative and land‑use items, including the purchase of two Ford Explorers for public safety, adoption of a parks and recreation master plan concept, and authorization for the sale of $22,300,000 in water and sewer system revenue bonds to fund capital improvements.
The council voted 3–2 to rezone a roughly 0.26‑acre parcel at 6622 Westley Highway (Tax Map O48, Parcel 104) from C‑1 (commercial) to P‑1, following prior reviews by the planning commission. Vice Mayor Dixon and Council Member Ridings voted in favor; Council Member Cardwell and Council Member Newman voted no; Mayor Mary Chet Harris recorded the third affirmative vote that carried the motion, according to the roll call recorded at the meeting.
The parks and recreation master plan presented by Kimberly Horn was adopted as a concept. Council members noted the adoption does not approve funding or purchases; it establishes an adopted plan that staff can use when applying for grants.
On financing, the council authorized issuance and sale of water and sewer system revenue bonds in a series totaling $22,300,000. Council members said proceeds will fund capital improvements primarily for the water treatment plant. The city stated the debt will be repaid from utility revenues.
The council approved, by motion, the purchase of two Ford Explorer vehicles for the public safety department at $44,546 each; the purchases were noted as included in the fiscal year 2025–26 budget.
Two ordinance items were given first readings and scheduled for public hearings on Aug. 25. One rezoning — Matlock Bend Road (Tax Map 32, Parcel 001) — moved forward as a first reading to rezone about 26.4 acres from R‑2 to PDD; the council said a concept plan for the PDD is in the packet and the planning commission recommended approval. The other ordinance replaces Title 18, Chapter 2 of the Loudon municipal code with an updated cross‑connection control ordinance; council and staff said the revisions align the code with regulatory standards. The council announced public hearings for those first‑reading items to be held Aug. 25 (time noted in the meeting as 6:25 p.m.).
Appointments and administrative items: the council reappointed Mike Cartwright, Mike Hodges and Eddie McAllister to the beer board by unanimous consent; McAllister was recognized for 38 years of service. The council also nominated and swore in William Jed Bassett as city judge during the meeting.
Other items: a fuel quote received July 15 from Rogers Petroleum was entered for the record (projected total $19,054; unleaded $2.30 per gallon; diesel $2.45 per gallon). The council approved the June 23 minutes and adopted the meeting agenda earlier in the session.
