Crossville — The Crossville City Council voted to allow a property owner identified in the meeting as Miss Hernandez to connect to the city sewer system despite her parcel being outside city limits. The council approved the variance by roll call after members discussed a prior miscommunication about requirements tied to a recent ordinance change.

A council member moved to permit Miss Hernandez to join the city sewer system and described the applicant as having acted in good faith when seeking information about requirements. The motion was seconded and called for a roll call. Council member Turner, Council member Fox and Council member Mayberry voted yes; Mayor Pro Tem Gert and Mayor Crawford voted no. The motion carried by a 3–2 vote.

The discussion recorded that the property has no house on it and no failed septic system. Council members asked whether city sewer is available near the parcel; the transcript records that city sewer runs through the property. The applicant indicated the intended use would be “practically the business,” not a residence.

Council members noted the timing of the request around the adoption and reading of a “third ordinance” that changed requirements; one council member said that timing and prior information given to the applicant influenced the decision to grant the variance. During discussion, a council member said they wrestled with fairness concerns about granting sewer access to an out-of-city property while other properties pay city taxes.

The council’s action did not specify an implementation schedule, fee amounts, or any administrative conditions beyond granting the variance. The transcript records the council referring to the matter as a variance on the relevant ordinance but does not identify the ordinance number or any follow-up tasks for staff.

The meeting moved next to the city attorney’s report after the vote.