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Votes at a glance: Jonesborough approves liquor licenses, street plan, code changes and FY26 rates
Summary
The board completed multiple routine and final readings: two on-premise beer licenses approved, Franklin Avenue left as two-way for now, employee-evaluation form adopted, building-code fee updates passed, and a package of rates and fee ordinances for FY26 approved.
The Town of Jonesborough approved a series of motions and ordinances at a called meeting that implemented the fiscal 2025-26 budget and several related administrative items. Officials said many items had been discussed in earlier workshops and were brought forward for final action.
Key votes and outcomes
- On-premise beer licenses: The Beer Board approved applications for Jackson's Prime at 111 West Main Street and Buzzed Wings at 109 Courthouse Square. Both motions passed by roll call. "That too was approved," the recorder announced after the roll calls.
- Franklin Avenue traffic pattern: The board discussed a possible conversion of Franklin Avenue to one-way northbound and voted to keep it two-way for the time being while monitoring traffic patterns. The motion to accept staff recommendation to retain two-way operation passed on roll call.
- Employee evaluations: The board adopted a new employee evaluation form and authorized administration to begin systematic employee evaluations. Aldermen praised staff for preparing the form; the motion passed.
- Building code updates: Second and final reading passed for amendments to the Jonesborough Municipal Building Code (Title 4, Chapter 1, sections 4-105 and 4-106) that adjust plan-review and related development fees.
- Rates and fees package for FY26: The board approved ordinances and resolutions establishing the general fund budget and property tax rate, garbage collection fees, and water and sewer rates for fiscal year 2025-26. The board also approved higher water and sewer tap fees to reflect material and installation cost increases and a reimbursement resolution authorizing short-term borrowing and repayment procedures.
- Employee compensation and miscellaneous amendments: The employee compensation plan for FY26 and several budget amendments for FY24-25 were approved. A resolution setting water and sewer tap fees and a reimbursement resolution were also approved.
How the board voted: Most motions passed unanimously or with broad support during roll calls. On the FY26 budget ordinance establishing the property tax rate, one alderman recorded a "no" vote during the roll call; the motion nonetheless carried. For several routine items the record shows unanimous "aye" responses during roll calls.
Context: Town staff said most items had been considered in multiple workshops and noted that tap-fee increases reflect higher material costs, particularly copper. Officials encouraged residents to attend budget workshops for a line-by-line review of spending and to participate in forthcoming neighborhood outreach on the connector concept discussed during public comment.
Formal actions recorded at the meeting appear below with motion language, movers and outcomes as stated in the meeting record.
