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Committee backs feasibility study of county-owned site across from Wallen Elementary
Summary
A $71,472 appropriation to study county-owned land across from Wallen Elementary was advanced; staff said the site is about 12 acres with an existing flat football field and some sewer infrastructure, and stakeholders will be involved later in decisions about the old school building.
The Blount County budget committee advanced a $71,472 appropriation to conduct a feasibility study of county-owned property located directly across from Wallen Elementary School.
Ms. Hannum said the proposal "is a surprise to me" and asked for history and next steps. County/school staff described the site as county-owned and suitable for study: "It's about 12 acres there... the 75,000 square foot football field that's perfectly flat. We have some infrastructure there with a sewer system already in place." Staff said the property formerly served as a football field and that decisions about what to do with the existing school building would be made later with community stakeholders and commissioners involved.
Commissioner Anderson moved the appropriation; Commissioner Bratt seconded. The committee advanced the item on a 5-0 voice vote.
Why it matters
A feasibility study is the first formal step toward evaluating whether the county should build or rebuild an elementary school on the county-owned site. The county ownership of the parcel and existing infrastructure may reduce acquisition or major utility costs, but staff emphasized that no final decisions have been made and that the old building's future will involve broader stakeholder input.
Next steps
County and school staff will conduct the feasibility study and report findings to the commission for consideration. The appropriation was advanced by unanimous vote.
