Paris City Council approves multiple rezoning requests, fee changes and budget amendments

The Paris City Council on Sept. 23 approved a series of zoning changes, amended permit and tap fees to align with state law and adopted budget adjustments for the Paris Economic Development Corporation, while scheduling a special meeting to continue selection of a firm to run the city manager search.

The council approved a rezoning request to allow an income tax office at 3206 (Bonham/Bottom) for applicant Lisa Short after planning staff and the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval. Lisa Short told the council she has operated the business at that location for more than three decades and asked not to be forced to relocate. Attorney Jessica Nation Holtman, representing Short, told the council there is underlying litigation with a neighbor and urged members to consider how complaints coincided with that litigation. Neighbor Kim McCann opposed the change, saying the neighborhood wants to remain residential and raising parking and safety concerns. The city attorney advised the petition submitted by opponents was not sufficient to require a supermajority, and council members voted to approve the ordinance.

Council also approved James O’Brien’s rezoning application to bring his salon into…