Sevier County updates capital projects; Gilreath Kodak Library price at $5.41M as fundraising continues, downtown parking lease approved

Vice Mayor Bryan McCarter and other county officials briefed the joint Budget and Intergovernmental Committees on a slate of capital projects during the Feb. 8 meeting, including work on the Courts Building, Archives and Records, Animal Shelter, Veterans Affairs expansion, Kodak Library, Senior Center expansion, Public Safety Building, Health Department renovation, downtown parking, and Sheriff’s Office expansion.

On the Gilreath Family Kodak Library project, Mayor Larry Waters, Vice Mayor McCarter, and Director Jason Strickland reported a current total project price of $5,407,664. The library has secured at least $750,000 in donations; the construction team is working with Citadel Construction to lower costs while retaining the project’s scope and integrity.

Vice Mayor McCarter also presented a proposed downtown parking lease between Citizens National Bank (CNB) and the City of Sevierville. The term is for two years with an option to extend one additional year if all parties agree. The lease amount is $200,000 per year to be split between Sevier County and the City; officials said that if the County and City pave the lot, the lease amount would be reduced and that CNB would retain 20 parking spots. Commissioners Mike Chambers and Ray Ogle moved to accept the lease; Commissioners Warren Hurst and Chuck Godfrey seconded motions that were recorded as passing unanimously.

Committee members adjourned the meeting at 5:29 PM after voting on the parking lease and other items.