Dickson County Commission approves budget amendments, emergency-response grants, rezoning and new development corporation

CHARLOTTE, Tenn. — The Dickson County Commission on March 17 approved a slate of measures that leaders said will expand emergency-response capabilities, clarify purchasing rules and enable local economic-development projects.

Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize amendments to all county funds except those established for schools, and to adopt revisions to the county’s purchasing policies to address conflicts of interest and require that acquisitions be made only by the county’s purchasing agent. Commissioner Dwight McIllwain moved to authorize the budget amendments; Commissioner Stacey Batey seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous aye voice vote.

The commission also approved two state grants intended to strengthen emergency response. Commissioner Becky Spicer moved to authorize the county to apply for and accept a $19,481.46 grant through the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security; Commissioner Cindi Gray seconded the motion. Commissioners then approved a separate $31,500 grant from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, with initial payments made by the county and full reimbursement thereafter by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Commissioner Danny Williams made the motion on the second grant; Commissioner Becky Spicer seconded. Both grants were described in the minutes as 100% reimbursable and were approved by unanimous voice votes.

On land-use matters, the commission approved a rezoning at the request of Paul Lovell that will reclassify a 6.39-acre parcel (Parcel 044.07 of Tax Map 040) from A-1 (Agricultural) to C-1 (Rural Center District). Commissioner Ray Ledger moved for the rezoning; Commissioner Dwight McIllwain seconded the motion and the item passed unanimously.

The commission set a 30 mph speed limit on Johnny Hall Road — from Cathey Hollow Road to its intersection with Sanders Mill Road — following a motion by Commissioner Cindi Gray, seconded by Commissioner Mike Petty.

Commissioners also approved an application to form the Economic and Housing Development Corporation of Dickson County, Tennessee, an industrial development corporation described in the minutes as intended to support projects including construction, acquisition, renovation, operation and management of local projects. Commissioner Ray Ledger moved to approve the application; Commissioner Danny Williams seconded.

Administrative items included approval of the Feb. 18, 2025 county commission minutes and confirmation of a slate of notaries submitted for approval. The meeting opened at 7:00 P.M., was chaired by County Mayor Bob Rial, and adjourned at 7:10 P.M. The clerk recorded no public comments. The commission set its next regular meeting for April 21, 2025 at 7:00 P.M.

Votes at a glance

03-2025-01 — Resolution to authorize certain amendments to all county funds except school funds. Motion: Commissioner Dwight McIllwain; Second: Commissioner Stacey Batey; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes, 0 no, 0 abstain.

03-2025-02 — Resolution to adopt amendments to purchasing policies and procedures (conflicts of interest; acquisitions by purchasing agent). Motion: Commissioner Jody Britt; Second: Commissioner Dwight McIllwain; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

03-2025-03 — Resolution to apply for/accept $19,481.46 grant (Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security) to expand emergency response; described as 100% reimbursable. Motion: Commissioner Becky Spicer; Second: Commissioner Cindi Gray; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

03-2025-04 — Resolution to apply for/accept $31,500 grant (Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance) to expand emergency response; notes reimbursement by State Fire Marshal’s Office. Motion: Commissioner Danny Williams; Second: Commissioner Becky Spicer; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

03-2025-05 — Resolution to set 30 mph speed limit on Johnny Hall Road. Motion: Commissioner Cindi Gray; Second: Commissioner Mike Petty; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

03-2025-06 — Resolution to amend official zoning map: rezone Parcel 044.07 of Tax Map 040 (6.39 acres) from A-1 to C-1 at request of Paul Lovell. Motion: Commissioner Ray Ledger; Second: Commissioner Dwight McIllwain; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

03-2025-07 — Resolution accepting application to form the Economic and Housing Development Corporation of Dickson County, Tennessee (industrial development corporation). Motion: Commissioner Ray Ledger; Second: Commissioner Danny Williams; Outcome: approved, unanimous aye voice vote; tally: 11 yes.

Administrative: Approval of minutes (motion: Commissioner Mike Petty; second: Commissioner Stacey Batey); approval of listed notaries (motion: Commissioner Randy Simpkins; second: Commissioner Mike Petty).