Cocke County adopts fiscal 2025-26 appropriations, approves several resolutions and appointments
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Summary
The Cocke County Legislative Body approved Resolution #1162, adopting the county's fiscal 2025-26 appropriations (General Fund $21,174,295) and voted on multiple resolutions and appointments including rezoning, traffic-calming policy, Pigeon River restoration support and several board appointments.
The Cocke County Legislative Body approved its fiscal year 2025-26 appropriations and a package of resolutions and appointments during its regular meeting on Sept. 15 in the courthouse courtroom in Newport.
The body adopted Resolution #1162, the Appropriations Resolution, which lists the General Fund at $21,174,295 and includes detailed line-item allocations for general government, public safety, highways, schools and other county funds. The board previously moved to approve the appropriations as presented and waived reading of the transfers and amendments.
Why it matters: The adopted budget sets operating and capital spending limits through June 30, 2026, for county departments and the school system and establishes the fiscal framework for committee follow-ups and department spending.
Key votes and actions at a glance: The Legislative Body also voted to approve: the Aug. 18, 2025 minutes; the 2025-2026 committee list; county and school system budget transfers and amendments; highway surplus equipment disposition; and an appropriations budget resolution. The body approved property tax refunds (several individual refunds totaling several thousand dollars), the annual road list (surface/speed changes only), and multiple routine appointments to county boards.
Other resolutions approved included a rezoning of 3148 Big Creek Road from R-1 (residential) to C-2 (general commercial); a county resolution supporting an East Tennessee Development District grant application to restore and improve whitewater recreation on the Pigeon River; and a traffic-calming policy and procedures resolution for county roads. Commissioners also approved updates and the purchase of a body-camera system for the Cocke County Sheriff's Department.
Procedural items: Commissioners elected Rick Vassar as chairman and Billy Hudson as vice-chair for the 2025-26 legislative year. Multiple nominations and board appointments were carried by motion.
What comes next: Several follow-up items were referred to standing committees, including a suggested follow-up on senior-center space and budget needs with the budget committee. The meeting concluded and an executive session was held at the request of the county attorney.
Votes and outcomes are recorded in the meeting minutes and the full appropriation text is included in the minutes for public review.