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Sevier County Commission elects chair, approves routine resolutions and sends signage letters
Summary
The commission elected Mayor Larry Waters as chairman and Warren Hurst as chair pro tempore, approved committee appointments, authorized road resurfacing using State Street Aid, set speed limits, approved an easement for Newport Utilities, and approved notaries; most measures passed unanimously with one absence.
Sevier County commissioners convened Sept. 18 and completed routine organizational business, including elections, committee appointments and several resolutions to advance roadwork, traffic regulation and utilities access.
Elections and committee appointments: Gary Cole nominated Mayor Larry Waters as chairman for 2023–2024; Carroll Rauhuff seconded the motion and it passed by roll call vote 24 yes, 1 absent. Kent Woods nominated Warren Hurst as chairman pro tempore; a motion to cease nominations passed and the pro tempore election was approved by roll call vote 23 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent. The commission also approved committee appointments under Resolution 2023-09-01.
Roads and traffic: Under Resolution 2023-09-02, the commission authorized use of State Street Aid funds for resurfacing. County staff noted Middle Creek Road carries an average of "four to five thousand (5,000) vehicles per day" and has not been resurfaced in 13 years. The commission also passed Resolution 2023-09-03 to set speed limits on specified county roads; both measures passed by roll call vote 24 yes, 1 absent.
Utilities and easements: The commission approved Resolution 2023-09-05, granting an easement on county property to Newport Utilities to support electrical service for a new water tower in Jones Cove. Water Superintendent Brent Shields explained electrical service would be provided by Newport Utilities to the new tower.
Other administrative business: Notaries were approved (vote recorded as 23 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent). Planner Andrew Temple relayed a county attorney letter concerning off-premise signage on Boyd's Creek Highway and said letters were drafted to sign owners after a state Supreme Court ruling affirmed town commission regulatory authority. There were no public comments on agenda or non-agenda items.
Motions and votes at a glance: minutes approval (Aug. 21, 2023) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; Resolution 2023-09-01 (committee appointments) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; Resolution 2023-09-02 (State Street Aid/resurfacing) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; Resolution 2023-09-03 (speed limits) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; Resolution 2023-09-04 (bond authorization) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; Resolution 2023-09-05 (Newport Utilities easement) — passed 24 yes, 1 absent; notaries — recorded 23 yes, 1 abstain, 1 absent. The meeting adjourned by voice vote 24 yes, 1 absent.
Why it matters: The actions set leadership for the coming year, cleared routine administrative items, and advanced infrastructure and utility projects. The State Street Aid authorization and the easement both directly enable local infrastructure work.
Next steps: Staff will proceed with project planning, provider and contractor coordination, and follow up on sign-owner letters; specific implementation timelines were not provided for most items at the Sept. 18 meeting.
