County adopts mutual aid agreement with Dandridge and waives rafting permit fees for 2025 season

At its Feb. 18 meeting, the Cocke County legislative body approved two items related to emergency response and river recreation.

The commission approved a Mutual Aid Agreement with the Town of Dandridge to provide a framework for personnel, equipment and material assistance during natural or man-made disasters. The agreement outlines procedures for requesting aid, reimbursement terms and the role of authorized representatives; the motion was made by Bill Miller and seconded by Billy Hudson.

Separately, the commission approved provisional permits for commercial rafting companies for the 2025 season and waived the $500 permit fee. The approval requires each company to submit documentation required by the county’s Private Act and Operating Plan to the County Clerk; the County Clerk and the EMA Director will inspect outposts and the County Clerk will verify documents before any company runs trips. Motion to approve provisional permits and waive the fee was made by Bill Miller and seconded by Dan Bright; recorded vote 11 ayes, 3 absent.

Why it matters: The mutual aid agreement strengthens interjurisdictional disaster response capacity; the rafting permit fee waiver reduces upfront cost for commercial outfitters but preserves safety oversight through required documentation and inspections.

Next steps: County Clerk and EMA Director to inspect rafting outposts and confirm documentation; mutual-aid procedures specify reimbursement and recordkeeping obligations when assistance is provided.