Sevier County Commission approves series of resolutions, including zoning change, bond authorization and EMS fee update
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Summary
The Sevier County Commission on Oct. 21 approved multiple resolutions: a zoning change for 4543 East Parkway, establishment of a Building and Fire Board of Appeals, an initial $10 million bond issuance resolution, updates to ambulance fees, disaster relief appropriations after Hurricane Helene, a lease authorization, recognition of emergency telecommunicators, and 35 notary appointments. All motions passed by roll call (22–0; 3 absent).
The Sevier County Commission met Oct. 21 and approved a package of resolutions covering zoning, administrative boards, debt authorizations, fee updates and disaster relief.
Among the actions, the commission adopted Resolution 2024-10-01 to rezone Tax Map 110E Group A Parcel 25.00 (4543 East Parkway) from A-1 agricultural and C-2 general commercial to C-1 rural commercial. The motion was made by Gary Cole and seconded by Greg Haggard; the roll call vote was 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent.
The board also created a county Building and Fire Board of Appeals through Resolution 2024-10-02 to provide a formal avenue for members of the public to challenge building- and fire-inspection decisions. Fire Chief David Puckett explained the board’s purpose before the commission approved the measure (motion by Frank Atchley, second by Ray Ogle; roll call 22–0, 3 absent).
Commissioners approved an initial resolution, 2024-10-03, authorizing the issuance of up to $10,000,000 in general obligation bonds. Brook Huffaker, senior director of finance and administration, told the commission the resolution opens a 20-day protest period; staff will present the bond breakdown in November with sale expected in December. Chairman Mayor Larry Waters said the issue will replace roughly $10 million in court building debt. The motion carried by roll call (22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent).
Other items approved included authorization for the county mayor to execute a lease for Parcel 049JB 037.00 (the former Carl Hatcher Furniture Store) and the approval of 35 notary public applications.
Recognition and personnel-related actions included Resolution 2024-10-07, which asks state and federal lawmakers to recognize Sevier County emergency telecommunicators as first responders; Director of Central Dispatch E911 Andrew Whaley spoke in support. That resolution passed by roll call (22–0, 3 absent).
Votes at a glance (all approved unless noted): - Resolution 2024-10-01 (rezoning, 4543 East Parkway): motion G. Cole; second G. Haggard; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-02 (Building & Fire Board of Appeals): motion F. Atchley; second R. Ogle; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-03 (initial bond authorization, up to $10,000,000): motion R. Ogle; second H. Pitner; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-04 (EMS fee schedule update): motion B. Delius; second J. Parton; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-05 (disaster aid appropriations for Hurricane Helene response): motion G. Cole; second M. Maddron; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-06 (authorize county mayor to execute lease, Parcel 049JB 037.00): motion M. Maddron; second J. Parton; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Resolution 2024-10-07 (recognize emergency telecommunicators as first responders): motion B. Delius; second B. Headrick; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent. - Notary applications (35 approvals): motion G. Haggard; second G. Cole; tally 22 Yes, 0 No, 3 Absent.
The meeting adjourned after the recorded actions. Public comment included one speaker who raised concerns about evacuation crowd control and issues at convenience centers during the recent flooding event.