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Cookeville council calls referendum on Dawson Branch annexation after public hearing
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Summary
After a public hearing that outlined service costs and projected revenues, the Cookeville City Council voted unanimously to call a referendum on annexing about 258.5 acres along Dawson Branch Road; the plan estimates more than $7 million in capital needs for water and sewer improvements.
The Cookeville City Council voted unanimously Thursday to call a referendum on a proposed annexation of roughly 258.5 acres along Dawson (Dotsam) Branch Road, advancing a plan that city staff said would require more than $7 million in capital work to provide water and sewer service.
Mr. Ward, a community development department official, told the council the proposed annexation area includes 55 parcels with an estimated 387 dwelling units and about 871 residents. "Sanitary sewer would be provided to the annexation area when economically feasible," he said, and the study estimated approximately $850,000 in water improvements and a little over $6,000,000 in sewer infrastructure, including gravity lines, force mains and a pump station.
The council approved resolution R260305, which, if implemented after voter approval, would incorporate the territory into the city and enact the plan of services 30 days after election results are certified. Mr. Ward said the Putnam County Election Commission will conduct the referendum for qualified voters in the territory; staff noted that property-owner registration for the May 5, 2026 county primary must be completed by April 6, 2026 for those wishing to vote on the annexation.
During the public hearing, residents raised questions about whether the mapped boundary was final, how and when sewer lines would be extended and how affected property owners would be notified. Tracy Loftus, who identified herself as a county resident and licensed electrician and inspector, asked whether the boundary shown was the extent of this proposal; Mr. Ward said the map reflected the current proposal and described notification steps including mailed notices, sign postings and newspaper notices.
Jean Mullins, who said she represents the county commission district where the proposal lies but was speaking in a personal capacity, urged clearer timing on sewer service. "Saying that sanitary sewers will be provided when economically feasible is a promise of service; it's not a plan of service," Mullins said, asking the council to provide a target date.
Council members said the annexation process began after a property owner petitioned for inclusion and that some parcels were added to create a contiguous boundary for municipal service delivery. The plan of services included commitments to extend routine police, fire, refuse and inspection services on the effective date of annexation, and to adopt zoning for the area if the referendum succeeds.
The referendum resolution passed on a 4-0 vote. Next steps: the city will coordinate with the election commission on timing and voter eligibility and distribute the plan-of-services materials described at the hearing.
