Coffee County Highway Commission hears resident concern about speeding on Ragsdale Road, staff outlines paving and cleanup plans

The Coffee County Highway Commission met June 3 at the Administrative Plaza and accepted the meeting agenda and the previous month’s minutes by unanimous voice vote. The commission set its next meeting for July 8, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Conference Room 1.

John M., a resident of Ragsdale Road, used the public-comment period to raise safety concerns about speeding and what he described as “careless drivers” on Ragsdale Road, asking the commission to note the issue for future action. The commission did not record a formal response or a directive in the minutes.

Benton Bartlett, the highway superintendent, reported that crews have completed one round of mowing and begun a second. Bartlett said roadwork is underway on Fred Lusk Road and that the road is being repaired with the hope it will be paved later in the year, but recent rain forced crews to delay a planned paving on another road because conditions were too wet.

Joseph Dobson, the assistant superintendent, told commissioners that he and Bartlett attended the TCHOA annual meeting in Gatlinburg and that Devils Backbone in Fire Lake has been added to the department’s paving list. Dobson also reported extensive tree cleanup following recent rainstorms on Rigsby and Casey Roads and said crews have been conducting tile cleanout; he noted residents have expressed appreciation for the cleanup efforts.

There was no unfinished business reported by the commission. Commissioners Markum, Bush, Weaver and Mrs. Duke had no further reports. The meeting adjourned after a motion by Mr. Markum, seconded by Mr. Bush.

The minutes record routine operational updates and a single public safety complaint; no votes on projects or funding were taken during this session.