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Surgoinsville holds public hearing on ordinance to regulate artificial intelligence facilities
Summary
The Town of Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a public hearing April 13, 2026, on Ordinance No. 196-2026, which would amend the town's municipal zoning code to define and regulate artificial intelligence facilities. The hearing lasted from 6:10–6:20 p.m. and drew local media and residents but no public comment.
The Town of Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen convened a public hearing Monday, April 13, 2026, to consider Ordinance No. 196-2026, an amendment to the municipal zoning ordinance to define and regulate artificial intelligence facilities. Vice Mayor Collier announced the hearing at 6:10 p.m.; Mayor Merrell Graham and several aldermen were present.
The proposal would add definitions and regulatory language for what the town describes as "artificial intelligence facilities" to the municipal zoning code. The hearing record lists local media representatives Sarah Monoson of The Kingsport Times News and John Cate of The Rogersville Review among visitors, along with residents Tim Carwile, Cheryl Battaglia, Keith Gibson and Dena Alley.
There was no public comment during the hearing. The public hearing record notes the session closed at 6:20 p.m. and is signed by Mayor Merrell Graham and City Recorder Megan Gentry. The minutes do not record any vote or formal action on the ordinance during the hearing; next procedural steps for the ordinance were not specified in the hearing minutes.
The hearing provides a formal opportunity under the town's zoning process for public input on proposed code changes; because no comments were offered, the record contains only the announcement, attendee list, and closing time. Any further action, including consideration, amendments, or a vote on Ordinance No. 196-2026, was not recorded in the public hearing minutes.
