Council Reassures Cookeville Residents: We’re Open

Cookeville Mayor Ricky Shelton and members of the council spent the final minutes of Thursday’s council meeting reassuring local residents.

“We are going to stay open for business,” Shelton said. “That is not changing. The city under any circumstance we will still provide services and your water and your electricity and your fire protection and your police protection.”

Vice Mayor Laurin Wheaton said she understands the fear many are experiencing.

“It’s OK to be scared and it’s OK to be afraid of the unknown because it is unknown right now,” Wheaton said. “But at the same time, I want people to know that the city of Cookeville, we take this seriously and we also take the livelihood of our city seriously. And we want people to know to be smart. Protect yourself.”

City Manager James Mills said the city continues to follow health information from state and federal sources.

“My highest priority is the health and safety and well-being of over 450 city employees that deliver services,” Mills said. “Many of these employees don’t have the option to stay at home. We want to assure citizens that we will do everything we can to provide them services.”

Several council members mentioned the fine line between protecting each other through social distancing while also trying to keep the economy strong. Shelton urged citizens to use common sense and make smart decisions.

Council Member Eric Walker also expressed thanks to the city staff, many of whom have been working long hours since the morning of March 3.

“I would just like to say thank you to all the city employees for doing such a good job and representing our city in such a great way,” Walker said.