News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville City Council agreed to spend $1.14 million in additional money on Spring paving Thursday night.
The revenue generated, in large part, by higher interest rates on the city’s investments. Finance Director Brenda Imel outlined numerous other budget adjustments Thursday night as the fiscal year draws toward an end. Sales tax revenue, for example, has exceeded projections.
“We originally budgeted 17.4 million and we’re anticipating ending the year just under $19 million in local sales tax,” Imel said.
Imel said the amendments included several expense lines that have been impacted by inflationary pressures.
“The cost operations at the water plant have gone up significantly, chemical costs have gone up greatly,” Imel said.
Council members also voted to declare a parcel on Hunter Avenue surplus. Several residents had expressed interest in purchasing the property. Council voted to sell the property via online auction.
Council approved on first reading the rezoning of some 10.4 acres at the corner of South Jefferson Avenue and Old Sparta Road. The Local Commercial rezoning would still allow some residential development on the site.
Residents of the Riverbend neighborhood had expressed concern during a Planning Commission vote about increased traffic from the development. No neighbors spoke Thursday night. City Manager James Mills said at a work session Monday the city could decide later to limit access to South Jefferson Avenue only in an effort to deal with traffic.
Council also approved oil-change facilities in the Regional Commercial zone. Community Director Jon Ward said a national chain had asked for the rezoning to allow the development of a new facility. An Atlanta-based company wants to construct a facility across from Jackson Plaza. The proposal sets specific limits to differentiate oil-change facilities from mechanic shops.
A public hearing set for June 1 to add medical clinics to the Regional Commercial zone. Council also approved bids for the Cookeville Electric Department for 24 feedthrus and 100 secondary junction boxes. Electric Dept MGR said both are inventory items.
