County Mayor Updates on Broadband Grants and Co. Commission Meeting

Press Release from Cumberland Co. Mayor Allen Foster.

From zero to five broadband grant applications in a single year.  Last year, no provider applied for grants to extend service to Cumberland County.  This year, we have grant applications in the North, South, East, and West portions of the county as well as in Crossville.  It took a lot of work but the county is broadband grant eligible, and you responded in great numbers to show community support.  The State will score the applications and we will know if any providers in Cumberland County have received a grant before Spring.

Cumberland Co. Courthouse Sunset by Jim Young

 
Speaking of Broadband, if there are any individuals that are still getting broadband or cable TV service from Spirit Broadband, please let me know.  You can call my office or send me an email.
 
I was excited to learn that the Plateau Partnership Park IDB has received a grant for $1,000,000.  Cumberland County is a regional hub for three distressed counties that border us.  These funds will be used for a water line extension to the industrial park that should help make the park more attractive for industry, and move us closer toward economic growth for the entire region.  I want to thank everyone involved in this process from the IDB to the State of Tennessee.
 

All Christmas Buy One Get one FREE!

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The December 16^th meeting of the full County Commission was held with all Commissioners in attendance except Chad Norris, Carl MacLeod, and John Patterson.
 
There were a couple of items under new business.  The first was the resignation of Ninth District Commissioner Carl MacLeod.  Carl and his family have moved to South Carolina, and he sent me his resignation last week.  That means we have a vacant Commission seat in the 9th District effective January 1, 2020.  TCA has specific requirements for filling a vacant seat.  First, we must have the formal notice of vacancy from the County Clerk.  That was given at the meeting.  Next, notice must also be officially given in the paper/media by the Mayor’s Office as the Commission Chairman.  That will go out soon.
 
I suggested a motion be made that the County fill the vacant Ninth District seat at the January 21, 2020 Commission meeting in accordance to County Commission rules.  Anyone interested in filling the vacant Ninth District County Commission seat should notify the County Mayor’s Office in writing by January 9, 2019 at Noon.  A cover letter is suggested, but not required to be submitted at that time.  Those unable to notify the County Mayor’s Office may also be considered at the January 21, 2020 meeting of the full County Commission.  Verification of residency in the ninth district is required.  The motion was made and approved 15-0.
 
Next, the Sheriff gave notice that he wishes to discontinue using his current personnel policies and adopt the personnel policies and handbook of Cumberland County.  The change will become effective January 1, 2020.  The rewritten policies adopted by the County last month are well written and should protect both the employee and the county.
 
RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration (resolution sponsor in parenthesis):
 
RESOLUTION 12-2019-1 – Accept Offers to Purchase Property Owned by Cumberland County (Hyder).  The Delinquent Tax Committee recommended approval of the following offers:

Offeror(s)	Property	Price	Advertising Fee
Michael Matthews	8113 Cherokee Trail, Tansi	$302.50	$45

This will return the property to the tax rolls after it had been removed due to property taxes not being paid for several years.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-2 – Encouraging the Support of HR1175/SB1469 which directs TennCare to reimburse ground ambulance providers at a rate not less than the current Medicare fee schedule and adding funding to the 2020-2021 budget (Hyder).  This resolution originated from our EMS Director in an attempt to secure more funding for TennCare ambulance transports.  It encourages our state legislators to support funding TennCare transports at the same rate as Medicare.  If approved by the state, this would result in a substantial funding increase for our local EMS.  The resolution was approved 15-0.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-3 – Requesting legislation to the General Assembly of the State of Tennessee for counties that are bordered by three or more distressed countries to qualify for a sales tax TIF (Lowe).  This resolution was placed in support of the recent City request for the same legislation, and was approved unanimously.  If approved by the state legislature, it could help in retail recruitment here in Cumberland County.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-4 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Juvenile Court $3,961.00 (Hyder).  This resolution was approved 15-0 and allowed comp and vacation time to be paid to the former Youth Service Office so the position can be filled quickly.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-5 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Fire Department, $10,160.00 (Lowe).  Donations have been given to the Fire Department to fund the acquisition of a rehab emergency support trailer.  This purchase is in partnership with the Tennessee Federation of Fire Chaplains.  This resolution, unanimously approved, authorized the acceptance and expenditure of the funds.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-6 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Local Health Center/Appropriations to State $27,965.00 (Cooper).  The Tennessee Department of Health has approved the withholding of the 3^rd and 4^th quarter county appropriations so the funds can be used to repair and replace HVAC control systems at the County Health Department.  The resolution was approved 15-0.
        
RESOLUTION 12-2019-7 – Declaring light poles no longer utilized by Cumberland County as surplus property and be donated to The City of Crossville (Seiber).  There are several light poles that have been laying on the grounds at the Community Complex for at least a decade.  We had been trying to determine how to dispose of them, when we found out that the City has a use for them at Meadow Park Lake.  This resolution, approved unanimously, donated the poles to the City.

RESOLUTION 12-2019-8 – General Fund Budget Amendment, Military Museum, $250.00 (Patterson).  Commissioner Patterson received a donation for the Military Museum for $250, but the donation did not go through the budget process and did not have proper accounting codes in the resolution.  Although Commissioners commented on being very thankful for the donation, it was sent to the Budget Committee in order to follow proper process and to get the correct information to accept.  The motion was approved 15-0.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Local option sales tax collections came in at $859,937 which is $36,731 above estimated revenue.  Overall, we are $24,928 above the budgeted amount year to date.  Hotel/Motel tax collections are approximately 40.3% of the $817,283 budget as revised down due to last year’s collection.  So far $329,770 has been collected.  Property taxes are starting to come in and stand at 25.4% of budget.  Prisoner boarding is at 33.9% of budget at $254,823 collected.  EMS collections for the month were approximately $404.000.  This puts year to date collections at $1,817,087 which is $150,422 above budget

Crossville City Holiday Schedule and Meetings Announced

Snowy Crossville City Hall (file photo by Jim Young

December 19          Crossville Regional Planning Commission       12:00 p.m.

December 20          Catoosa Advisory Board                                   11:00 a.m.

December 23          City Council Call for Special Meeting                8:00 a.m.

December 24-25     City offices closed

Dec. 31-Jan 1          City offices closed

Jan. 7, 2020            City Council Work Session                               5:00 p.m.

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Crossville Police to Conduct Sobriety Checkpoints December 27

The City of Crossville Police Department, working in conjunction with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, will be conducting sobriety checkpoints on December 27, 2019, beginning at 6pm and continuing through 10pm.

During this time period, the Crossville Police Department will be conducting Sobriety Checkpoints in the areas of Lantana Rd, Peavine Rd, Genesis Rd and U.S. HWY 127, in an effort to put an end to impaired driving. Please use caution when driving in these areas. Do not approach checkpoints with your high-beam headlights on, and always slow down when approaching the checkpoint areas.

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Please help us keep the roadways safe for everyone, buckle up and don’t drink and drive.

Contact the City of Crossville Police Department with any questions at 931-484-7231.

Cumberland County Schools are...

Closed for Wednesday, December 11 due to snowy road conditions.

Watch for the VORP Store FLASH SALE Friday!

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NWS Special Weather Statement Issued some snow accumulation possible in middle/east Tennessee

Up to an inch of snow and below-freezing temperatures could create some travel problems for drivers.

The Weather Service has issued a special weather statement for today:
Minor Snow Accumulations Possible 

Rain will transition to a rain and snow mix followed by all snow during the day today. No accumulations to a few tenths of one inch are expected west of the Cumberland Plateau. Accumulations up to one inch are possible on the Cumberland Plateau with a couple higher elevations possibly receiving slightly greater than one inch of snow. If you are traveling on Tuesday afternoon and evening, especially locations along the Cumberland Plateau, use caution as slick spots may develop on area roads, mainly on secondary roads as well as bridges and overpasses. Snow should come to an end from west to east during the afternoon through the early overnight hours tonight.

The latest info from the National Weather Service has been released. 

Snowfall accumulation

When to expect snow to start

Travel Impact possibilities

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Crossville City Council meeting and Council Retreat Set for this Week.

Crossville City Council members (Photo by Jim Young)

Upcoming City of Crossville Events

December 10, 2019                         Audit Committee                             5:15 p.m.

December 10, 2019                         CDBG Public Hearing                     5:45 p.m.

December 10, 2019                         Crossville Beer Board                     5:50 p.m.

December 10, 2019                         Crossville City Council                    6 p.m.

December 13, 2019                         City Council Retreat                        8 a.m.

                                                               Cumberland Mountain State Park

December 19, 2019                         Planning Commission                    NOON

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Final 2019 Crossville Council meeting to cover sewer service to Tansi, water leak adjustment and flag design winners

Crossville City Council holds its final regular meeting of 2019 on Tuesday, December 10 at Crossville City Hall.

The evening includes several meetings with the audit committee starting at 5:15 PM, a public hearing on an application for Community Development Block Grant funds at 5:45 PM, and Beer Board at 5:50 PM and the council agenda at 6:00 PM.

One of the winning Crossville flag designs.

Items for discussion on the agenda include sewer service to a group of condominiums in Lake Tansi, The first step is requesting access from South Cumberland Utility District. Staff requests authority for the City Manager to send a letter requesting access.

Council will also discuss a water leak adjustment program. Several proposals have been presented to the city that would cover the amount of a leak over a customer's average monthly water bill. The city also discussed the possibility of operating their own program but there could be legal issues with that plan.

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Crossville-Cumberland County Sports and Events Council (CCCSEC) is recommending the appointment of the following members for the council to consider.

Dr. Zach Boyd Term Expiration 12/31/20

Rusty Mellette Term Expiration 12/31/22

Pepe Perron Term Expiration 12/31/22

Angie Spitler Term Expiration 12/31/22

Tony Dolinich Term Expiration 12/31/21

Marlo Wright Term Expiration 12/31/21

Valorie Cox Term Expiration 12/31/21

Council will also recognize winners of the Crossville Flag competition and the student of the month from Martin Elementary School.

Crossville announces plans and street closing for December 14 Christmas Parade

Crossville Christmas Parade Detailed Plans have been released by the city.  This year's theme is "There's No Place Like Home for Christmas."

2019 Crossville Christmas Parade Route: The parade will begin at Cumberland County High School and Martin Elementary School on Stanley Street, travel Stanley Street to Main Street, then north on Main Street to Tabernacle Street, across from Woodmere Mall. The parade will end on Ridley Street.  The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14.

Santa in the 2016 parade (photo by Jim Young)

Line-up will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the Cumberland County High School/Martin Elementary School area on Stanley Street, and everyone riding on floats, marching in bands, and participating in any other way in the parade should be in place by 3:45 p.m. Parents should make plans to pick up children riding on the floats at the parade route end, on Ridley Street.

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STREET CLOSURE SCHEDULE:

CLOSING AT 2 PM:  Stanley Street in front of Cumberland County High School and Martin Elementary to Miller Avenue

CLOSING AT 3:30 PM: Stanley Street from Miller Avenue to Main Street; Main Street from Lantana Road to Genesis Road

CLOSING AT 4 PM: Miller Avenue before Fourth Street (across from Garrison Park) to Lantana Road; Main Street from Genesis Road to Miller Avenue

Tuesday Council Work Session to cover Palace repairs, indoor recreation facility and water leak protection

The Crossville City Council holds its work session for December Tuesday, December 3 at 5 PM and several topics are up for discussion.

Historic Palace Theatre (Photo by Jim Young)

Items on the agenda include a problem with leaks in the Palace Theatre that have been reported and appear to be caused by issues with mortar joints in the masonry walls. Council will discuss a contract with Uplands Design Group for the preparation of bidding and construction documents to replace mortar and water repellent coating. The repair is expected to cost around $50,000.

The Palace was restored and reopened in 2001 after being closed for over 20 years. 

Council will again revisit the idea of the city building an indoor recreation facility and what amenities that might provide. An indoor recreation facility has been discussed off and on for some 15 years and has been popular with citizens but the cost and operation fees have concerned the council.

The city has put out request for qualifications for a consultant to complete a needs assessment for the facility and council will hear a presentation from HFR Design on the project.

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The city has heard from two different groups about a water leak protection plan but has not been ready to move forward yet. Councilman J. H. Graham wants the city to consider a self-funded program that would charge a small amount per month to water customers that would create a fund to cover the costs of water leaks in the future. There have been some legal questions about the city doing this and the matter will be discussed at the work session.

The city's compensation plan is ready for the council to look at and the contractor, McGrath Human Resources Group will make a presentation to the council on their study and make recommendations about the implementation of the compensation scale.

Winter Weather Advisory Issued for Cumberland Co./Plateau Midnight Sunday to 6PM Monday

Accumulating Snowfall Expected Across Cumberland Plateau Region After Midnight tonight through Monday, December 2...

A strong upper-level low-pressure system will bring the chance of snowfall to the mid-state region late tonight and into Monday. Accumulating snowfall amounts between one to two inches will be possible across the Cumberland Plateau Region.

WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO
6 PM CST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snowfall expected. Total snow accumulations of up to two
  inches.

* WHERE...Pickett, Fentress, White, Cumberland, Warren, Grundy
  and Van Buren Counties.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 6 PM CST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous
  conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Generally for locations at or greater than
  one thousand feet.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Slow down and use caution while traveling.

The latest road conditions can be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

Areas covered by the advisory includes: Pickett-Fentress-White-Cumberland-Warren-Grundy-Van Buren- Including the cities of Byrdstown, Jamestown, Allardt, Sparta, Crossville, McMinnville, Altamont, Coalmont, and Spencer.

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Mayor Foster Reports County Now Owns all Property under the Library, New Bus Service Operating

Cumberland County Mayor's Report for November by Allen Foster

Cumberland County officially owns the former railroad property under the Art Circle Public Library (ACPL)! You may recall the saga of how the ACPL and parking area is built on top of railroad property. The county has been working on this issue for some years. Originally, the railroad offered to sell the property to the county for $40,000. When the county agreed, the railroad decided to change the price to $45,000. After the county agreed and allocated funding once again, the offer to sell was pulled. I talked to representatives of the railroad during my first week in office. We have negotiated and worked on this issue since that time. In the end, the county paid $23,500 for the property. I have talked to some that believed we should condemn the property, but there were legal issues with that, and to others with various ideas on the handling of the situation. In the end, we needed the property and a deal was successfully negotiated. Government can indeed be slow, but I’m thankful to have this issue resolved. Thanks to all that made this happen!

Introducing Go Upper (or GUPPER as Crossville Mayor James Mayberry​ 

has dubbed it)! Cumberland County has a new deviated fixed-route bus system 

that began service on November 7th!

 
During my campaign, many residents talked about the need for public transportation. About a year ago Mayor Mayberry and I were at a meeting and discussed Cumberland County’s needs with UCHRA. The two bus routes go from the general area of the Health Department up to Walmart and will deviate up to .75 miles. A ride costs $1 or $0.50 for seniors and veterans. For more information call 1-833-UCTRIPS or visit http://ucpublictransit.com.
 
The November 18^th meeting of the full County Commission was held with all Commissioners in attendance except Carl MacLeod, and John Patterson.  
 
RESOLUTIONS
The following resolutions were presented to the Board of Commissioners for consideration (resolution sponsor in parenthesis):
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-1 – Appoint Cumberland County Solid Waste Director (Foster).  I recommended that Conrad Welch take over as the Solid Waste Director on a permanent basis.  Conrad was placed in the Interim role at the Solid Waste Department since April of this year.  The Commission approved the appointment unanimously.  Conrad will now be the Solid Waste Director and the Interim Maintenance Supervisor while a replacement is found to serve in the Maintenance Supervisor position.

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RESOLUTION 11-2019-2 – Reappoint Members to the Cumberland County Solid Waste Regional Planning Board (Foster).  Everett Bolin and Barry Fields were reappointed to the Solid Waste Regional Planning Board with terms expiring in November of 2025, and Conrad Welch was added to the board with a term expiring in March of 2022.  The vote to approve was 16-0.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-3 – Appoint Members to the Wildlife and Fisheries’ Committee (Foster).  Wayne Shadden and Charles Daugherty were unanimously reappointed to the Wildlife and Fisheries Committee with terms expiring in November of 2023.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-4 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Sheriff Department $270.00 (Hyder).  This resolution unanimously accepted donations for candy at the Sheriff’s annual Trunk or Treat event.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-5 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Downtown Crossville, Inc. $1,000.00 (Seiber).  Downtown Crossville, Inc. (DCI) generously donated $1,000 to the county specifically for Christmas decorations at the courthouse.  The resolution to accept was approved 16-0.  I want to thank DCI for this most generous donation, it is appreciated!
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-6 – Budget Amendment, General Purpose School Fund, Community Donations, $2,478.00 (Wilson).  The Commission unanimously approved the donation from the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club to assist with dual enrollment and industry certification programs in our schools.  A big thank you from the county to the Fairfield Glade Ladies Club!
         
RESOLUTION 11-2019-7 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Sheriff’s Department, Drug    Enforcement $2,500.00 (Cooper).  The commission unanimously approved additional grant funding from the US Office of National Drug Control Policy – Appalachia High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA), to offset overtime pay costs for drug related investigations.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-8 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Emergency Management Agency, Civil Defense $8,000.00 (Cooper).  Our Emergency Management Agency applied for and received an Emergency Preparedness grant.  The county commission approved acceptance of the funds 16-0.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-9 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, County Buildings $16,335.00 (Wilson).  This resolution funded the efforts to replace the telephone hardware and infrastructure improvements needed to move to a Voice Over IP (VoIP) phone system.  The resolution was approved 16-0.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-10 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, County Buildings, $84,970.00 (MacLeod).  The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires the evaluation of public facilities to determine compliance, prepare a transition plan, and provide recommendations for compliance.  In order to develop a plan, the commission voted unanimously to fund and hire architect and engineering services to create the detailed plan that is required by TDOT.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-11 – Budget Amendment, General Fund, Sheriff/Jail, $139,191.00 (Stone).  The 25-year-old generator at the Justice Center recently died.  The cost to repair was prohibitive.  The original resolution in the amount of $139,191.00 was to replace the generator with a natural gas generator.  The original request from the sheriff was to replace it with a diesel generator, but after discussion in the Budget Committee meeting, the natural gas generator was approved.  After discussion, the resolution was replaced in order to approve the diesel generator at a total cost of $ 96,591.00.  The motion to approve was 11-4-1.  Commissioners Threet, Wilson, Baldwin, and Blalock voted against the resolution and Commissioner Sherrill passed.
 
RESOLUTION 11-2019-12 – Accept Offer(s) to purchase (3) three properties owned by Cumberland       County (Hyder).  The original resolution was to sell three properties, but one was withdrawn before the meeting.  The Delinquent Tax Committee recommended approval of the following offers:

Offeror(s)	Property	Price	Advertising Fee
Michael Matthews	108 Broken Arrow Drive, Tansi	$266.40	$45
Michael Matthews	110 Broken Arrow Drive, Tansi	$266.40	$45

This will return the property to the tax rolls after it had been removed due to property taxes not being paid for several years.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

RESOLUTION 11-2019-13 – Approve the replacing of the current Cumberland County Personnel Policy (Foster).  The final resolution of the night was replacing the Cumberland County Personnel Policy.  This is the culmination of many months of work, mainly by the county HR Director, Brooke Shaffer.  The policies have been reviewed and revised by CTAS, HR, the County Attorney, the Sheriff, the Finance Director, and me (I hope I didn’t leave anyone out).  Many thanks to all involved, especially Brooke, as she put in many hours in this effort to make sure the county is compliant with Federal and State law.  The Commission passed the resolution adopting the policy unanimously.  If you are interested, the document is posted on the HR Department page on the county website at https://cumberlandcountytn.gov/directory/human-resources/.

FINANCIAL REPORT
Local option sales tax collections came in at $846,819 which is $16,285 below estimated revenue.  Overall, we are $11,803 below the budgeted amount year to date.  Hotel/Motel tax collections are approximately 31.1% of the $817,283 budget as revised down due to last year’s collection.  So far $253,905 has been collected.  Property taxes are starting to come in and stand at 16.7% of budget.  Prisoner boarding is at 17.1% of budget at $127,374 collected.  EMS collections for the month were $324,174.  This puts year to date collections at $1,387,565 which is $54,233 above budget.

One Dead, One Wounded following Domestic Call in Rinnie early Sunday Morning

CCSD Press Release by Sgt. Gary Howard Public Information Office

On November 17, 2019, at approximately 4:48 a.m. Cumberland County deputies were dispatched to a residence on Colby Circle in the Rinnie Community regarding a domestic-related call where an individual was ramming a vehicle at the residence.

Deputies arrived on the scene and were flagged down by an individual in a vehicle who had an apparent gunshot wound requesting assistance. Another individual was discovered in the front yard of the residence suffering from a gunshot wound to the head.

Both gunshot victims, Jude Pennington, age 41, of Ryan Road, Crossville, and Travis Sinard, age 39, of Hood Drive, Crossville, were airlifted to regional trauma centers. Jude Pennington was treated and released for gunshot wounds. Travis Sinard was pronounced dead at 1:28 a.m. (CST) Monday morning at an intensive care unit. His body remains on life support pending organ donor procedures. Cumberland County Sheriff’s Investigators are currently working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the District Attorney’s Office on the investigation.

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The investigation is ongoing at this time. Deputies requested mutual aid assistance from the Crossville Police Department with multiple units arriving on the scene to determine if there were additional victims. Sheriff’s Deputies were also assisted by Cumberland County Emergency Medical Services, Cumberland County Fire Department, and Crossville Fire Department.

Upcoming City Meetings and Crossville City Hall Closings

Schedule of Upcoming Events:

November 18, 2019                    Lake Commission                           5:30 p.m.

November 19, 2019                    Palace Advisory Board                   1 p.m.

November 20, 2019                    Joint Economic Community

                                                            Development Board                2 p.m.

November 21, 2019                Crossville Regional Planning       

                                                Commission                                       NOON

November 28 and 29, 2019    City Offices CLOSED for Thanksgiving

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Local Law Enforcement Join in Cumberland Overwatch to Reduce Crashes

Cumberland Overwatch set for Nov. 21-23, 2019 Crossville Police Dept press release 

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office will be working closely with Tennessee Highway Patrol, Cumberland County Sheriff Dept and the Crossville Police Department in efforts to decrease crashes along Hwy 127, and Hwy 70 N.

These efforts will begin on November 21 at 12:01 am and progress through Saturday, November 23 at 11:59pm. Officers will be out in force during these times looking for those drivers that may be driving distracted while operating a motor vehicle as well as driving under the influence.

Drivers need to be aware that the use of a cell phone while driving is only legal if the driver is not holding or touching the phone and using a handsfree phone holder.  

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The latest crash statistics revealed that between September and October our crash numbers went from 63 to 91 crashes and from 19 to 28 resulting in injuries to the driver or passenger in those vehicles.

Cumberland Overwatch is an effort to slow down this progression of crashes and crashes with injuries as a team by utilizing local Law Enforcement working together to Make a Difference in their communities.

Planned Power Outage set for Saturday Morning to affect 12,000 VEC Customers

There will be a planned outage at the Crossville Substation Saturday 11/16. It will begin at 7:00 am CST and last for 2 hours. It will also have the Crab Orchard, Lantana, and Crossville 244 out of power for two hours. Approximately 12,229 members will be affected.

This planned outage will allow our lineman and engineers to repair the damage that occurred previously. It will also increase the reliability of service to the Crab Orchard and Lantana Substations.

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Members affected live in Crab Orchard and south of I40 all the way to the Bellview area. The planned outage reaches members as far west as the Thomas Springs area and east as far as Daysville. Calls will go out to affected customers with updated contact information on 11/12 -11/15. For a specific address, check the Smart Hub app or call your local service center.

November CIty Council meeting Looks at Hilltoppers Donation and Water Leak Program changes

City Council to consider a land donation to Hilltopper's, water leak insurance program and a request to the state legislature for a tax increment financing program approval.

Crossville City Council's regular November meeting will be held Tuesday, November 12 at 6 PM at Crossville City Hall.

Crossville City Hall--photo by Jim Young

Several meetings and events are on the evening's schedule including The audit committee meeting at 5:15 PM, the Beer Board meeting at 5:45 PM and an annexation progress hearing at 5:50 PM. All meetings are open to the public.

A lengthy list of items under the consent agenda are expected to be handled and a few other items needing further discussion.

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One item on the agenda that is coming back after an action earlier in the year is the possible donation of land to Hilltoppers if they sell their current land and building across from the Crossville Outlet Mall in support of economic development.

The Hilltopper's property, purchased in 1986 for $350,000, is currently assessed by the state with a value of $594,000 for property and improvements. The city is looking at a 6+ acre property off of Industrial Drive to donate to the organization to construct a new building.

The council is looking at making appointments to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau and the Airport committee.

Council has previously considered a service that would cover customer water leaks. For a small monthly fee added to the water bill, the cost of leaks would be covered to the customer. A company connected to Plateau Insurance Group in Crossville, Water Leak Relief has submitted a proposal to the Council to offer their services to the City of Crossville utility customers.

If a customer has a leak, the program pays the difference between the customer’s average monthly water bill and the qualifying water leak bill amount up to the service limit amount proposed at $2,500 with a maximum benefit of two claims per year. The monthly fee would be $1.40 per month/customer for residential. Customers could opt out but would be responsible for the entire water leak bill if they choose to do so. The city's current water leak policy would be ended with the new program.

Customers could also insure their water and sewer lines for repair for an additional cost and commercial customers would pay a higher fee.

Council will consider a resolution requesting a change to the state law concerning sales tax increment financing programs that would allow Crossville to take advantage of the program as well as other counties that are bordered by three or more distressed counties. The TIF program currently allows for apportioning and distributing sales and use tax revenue to commercial development districts in economically distressed counties.

NWS Special Weather Statement--Plateau could see up to an inch of snow and bitter cold wind chills.

Good Chance of Light Snow Accumulations Tonight...

A strong cold front will bring rainfall and falling temperatures
to the area today. As cold air catches up with the moisture, the
rain will turn to snow this evening and through the overnight
hours. Snowfall accumulations will be light and will range from a
dusting up to one half inch, and possibly around an inch on the
Cumberland Plateau. Due to the light snow amounts and some
residual surface moisture, area roadways could develop slick spots
as overnight lows will bottom out in the mid 20s by sunrise
Tuesday.

An approaching cold front bringing rain showers into Middle TN this 

afternoon, but by early evening, the cold air mass following
the frontal system will help to change the rain briefly to
a rain/snow mix and eventually over to all snow.

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Snowfall accumulations are expected to be light, with up to around
an inch possible on the Cumberland Plateau, and a dusting up to
around a half inch elsewhere.

Travel impacts should be minimal west of the Cumberland Plateau.
However, some slick spots will be possible on area roadways,
especially on bridges and overpasses. Travel impacts will be
possible across the Plateau Tuesday morning due to slightly more
snowfall.

Wind chills may be one of the larger impacts Tuesday morning, with
low teen to single digit wind chills possible across all of
Middle TN.

Knoxville Based SmartBank to purchase Progressive Savings Bank Group

SmartFinancial, Inc., (Nasdaq: SMBK) (“SmartFinancial”), the parent company of SmartBank, and Progressive Financial Group Inc., (“Progressive”), the parent company of Progressive Savings Bank, jointly announced today their entry into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to which SmartFinancial will acquire Progressive.

As of September 30, 2019, Progressive had approximately $296 million of total assets, $258 million in deposits, $190 million in net loans and six branches across Cookeville, Crossville, Jamestown, and Wartburg, Tennessee. The proposed transaction will bolster SmartFinancial’s presence in Tennessee and, based on market share data as of June 30, 2019, SmartFinancial will become the 7th largest community bank by deposits in Tennessee, with total consolidated assets in excess of $2.7 billion.

“The Progressive franchise is complementary to our existing Tennessee footprint, adding adjacent markets where we are excited to introduce the SmartBank banking brand,” explained Billy Carroll, President and CEO of SmartFinancial. “Progressive shares a similar culture to us and their talented team will strengthen our market position and product capabilities.”

“This partnership enhances our strategic vision of building stronger market share in Tennessee,” commented Miller Welborn, Chairman of the Board of SmartFinancial. “We have a proven ability to excel in college markets such as Chattanooga, Knoxville, Murfreesboro and Tuscaloosa. The addition of Cookeville, home of Tennessee Tech University with a student body in excess of 10,000, is a logical extension of our footprint that will further enhance our franchise.”

The transaction consideration, which is comprised of 1,292,592.556 shares of SmartFinancial stock and $14.6 million of cash, is valued on an aggregate basis at approximately $41.4 million, based on SmartFinancial’s closing stock price on October 28, 2019. Based on Progressive’s tangible common equity as of September 30, 2019, the implied price to tangible book value is approximately 124%. The acquisition, which is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of Progressive shareholders and the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals is expected to be completed in the first half of 2020.

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Upon completion of the merger, Ottis H. Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Progressive, will join the board of SmartFinancial. “We are excited by the prospects of joining a well-respected community bank with strong ties to the state of Tennessee,” remarked Phillips. “We view SmartFinancial as a natural partner and I truly believe that this will be a win-win for all parties involved, including our shareholders, customers, employees and the communities we represent.”