6,250 subscribers www.TML1.org Volume 68, Number 5 March 27, 2017 White House FY18 budget Road funding, TN budget, preserving local proposal includes $54B control discussed at Legislative Conference cuts to domestic programs Small, rural cities generally lack the tax base to absorb cuts at the level Trump Administration has proposed.

BY MICHAEL WALLACE engines and centers of opportunity. National League of Cities A quick scan of programs pro- posed for elimination revels what The president’s budget pro- is at stake for all American cities, posal represents a vision of un- large and small: precedented withdrawal of federal • Community Development investment in America’s neighbor- Block Grants (CDBG) hoods and communities. • HOME Investment Partner- President Donald Trump’s ships Program for Affordable “skinny budget” proposes more Housing than $50 billion in domestic spend- • Economic Development Ad- ing reductions across the board, ministration Grants (EDA) and would outright eliminate doz- • Transit New Starts for Public ens of programs important to cities Transportation and towns. • TIGER Grants for Public For city leaders, cuts of this mag- Transportation Projects nitude are not merely a question • Minority Business Develop- of how to do a little more with a ment Agency little less. That’s a question that has • Community Development already dogged local officials for Financial Institutions (CDFI) years as a result of the relatively Grants smaller annual funding cuts to city • Low Income Home Energy priorities resulting from seques- Assistance (LIHEAP) tration. It’s also a question city • National Endowment for the leaders have had to contend with Arts (NEA) Photo by state of Tennessee State photographic services because of the growing number of • Pre-Disaster Mitigation City officials from across the state gathered in Nashville last week as part of the TML Legislative state-mandated caps on local tax Grants Conference. Gov. Bill Haslam was one of many state leaders who updated the group on various and revenue authority. • •State Criminal Alien Assis- issues local governments are facing including transportation funding and preserving local autonomy. The president’s budget propos- tance Grants al not only asks cities and towns to • •Community Services Block do a lot more with a lot less, it rep- Grant (CSBG) resents a vision of unprecedented • •Weatherization Assistance Bill would give local governments more withdrawal of federal investment Program in America’s neighborhoods and • •The Clean Power Plan communities and an abandonment control over regulating smoking in public of the role the federal government NLC President Matt Zone has By KATE COIL traditionally plays as a stakeholder pointed out that the president’s TML Communications Specialist in cities, the nation’s economic See FEDERAL CUTS on Page 3 A new bill before the Tennes- see legislature would allow local Legislature moves forward on government entities more control over smoking restrictions. measures providing relief to Sponsored by Sen. Jon Lund- berg, R-Bristol, Senate Bill 278 wildfire-stricken communities would permit municipalities, coun- ty governments and other local en- By KATE COIL tities to prohibit smoking in areas TML Communications Specialist like public parks and government buildings on the local level without The Tennessee State Senate needing approval from the state has approved two measures that legislature. The companion bill, would bring aid to victims of res- House Bill 279, was introduced by idents affected by wildfires that Rep. Cameron Sexton, R-Cross- struck the state last year. ville. Senate Bill 114 was intro- Under the present law, the state duced by Sen. Doug Overbey, preempts local control over the R-Maryville, as a tax relief mea- regulation of tobacco products by sure that allows local governments any local government, agency or to approve – by a two-thirds vote – political subdivision. While state relief for real and personal property Sen. Doug Overbey law generally prohibits smoking damaged in the fire, prorating the in enclosed spaces, the prohibition 2016 tax assessment for properties of smoking in outdoor parks, play- damaged by 50 percent or more. grounds and similar places must be Those who have already paid their approved by the state legislature. 2016 taxes will receive a refund. As a result, communities may have The bill’s companion legisla- to wait until the legislature is in tion is House Bill 52, sponsored by session to approve a smoking ban Rep. Dale Carr, R-Sevierville. The in certain areas. bill passed the senate unanimous- Senate Bill 278 would allow ly and the House with 92 votes municipalities, counties, metros, for, none against, and one vote of airport authorities or utility district present. It now goes to Gov. Bill to regulate the use of tobacco in While cigarette smoke is banned on the state level in a variety of Haslam’s desk for signature. public places, places of employ- “We need to do everything indoor venues, municipalities and county governments still have to ment, and parks so long as their seek permission from the state legislature to prohibit smoking in we can possibly do to help those See SMOKING on Page 5 affected by the wildfires,” Carr Rep. Dale Carr outdoor areas like parks, playgrounds and ballfields. said. “People lost their homes and ing to be important to the recovery lost everything. Many only came effort to get everything cleaned Tennessee’s infrastructure receives out with the shirts on their back. up and back in order for tourism,” This helps them to recover and get Overbey said. “This legislation back on their feet. This bill allows will assist in the clean-up effort and average “C” grade, transist gets a “D” people to have their property taxes allow for the city to get reimburse- The American Society of Civil need for infrastructure to keep up cording to eight key criteria: ca- pro-rated, and, especially since ment from FEMA for that purpose. Engineers’ (ASCE) 2016 Report with dramatic population growth. pacity, condition, funding, future many people no longer have a This bill would provide a measure Card for Tennessee’s Infrastructure Rarely is the impact infrastruc- need, operation and maintenance, structure on their property, to have of tax relief to owners for property grades Tennessee with an average ture has on the daily lives of the public safety, resilience, and inno- their property tax for that period damaged in the disaster. We will score of a “C” – the same grade the citizens of Tennessee considered – vation. from the wildfires onward only continue to search for ways to help state received in 2009. from the water they drink and the Tennessee’s aviation infra- account for their land rather than a our Sevier County communities re- Considerable investments roads they drive on, to the power structure and the state’s bridges structure.” bound from this disaster during the have been made across the state to they use to light their homes and received the highest scores with Overbey also sponsored Sen- remainder of the 2017 legislative improve the state’s infrastructure. the food they put on their tables. a B- and B, respectively. Tennes- ate Bill 964, which gives local gov- session.” Funds from the 2009 American Volunteers from the Tennessee see’s dams, transit, and waste- ernments the authority to clean-up The bill passed the State Sen- Recovery and Reinvestment Act Section of ASCE developed this water infrastructued received the debris on private property at the ate unanimously. Its companion initiated numerous projects. report card for Tennessee’s infra- lowest marks. request of the property owner. bill, House Bill 1166, is being The Tennessee Department structure to help all Tennesseans To review the complete Additionally, the bill would allow carried by Rep. John Crawford, of Transportation’s (TDOT) Bet- understand the condition of the report, go to www.infrastructure- Gatlinburg to get reimbursements R-Kingsport. ter Bridges Program replaced, state’s infrastructure. reportcard.org/state-item/tennes- from FEMA for removing debris Earlier this month, the Ten- repaired, or rehabilitated 193 Founded in 1988, the Tennes- see/ on property that is not owned by nessee Department of Labor and state-owned structurally deficient see Section of the ASCE represents those with low income or who are Workforce Development (TDL- bridges. 1,600 civil engineers in Tennessee. Grade Summary elderly or disabled. WD) and Walters State Communi- The Tennessee Department As civil engineers, it’s their job to Aviation: B- Overbey said both bills are ty College have started to distribute of Environment and Conservation build and maintain infrastructure. Bridges: B Dams: D important for the successful recov- a $5.8 million National Dislocated (TDEC) received funding to up- They understand infrastructure’s ery of communities affected by the Drinking Water: C Worker Grant from the U.S. De- grade facilities at two of the state’s vital role in the economy, health, Inland Waterways: C- disaster such as Gatlinburg, Pigeon partment of Labor that will fund premier parks. and natural environment. Forge, and Sevierville. Parks: C . the hiring of workers dislocated However, these investments With this in mind, ASCE mem- Roads: C+ . “There are a lot of out-of-state, by the November wildfire in Sevier won’t stop the state’s existing infra- bers throughout the state graded Schools: C- out-of-town residences and it’s go- See WILDFIRE on Page 5 structure from aging, nor stop the each infrastructure category ac- Transit: D Wastewater: D+ www.TML1.org 2-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 Johnson City unveils new Boundless Playground

ATHENS businesses and programs, plus the Tennessee College of Applied A $50,000 gift from a Chattanoo- $14.8 million public investment, Technology, and move from the ga-based non-profit will help bring according to Kathryn Cole, presi- space near Food City to the higher the Eureka Trail closer to down- dent of the Believe in Bristol Board education center by July 1. He said town Englewood. The Lyndhurst of Directors. the school has about 400 students Foundation donated the money to served by each location. Programs help match a Recreational Trails BRISTOL offered by ETSU at the facility Program (RTP) grant the trail Exide Technologies has announced include an accelerated bachelor received last summer by the Ten- it will be resuming operations in of science degree in nursing and nessee Department of Environment Bristol in 2017, creating 40 new undergraduate social work degree, and Conservation (TDEC). The jobs with additional shifts as cus- along with business and education money will be used to construct an tomer demand increases. The com- degrees. The higher ed center additional 1.5 miles of trail along an pany operated in Bristol from 1994 offerings will focus on upper di- abandoned railway near Highway until shuttering its doors in 2013. vision and graduate courses, while 39. When completed, the trail will Exide formerly manufactured Allandale will offer first- and sec- stretch for than six miles from Ath- and formed batteries for major ond-year classes. ens to downtown Englewood near transportation industry customers. city hall. Any remaining funds from Officials said the Bristol operation MEMPHIS the project will be used to further will now be used exclusively for A rooftop garden is being con- Johnson City has unveiled a playground designed to accommo- trail development. the formation of transportation structed on the third-floor landing date children of all abilities. The Boundless Playground at Rotary batteries. The Milton, Ga.-based of AutoZone Park, according to Park was built to provide access to wheelchairs, artificial turf, and BLUFF CITY company filed for Chapter 11 bank- officials with the Memphis- Red other features to ensure all children can utilize its swings, slides, The second phase of water and ruptcy protection in 2013. Its reor- birds. The urban garden is being climbing equipment and splash pad. The Johnson City Rotary Club, sewage system project will soon be ganization plan was approved in sponsored by Miracle-Gro and Washington County, the Tennessee Department of Environment and underway in Bluff City. The Board March 2015, and the 128-year-old will overlook the plaza inside the Conservation and several private had commercial sponsors helped of Mayor and Aldermen recently company emerged from Chapter 11 front gates located at B.B. King the city make the playground a reality. approved $1.18 million to begin the in April 2015. Boulevard and Union Avenue. The second phase of the project, which garden at the minor league baseball will replace 5,000 feet of water and CARYVILLE stadium will utilize 3,200 linear Collierville Public Works sewer lines, manholes and other The Caryville Board of Mayor and feet of cypress lumber, and the infrastructure. The city received a Aldermen is moving to free up raised garden beds will total about honors kindergartner loan from the USDA Rural Devel- legal access for all-terrain vehicles 1,200 square feet. The beds hold opment program to fix stormwater and side-by-sides on city roads as 80 cubic yards of soil. Owners of and sewer issues. The first phase part of a larger tourism initiative the team hope that the garden can of the project replaced two pump with the city of LaFollette and be used for special events and as an stations in the city. Campbell County. In addition to educational tool for local children. commonplace street laws for driv- Produce from the garden will also BRENTWOOD ers of cars and motorcycles, ATV be used in concession stand items. The city of Brentwood’s Technolo- riders using these roads would need gy Department recently completed to comply with an additional set of NASHVILLE an upgrade of its live traffic camer- rules if the state passes the private Germany’s largest airline recently as. In all, there are now 21 high defi- act. The move to increase ATV named Nashville as its No. 1 travel nition cameras installed from the tourism comes as part of a larger destination for 2017. An online north end of the city near Interstate project that would construct ATV newsletter published by airline 65 to the southern edge. Brentwood trails connecting the town of Rocky Lufthansa declared Nashville as previously had traffic cameras, but Top in Tennessee to Middlesboro, its top travel pick for the year be- with the upgrade, added three ad- Ky., linking communities such cause it will be in the pathway of a ditional cameras. The cameras are as Caryville and LaFollette in total eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. The viewable on the city’s website by between. newsletter is delivered to 230,000 clicking on the camera icon in the frequent flyer clients. Officially middle of the page. Residents can CLEVELAND known as Deutsche Lufthansa, then bookmark this page on most The city of Cleveland has been the airline is the largest airline in mobile devices, but should not be ranked No. 3 on a list of top cities Europe when combined with its used while driving. The project cost for fastest economic growth. The subsidiaries in terms of fleet size. about $60,000 for the cameras and Kiplinger Letter, a weekly publi- It also carried the second largest technology to operate them. cation for executives and investors, amount of passengers of any airline John Bryan Hofstetter, a kindergartner at Collierville Elementary, ranked cities across the nation in Europe in 2016. received a Certificate of Appreciation from Collierville Utilities Division BRENTWOOD on measures including economic Manager Richard Mills, left, and Assistant Utilities Division Manager Orchids Paper Products is estab- growth and stability. Cleveland NASHVILLE Bo Cox, right. Hofstetter noticed the start of a water leak while walking lishing its headquarters in Brent- earned top marks for its wealth of The National League of Cities near a creek with his grandmother. His quick reporting of the leak wood, creating up to 25 jobs. A manufacturing operations, indus- recently selected Nashville as one and assistance in helping crews locate it allowed city crews to pre- leader in the private label tissue in- trial diversity, and job growth. of six cities that will take part in vent further damage, water waste and negative effects to the local dustry, Orchids Paper’s new head- a two-year project to explore and utility service. City officials honored Hofstetter for his “outstanding quarters is at 201 Summit Avenue, COLLIERVILLE build equitable pathways to post- citizenship and lasting contribution to the Public Utilities Division.” located off Interstate 65 near Old The town of Collierville recently secondary and workforce success. Hickory Boulevard, where it has began work on a construction The mayors of each city participat- recently renovated approximately project to replace 20-year-old re- ing in NLC’s Building Equitable 6,700 square feet of office space. stroom facilities in Town Square. Pathways to Postsecondary and Knoxville steps it up with Orchids Paper currently operates The existing facilities are being Workforce Success cohort have paper mill and converting facilities demolished with parts of the ex- made a commitment to increasing latest public art project in Oklahoma and South Carolina. isting restrooms, exterior lighting, access and decreasing barriers to Orchids Paper’s brand products ceiling fans, and other parts being succeeding in higher education include Orchids Supreme, Clean repurposed in other park facilities. and to gaining meaningful employ- Scents, Tackle, Virtue, Colortex The town will then construct two ment. NLC, through its Institute and others. Orchids also produces larger restroom buildings that will for Youth, Education and Families many private-label tissue products. be both energy efficient and ADA and with support from The Kresge compliant. The two structures will Foundation and with additional BRISTOL be connected by a breezeway and support and technical assistance Believe in Bristol recently brought will have an exterior to match the from LinkedIn around data, will together officials from both sides nearby train depot. Additionally, bring together city leaders from the of the city in Tennessee and Vir- the new facilities will add more government, education and busi- ginia to discuss the progress of green space, double the amount of ness sectors and national experts the area’s downtown. Believe in toilets and sinks, as well as having who will help Nashville develop Bristol has dual accreditation for both heating and air-conditioning. strategies and expand the city’s the national Main Street program in Officials estimate the project will efforts in ensuring all residents can both Virginia and Tennessee – one be complete in June. earn a postsecondary certificate or of only three such dual accredited degree as well as gain meaningful programs – and works to promote JEFFERSON CITY employment. The city will also downtown development, growth The former Milligan Clinic Build- have access to labor market trends and awareness. The downtown ing in Jefferson City is being trans- in hiring as well as insights on area currently has 149 businesses formed into an apartment complex. education pathways and key skill operating within a 15-square-block The 17,500-square-foot building sets leading to employment from area. That total includes 37 retail was once a part of the Jefferson LinkedIn, which it can use to help stores, 33 dining and entertainment Memorial Hospital complex and workers attain the skills employers businesses and 79 service busi- was constructed in the 1930s to need most. This image projection shows the future of the 11th Street Stairs in nesses, with a total of more than help bring more physicians to the Knoxville, one of two public art projects the city has contracted with 1,100 full-time employees. During area. The building was purchased PHILADELPHIA artists to complete. The $15,000 project will be conducted by Balti- the past 10 years, more than $20 by Carson-Newman University Ground will soon be broken on more-based Jessie Unterhalter and Katey Truhn, who will transform million in private dollars have been and then turned over to the city the new Philadelphia town hall. the 43 steps, 10 feet across, south of Cumberland Avenue at 11th invested into downtown buildings, and Jefferson County in 2014. The Knoxville-based contractor Danco Street this summer. During peak hours, the stairs are used by thou- structure was then purchased for Inc., has been hired to complete sands of pedestrians as they traverse the Second Creek Greenway to $250,000 by Dr. Aqueel Kouser, the $67,000 project to replace the access World’s Fair Park, the University of Tennessee or downtown who now plans to develop a 14-unit structure that collapsed in 2013. Knoxville. A second $10,000 project dubbed “Rhythm of Knoxville” TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY apartment complex on the site. The Officials estimate construction has also been approved as a new, large public art piece for Knox- Tennessee Town & City (ISSN 00403415, development would house several will take seven to eight months to ville’s Gay Street. The work will be done by Mecosta, Mich., artist USPS 539420) is published semi-monthly Robert Barnum, who has created large art pieces in seven states. except in the months of June and December two and three-bedroom units with complete. The new 6,000-square- 19 times per year by Tennessee Municipal a fire sprinkler system. foot facility will include bays for League, 226 Capitol Blvd, Suite 710, Nash- fire trucks and an ambulance along ville TN 37219-1894. Subscription rates: $6 per year to members, $15 to nonmem- KINGSPORT with an office for the fire chief in bid out to four companies with the new population count could bers, $1 a copy. Periodicals Postage Paid East Tennessee State University addition to offices for town offi- the Kersplash Climbing Wall con- add $170,000 in state revenues to at Nashville TN. POSTMASTER:Send has joined the Kingsport Center for cials. structed by Murfreesboro-based city coffers. Officials said plans address changes to Tennessee Town & City, 226 Capitol Blvd, Suite 710, Nashville TN Higher Education. ETSU brings Great Southern Recreation finally for funds include services such as 37219-1894. the number of four-year schools TULLAHOMA selected by the city’s recreation police and fire protection, library, Official publication of the Tennessee in the center to four, with King The Tullahoma Department of officials. Money for the 8-foot-tall administration, streets and road Municipal League. Publisher: Margaret Mahery (mmahery@ TML1.org); Editor: University, Lincoln Memorial Parks and Recreation will be add- climbing wall will come from the maintenance, and facilities and Carole Graves ([email protected]; University and Milligan College ing a climbing wall to the city’s original Splash Island renovation programs for the parks and rec- Phone: 615-255-6416. Advertising: Pub- budget. reation department. The special lisher reserves the right to reject any adver- as four-year or graduate schools. outdoor water park. The Tullahoma tising deemed unacceptable. Fax classified Northeast State Community Col- Board of Mayor and Aldermen re- census was conducted over several ads to TT&C: Attention Carole Graves at lege is also located at the center as cently approved the nearly $17,000 WHITE HOUSE months beginning last August. The 615-255-4752, or e-mail cgraves@TML1. The population of White House has census information will be sent to org. Fax advertising copy to TT&C: At- a two-year school. Rick Osborne, purchase of the new outdoor ac- tention Debbie Kluth at 615-255-4752, or dean of the College of Continuing tivity equipment, which will be increased by 1,384 according to a the Greater Nashville Regional e-mail to dkluth@ TML1.org. Opinions Studies, said ETSU will remain at installed before the park opens for special census recently concluded Council for review and certifica- expressed by non League officials or staff do not necessarily reflect policies of TML. the Allandale facility, also used by its 2017 season. The project was by city officials. Pending approval, tion. 3-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 www.TML1.org White House FY18 budget proposal includes $54B cuts to domestic programs

FEDERAL CUTS from Page 1 budget proposal runs directly count- er to his campaign promise to lift up America’s cities – and in fact, the worst impacts of the cuts will be felt in the small towns and rural communities the president promised to prioritize. That’s because small and rural cities generally lack the tax base to absorb cuts at this level, and will be forced to make tough decisions that could have drastic human consequences. The Community Development Block Grants program is a good ex- ample. For many reasons, NLC has had to lead efforts to “Save CDBG” from significant cuts or elimination every few years. Among those rea- sons is the fact that, from the view- point of federal lawmakers, CDBG can look like a “big city” program with a level of flexibility that makes outcomes difficult to measure. In reality, when the threat to CDBG is real, small-town leaders are always at the forefront of NLC advocacy to save the program. That’s because CDBG is one of the few programs that funds infrastructure improve- ments, such as water towers or main street redevelopment, in small and rural communities. NLC is calling on Congress to throw out the White House’s budget proposal and develop a new plan focused on building prosperity, ex- panding opportunity, and investing in our future. Whatever the outcome, we know that real-life stories from local officials on the impact of fed- eral programs will carry the day. The new federal budget plan proposes funding cuts for more than $54 billion. Many community programs would be eliminated altogether. That’s why we’re asking city leaders The scale of this budget proposal is unprecedented, and the impact would be disastrous. The plan would eliminate the Community De- from communities large and small velopment Block Grants (CDBG), the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) program, and infrastructure and transportation-re- to help us fight the cuts by showing lated funding, to name a few. It would have major consequences for every city, regardless of size, location, politics or economic outlook. Congress why their city is worth fighting for.

Budget Specifics: Agriculture • USDA faces a $4.7 billion (21 percent) cut from FY2017 funds. Call to Action: • The broadband portion of the Rural Utilities Service (RUS), which provides support for the buildout of broadband services in rural communities, is not mentioned in the What city leaders need to do current outline. • However, related programs within RUS, such as the Water and Wastewater loan and Cities need Congress to stand with cities grant program, have been eliminated. It is not clear what the total budget cut to the overall Rural Utilities Service will be. Call on Congress and ask them to stand united with cities and throw Commerce out this dangerous budget proposal. Cities need Congress to design • Commerce faces a $1.5 billion (16 percent) cut from FY2017 funding. a budget proposal that focuses on infrastructure, education, safety • The outline does not provide a specific funding number for the National Telecommuni- and prosperity. cations and Information Administration (NTIA). NTIA’s Broadband USA office provides training and technical assistance to communities for broadband planning and devel- opment, rather than direct grants. However, while the budget outline states that the There is a long history of federal-local partnerships when it comes budget continues to support NTIA’s internet governance functions, as well as wireless to moving America forward. It’s up to Congress to find a better way development, it does not indicate whether funding will remain stable for Broadband USA. to spend wisely and invest in our future. • Eliminates the Economic Development Administration ($221 million). • Eliminates the Minority Business Development Agency. The National League of Cities has developed several resources for Education city leaders to take action, including talking points, letters to Con- • $9 billion (13 percent) reduction to $59 billion in discretionary funds. gress, and op-ed pieces for your local paper. To find more information • Elimination of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), which are on how to take action go to http://www.nlc.org/FightTheCuts. You before-school, afterschool and summer programs. can also follow NLC’s campaign on Twitter: #FightTheCuts What We • $2.4 billion cut to state grant programs (this is a trickle-down impact on cities). • $1.4 billion increase to public/private school choice programs ($168 million for char Need Congress to Do. ters, $250 million for a new private school choice program, etc.). • There are no cuts to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), likely because For city leaders, this is a crucial moment to stand united. When cities of the heat the Secretary received during her confirmation hearing. are thriving, America prospers. Environmental Protection Agency • Overall budget reduction of $2.6 billion (31 percent). • $4 million increase to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds Housing and Urban Development to $2.3 billion. • HUD has a $6.2 billion (13.2 percent) cut from FY2017 numbers. • Level funding for WIFIA, a loan and loan guarantee program for large water infrastruc • Elimination of the Community Development Block Grant ($3B), HOME, Choice ture projects. Neighborhoods, and Section 4 Capacity Building. Independent Agencies • Discontinuation of the Clean Power Plan (CPP), international climate change • Eliminates 19 independent agencies, including the Appalachian Regional Commission, programs, climate change research and partnership programs, and related efforts, Delta Regional Authority, and Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation. totaling $100 million in cuts. • FCC is funded via regulatory fees, and so its Universal Service Fund programs and • $330 million cut to the Superfund program, which includes brownfields redevelopment. consumer protection programs are not included in OMB’s budget proposal. • Eliminates funding for regional efforts like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative and Chesapeake Bay Initiative, totaling $427 million. Justice • Eliminates $347 million from other EPA programs, including the Energy Star program. • The $175 million increase in the Department of Justice’s law enforcement efforts to target criminal organizations and drug traffickers in order to address violent crime, Energy gun-related deaths, and the opioid epidemic should also support greater coordination • Overall budget reduction of $1.7 billion (5.6 percent) from FY2017. with local law enforcement. We are encouraged the administration is concentrating on • Eliminates the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps improve the energy targeting violent criminals and gangs that are responsible for much of the violent and efficiency of low income households, and eliminates the State Energy Program, which gun related crimes in our cities. supports state and local energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, for a total • The elimination of approximately $700 million in spending on DOJ programs that cut of $2 billion. support local public safety efforts will have a significant impact on efforts to make distressed communities safer in order to improve economic opportunity, create new Health and Human Services jobs and provide affordable housing. • $15 billion (17.9 percent) reduction to $69 billion. • While specific programs are not detailed in the budget released on Wednesday, the • Eliminates LIHEAP and CSBG. DOJ cuts are expected to target funding for Community Oriented Policing, State • $500 million increase to opioid addiction services. Criminal Alien Assistance, Violence Against Women, Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and other programs. Homeland Security • DHS has a $2.8 billion (6.8 percent) increase over FY2017 funding levels. Labor • The outline specifies $1.5 billion for cybersecurity activities to protect federal net • $2.5 billion (21 percent) reduction to $9.6 billion in discretionary funds. works and critical infrastructure. If this is for the National Protection and Programs • Eliminated Job Corps training centers for youth. Director which houses existing cybersecurity information-sharing for local govern • Reduces Federal support to job training and employment services (WIOA, etc.) by ments, this would be stable funding from FY2017. “shifting responsibility to states and local areas.” • The proposed budget would cut $667 million for the State and Local Homeland Security grant programs. These cuts will have a significant impact on the ability of Treasury local law enforcement to work with the federal government to protect our cities from • Overall reduction of 4 percent and a reallocation of funds towards security. manmade and natural disasters, including terrorism attacks. • This includes hacking prevention, seizure of bank accounts associated with terrorism • The proposal to establish a 25 percent non-Federal cost match for FEMA prepared- and foreign adversaries. ness grants will have a significant impact on small and medium sized cities and towns. • Eliminates the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund grant program These smaller cities and towns, which will not be able to meet the cost 25 percent ($210 million). cost match, will most likely be excluded from receiving any FEMA preparedness funding. • Elimination of the National Flood Insurance Program’s Flood Hazard Mapping Program Transportation will put many cities and towns at risk because they rely on the maps to help build • Overall reduction of 13 percent. homes outside of flood zones and mitigate flood risk. Instead of eliminating the • Cuts $499 million from the TIGER grant program. This program has funded countless funding, the Administration should look at ways to speed up and improve the flood roads and transit projects since its inception in 2009. map accuracies. www.TML1.org 4-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 Six communities awarded TN Main Street grants

Chattanoo- Ga. She has a bachelor’s degree Glamery also The Tennessee Department of fund a maker space at an art ga Mayor in political science and a master’s serves as the Economic and Community Devel- gallery and make improve- Andy Berke of public administration from the department’s opment has announced six commu- ments to a studio space. has been University of Georgia. accreditation nities that will receive the second • Lebanon to create the Cum- re-elected manager and round of Tennessee Main Street berland Entrepreneur and to his post Logan En- is diligent- Entrepreneur Grants of $50,000 Co-Working Center as following a gle has been ly moving each. The grants are designed to en- co-working space, offer en- March 7 mu- selected to the depart- courage job growth in established trepreneur training classes nicipal elec- serve as the ment toward downtown commercial districts. and create space for pop-up Andy Berke David The new grantees are the Ten- shops. tion. Berke new planner its goal of McGlamery garnered 63.5 percent of the vote for the town achieving nessee Main Street communities • Sevierville to develop Gal- in the four-way race, exceeding the of Green- accreditation through the Com- of Dyersburg, Gallatin, Kingsport, lery@129 for artists in a 50 percent-plus-one vote threshold eville. Engle mission on Fire Accreditation Lebanon, Sevierville, and Sweet- downtown building and needed to secure an outright vic- will be com- International (CFAI). water. offering a co-working class- tory and avoid a runoff election. ing to the Logan Engle The projects are funded room. A native of Chattanooga, Berke town from Morristown, where Johnson City through the Rural Economic Op- • Sweetwater to convert a graduated from Stanford Univer- she has worked as a planner since Fire Chief portunity Act to encourage the vacant 1870s building into sity and the University of Chicago June 2014. She holds a bachelor’s Mark Scott growth of entrepreneurship and a restaurant and business Law School. He served in the Ten- degree in political science and will be retir- revitalization of vacant and un- incubator. nessee State Senate from 2007 to history from Carson Newman ing from his derused buildings in Tennessee’s 2012. He was first elected mayor University as well as a master’s of position after Main Street communities. The grant program is offered of Chattanooga in 2013. public policy from the University 30 years of Grants were awarded to: to communities that are accredited of Tennessee-Knoxville. Engle is service with • Dyersburg to create a Tennessee Main Street communi- co-working, incubation and ties, and grants are competitively Debbie also a recent graduate of the UT the depart- Mark Scott Caughron, Municipal Technical Advisory ment. Scott maker space in a building in awarded. Projects are currently the finance Service (MTAS) Municipal Man- will officially retire from his po- the downtown district. underway in six other Main Street director and agement Academy. sition on June 2. Scott joined the • Gallatin to offer entrepreneur communities from the first round city recorder Johnson City Fire Department in classes at the Public Square of funding: Bristol, Columbia, for the city Mark Hilty 1987 and was appointed to sergeant co-working space and host a Jackson, Morristown, Savannah of Maryville, has been se- two years later. He was named a business pitch competition. and Winchester. will retire ef- lected as the lieutenant in 1994, a captain in • Kingsport to host entrepre- Each application was support- fective June city of Frank- 1997, and finally the chief in 2011. neur training classes and ed by the community’s senator and Debbie grant awards to participants representatives in the Tennessee 30 after 39 Caughron lin’s new as- Scott earned a bachelor’s degree in years of ser- sistant city construction technology from East in a pitch contest. It will also General Assembly. vice to the city. Caughron began administra- Tennessee State University, and a her career with the city on June 1, tor for pub- bachelor’s in fire administration 1978 as an accounting technician. lic works. from the University of Memphis. Mark Hilty Site Development Grants In 1991, she was promoted to as- Hilty’s new sistant director of finance and city duties with the city include over- Kevin recorder and was promoted to di- seeing the leadership and manage- Townsel has awarded in 18 locations rector of financial services in 2006. ment of four major departments: been selected Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam 200,000-square-foot build- She became a certified municipal streets, parks, water management, as the new di- and Economic and Community ing pad; clerk in 1998, was recognized as and sanitation and environmental rector of hu- Development Commissioner Bob • Knox County Eastbridge Municipal Clerk of the Year by the services. He is currently employed man resourc- Rolfe have announced 18 com- Business Park Lots - Tennessee Association of Munici- as the city’s water management es for the city munities and local organizations $500,000 for construction of pal Clerks and Recorders in 2003, director and began his work with of Franklin. will receive $6.2 million in Site a wastewater pump station; and received the designation of the city of Franklin in 2006. Prior to Townsel cur- Kevin Townsel Development Grants. • Clarkrange Regional Busi- Certified Municipal Financial Of- coming to Franklin, Hilty worked rently serves “Providing more opportunities ness Park - $500,000 for an ficer in 2010. as a consulting engineer, perform- as the vice president of legal affairs for citizens in rural Tennessee is upgrade of approximately ing work on water, wastewater, and human resources for DLR one of our top priorities and with 7,300 linear feet of water- Virginia and hazardous waste projects with Management Company, a national the assistance of the Site Develop- line; Causey has a focus on municipal water and restaurant company with approx- ment Grants, the rural communi- • East TN Progress Center retired from wastewater master planning. He imately 2000 employees. He has ties receiving these grants will be Park - $500,000 for con- her position has performed work throughout also worked as an HR executive for ready for investment and economic struction of a roadway; as executive Tennessee and has participated in Logan’s Roadhouse restaurants, success,” Haslam said. “We are • Fayetteville-Lincoln County assistant for projects throughout the country. Burger King Corporation, and strengthening our future workforce Runway Centre - $109,000 the town of He has a bachelor’s degree in civil TransCor America with more than through programs like Tennessee for an extension of approx- Jonesbor- engineering from the University of 20 years of expertise. Townsel has a Promise, and I look forward to see- imately 4,060 linear feet of ough after Virginia Causey Connecticut and has served in the bachelor’s degree from the Univer- ing these 18 communities succeed waterline; almost 40 U.S. Army infantry. sity of Illinois at Champaign-Urba- and grow for the next generation of • Franklin County Moon years of service. Causey began na and a J.D. from the University of Tennesseans.” Property - $209,300 for working for the town in 1971, at Marsha Tennessee College of Law. The Site Development Grant completion of a geophysical which time she was the town of Marshall program, part of the larger Rural survey; Jonesborough’s only female em- has been David Economic Opportunity Act passed • Gallatin Industrial Center ployee. Causey left her work with sworn in Weems has in 2016, helps communities pre- - $95,975 for clearing of town briefly to raise her family but as the new been named pare industrial sites for businesses. approximately nine acres returned in 1983. Town officials city clerk for the new fire The grants assist communities of trees; said Causey will be remembered Kingston. A marshal for in finalizing infrastructure and site • Town of Halls Industrial Site for her work ethic and kindness to- long-time the town of improvements for Select Tennes- - $332,225 for construction ward town employees and citizens, city employ- Marsha Marshall Greeneville. see Certified Sites and sites that of an entrance drive, a sewer both new and old. ee and senior Weems has will go through the site certification line extension, preliminary accountant for the Kingston water 10 years of David Weems process. The projects prepare the grading, and park signage; Aman- department, Marshall was sworn experience sites for new business operations • Hardin Industrial Park - da Dea- in on March 1 though she has been with the Greeneville Fire De- and jobs. In total, 33 communities $450,000 for construction ton-Moyer training to take over the position partment and has served 17 years have been awarded Site Develop- of a 200,000-square-foot will be leav- since December. Marshall took with the South Greene Volunteer ment Grants with 15 communities building pad; ing her posi- over the city clerk position from Fire Department (SGVFD). He receiving the grants in 2016. • City of Lexington Tim- tion as city long-time clerk Eleanor Neal, who is certified as an advanced Emer- The newest round of grants berlake Industrial Site manager of served the city for 30 years before gency Medical Technician (EMT), awarded include: - $350,100 for construction Forest Hills retiring in 2016. Hazardous Materials (Haz-Mat) of a 100,000-square-foot to serve as specialist, and has experience in • Bristol Business Park - building pad and extension Amanda the assistant David McGlamery has been both fire investigation and fire $500,000 for clearing, dem- of 850 linear feet of sewer Deaton-Moyer director for appointed to the rank of captain safety. As fire marshal, Weems will olition, and seeding of 50 line; finance with Metro Nashville Wa- with the Bristol Fire Department. be responsible for code enforce- acres to accommodate a • Plateau Partnership Park - ter Services. Deaton-Moyer has A 13-year veteran of the depart- ment, fire inspections, promoting 420,000-square-foot build- $469,350 for construction been with the city since 2013 and ment, McGlamery has served as fire safety, and fire investigations. ing pad; of the primary access into previously served as assistant chief a firefighter, sergeant, and for the Weems is a 1994 graduate of • Crossville Interchange the park, construction of administrative officer for budget past nine years, as fire lieutenant. In Greeneville High School and as- Business Park - $500,000 access road to the site of the and strategic planning for Macon, addition to his regular duties, Mc- sistant chief of SGVFD. for development of a proposed wastewater treat- ment facility, and grading of the wastewater treatment facility site; • Madison County Airport Industrial Park - $245,980 for clearing of approximate- ly nine acres of wooded area; • Manchester Industrial Park - $137,453 for an exten- sion of approximately 1150 linear feet of waterlines, relocation of electric utility lines, and drainage improve- ments; • Mountain View Industrial Park - $445,500 for clear- ing, grubbing and grading of an approximately 600,000 -square-foot site; • Rhea County Rail Hub South Industrial Development - $500,000 for rough grading for an access road; • Tennessee Central Economic Authority PowerCom In- dustrial Center -$122,500 for an extension of approx- imately 2,400 linear feet of sewer line; and • Tullahoma Airport Business Park - $280,000 for clearing of approximately 26 acres of wooded area and drainage improvements. www.TML1.org 5-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 Members turn out for 2017 TN Fire Department Day on The Hill Unemployment rates increased the Bureau of Labor Statistics and in all 95 Tennessee counties in Governing.com. The study also January 2017. Tennessee and the found that Tennesseans have the U.S. have experienced an increase sixth-lowest tax rate in America. in the preliminary unemployment rates for January. Tennessee’s rate Tennessee gives the fourth high- is 5.4 percent, increasing from the est amount of business incentives previous month’s revised rate by of any state in the country, accord- three-tenths of a percentage point. ing to a recent study from the W.E. An increase of one-tenth raised the Upjohn Institute for Employment U.S. preliminary rate to 4.8 percent. Research. The organization found Williamson County had the lowest Tennessee provides more than unemployment rate in the state at $2.5 billion worth of incentives 3.9 percent while Davidson County annually, including property tax had the lowest metropolitan unem- breaks, grants and other subsidies ployment rate at 4.1 percent. Three offered to companies. These in- counties —Cocke, Rhea and Lake centives come from both state and — had unemployment rates of 10 local governments. The amount of percent or higher. incentives the state gives is nearly 1 percent of the state’s private-sector Tennessee is one of the top 10 gross domestic product. states most dependent on money from the federal government, ac- Three Tennessee cities have been Representatives from fire departments in Tennessee recently made the trip to Nashville to participate cording to a new study. Tennessee ranked among the top 10 best in the 2017 Fire Department Day on the Hill. Fire chiefs and firefighters from across the state gathered ranked eighth on the list of 10 states cities for early retirement. Finan- to meet with legislators to discuss key legislation affecting fire service. Gov. Bill Haslam, members of most federal-fund dependent states cial management website Magnify the Tennessee General Assembly and the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office continute to partner conducted by financial-advice web- Money recently ranked Knoxville, with the Tennessee Fire Service Coalition (TNFSC) to provide continued support for the some 636 site WalletHub. Tennessee earned Memphis, and Cleveland among fire departments in Tennessee. TNFSC strives to work with state and local legislators to achieve safe the high ranking because its state the top 10 cities to live in for those communities through development of sound legislation and code adoption. government is the third most-de- wishing to retire early. Knoxville pendent state on federal funding, a earned the top spot while Memphis figure derived from the proportion tied for second with Sherman, Bill would give local governments more of state revenue that comes from Texas, and Benton Harbor, Mich. the federal government in the form Cleveland tied for fourth place control over regulating smoking in public of intergovernmental aid. It also with Hattiesburg, Miss. Knoxville, estimates Tennessee residents are Memphis and Cleveland were also SMOKING, from Page 1 the 20th most-dependent on federal ranked first, second and fourth restrictions are more restrictive aid, which was calculated by divid- respectively in the website’s list than state law and they do not ing federal funding to state’s resi- of best cities to retire early in the attempt to prohibit smoking in an dents by IRS collections from state Southeast. Rankings were based on area exempted from the present law residents. WalletHub calculated its factors such as cost of living, qual- prohibition on smoking in enclosed data based on statistics from the ity of life, walkability, commute spaces. Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. time, minimum wage, unemploy- The bill specifies that it does Census Bureau, USAspending.gov, ment rate, and state income tax rate. not affect or repeal any regulation of the use of tobacco products that was implemented by a munici- TN state revenues $21 M pality, county, county having a metropolitan form of government, more than budget estimates airport authority, or utility district pursuant to present law. Tennessee tax revenues ex- and were $1.7 million less than the Lundberg said his goal for ceeded budgeted estimates in budgeted estimate of $68.4 mil- the legislation is to return some February. Department of Finance lion. For seven months revenues amount of local control over the and Administration Commissioner have exceeded estimates by $26.6 issue. places and public places.” The amount of adult smokers Larry Martin announced that over- million. “Local control is almost To date, Williams said more in the state was one of the reasons all February revenues were $846.7 Motor vehicle registration always best,” Lundberg said. than 4,500 local governments Tennessee was ranked 47 out of million, which is $28.4 million revenues were $1.2 million more “Regulations and laws regarding across the country have success- 50 in the 2015 annual America’s more than the state received in than the February estimate, and on smoking are best handles on the fully passed ordinances protecting Health Rankings conducted by the February 2016 and $21.1 million a year-to-date basis they are $11.1 local level. These laws can be a citizens from dangerous second- United Health Foundation and the more than the state budgeted. The million more than the estimates. significant issue in some areas and hand smoke, and the vast majority CDC. overall growth rate for February Tobacco taxes were $2.9 mil- of virtually no concern in others. of states do not prevent local gov- The United Health Foundation was 3.5 percent. lion more than the February bud- That’s why it is clearly up to those ernments from passing smoke-free said that smoking is the leading On an accrual basis, February geted estimate of $20.6 million. communities to determine the best laws that are stronger than the state cause of preventable death in the is the seventh month in the 2016- For seven months they are $3.1 course of action.” law. country, but is also a behavior 2017 fiscal year. million more than the budgeted There are additional benefits to “In Tennessee, one-third of “that can be influenced by support General fund revenues were estimate. the measure as well. all cancer deaths are caused by from the community and clinical more than the budgeted estimates Inheritance and estate taxes “This legislation is not merely smoking,” Williams said. “Tobac- intervention.” in the amount of $8.4 million while were $300,000 thousand more than a health-related measure, but qual- co users are not the only ones who “Approximately 14 million the four other funds that share in the February estimate. On a year- ity of life for local communities,” breathe its deadly smoke—all the cases of major medical conditions state tax revenues were $12.7 mil- to-date basis, revenues for seven Lundberg said. “I suspect it would people around them are forced to among adults are attributed to lion more than the estimates. months are $4 million more than make our state more attractive for inhale it, too. Secondhand smoke smoking,” the organization states Sales taxes were $32.9 million the budgeted estimate. people to visit, attend ball games contains over 4,000 substances, on its website. “Annually, more more than the estimate for Feb- Privilege taxes were $400,000 and not worry about people smok- more than 60 of which are known than 480,000 people die from cig- ruary and 6.e percent more than thousand more than the February ing in the seat next to them.” or suspected to cause cancer. Ty- arette smoking, including nearly February 2016. For seven months estimate and on a year-to-date basis Lynn Williams, government ing the hands of local authority is 42,000 deaths from secondhand revenues are $218.7 million higher August through February revenues relations director for the Tennessee having a devastating effect on our smoke exposure.” than estimated. The year-to-date are $4.1 million more than the esti- chapter of the American Cancer state’s tobacco control efforts, and Additionally, more than 16 growth rate for seven months was mate. Society Cancer Action Network, subsequently on public health of million Americans are living with 4 percent. Business taxes were $700,000 Inc., agreed with Sen. Lundberg. Tennessee’s residents.” a disease caused by smoking. Franchise and excise taxes thousand less than the February “Local control would provide If current trends continue, the Smoking damages nearly every combined were $16.6 million estimate. For seven months reve- communities the opportunity to American Cancer Society esti- organ and causes respiratory dis- less than the budgeted estimate in nues are $8 million more than the address issues by identifying solu- mates 5,830 new cases of lung and ease, heart disease, stroke, cancer, February and the growth rate over budgeted estimate. tions at the level of government bronchial cancer will be reported preterm birth, low birth weight, February 2016 was negative 16.5 Hall income tax revenues for closest to them. It would make sure and 4,590 deaths will be attributed and premature death. People who percent. For seven months reve- the month were $1.0 million more that any laws intended to protect to lung and bronchial cancer in smoke lose an average of 10 years nues are $267.0 million more than than the budgeted estimate. and expand the ability to breathe 2017 alone for the state of Ten- of life compared to non-smokers. the estimate and the year-to-date All other tax receipts exceeded smoke-free air meets the commu- nessee. Furthermore, smoking harms growth rate is 21.3 prcent. Howev- estimates by a net of $1.4 million. nities’ needs and protects public As of 2016, approximately not only those who smoke, but also er, adjusting for one-time payments Year-to-date revenues for health,” Williams said. “The right 21.9 percent of adults in Tennessee it affects non-smokers by causing received in the current year reduces seven months were $545.7 million and responsibility of local elected are smokers and the state is tied respiratory infections in children the year-to-date underlying growth more than the budgeted estimate. officials to protect the health and with Louisiana for having the sev- and heart disease and lung cancer rate to 2.76 percent. The general fund recorded $491.3 safety of their communities when enth highest percentage of smokers in adults exposed to secondhand Gasoline and motor fuel reve- million more than the budgeted state law is not strong enough has by population in states across the smoke. nues for February decreased by 8.1 estimates and the four other funds been well-established. Local gov- nation, according to the Centers for Nearly $170 billion in direct percent compared to February 2016 $54.4 million. ernments should certainly have the Disease Control. medical expenses and $156 billion power to protect the rights of their While the amount of smokers in lost productivity are attributed citizens when they are concerned in Tennessee has declined since the to smoking annually in the United TDEC Greenways forum May 3-5 about breathing smoke-free air and 1990s, the state has always been States. The Tennessee Department Advanced registration re- want smoking eliminated in work- above the national average. of Environment and Conservation ceived prior to April 24 is $99. (TDEC) will host the Greenways Registration received after April 24 and Trails Forum at Montgomery is $125. Students receive a special Bell State Park on May 3-5. This $25 rate with a current student ID. Legislature works to provide relief bi-annual event is a three-day edu- To register for the forum, visit cational workshop and networking https://events.r20.constantcon- to wildfire-stricken communities conference for parks and recreation tact.com/register/eventReg?oeid- WILDFIRE, from Page 1 start the employment process in of the wildfires; or Sevier County professionals, local officials and k=a07edf2mnhkc3c9fd50&ose- County. The grant will fund jobs Sevier County. The remaining $3.8 residents who have lost their jobs aspiring outdoor recreation profes- q=&c=&ch. that will assist in the wildfire clean- million will be available incremen- through no fault of their own. sionals. For hotel accommodations, up efforts around Gatlinburg, ac- tally throughout the year, providing “This grant will both help in- Hosted by TDEC’s Recreation conference attendees can receive cording to TDLWD Commissioner the temporary jobs and support ser- dividuals and the area as a whole Educational Services Division and a rate of $77 (excluding tax) at Burns Phillips. vices for dislocated workers justify move forward in the recovery the Commissioner’s Council on Montgomery Bell State Park Inn by “Our Department’s Workforce the need for the additional funding. process. I am grateful to the staff Greenways and Trails, this year’s calling (615) 797-3101 by April 3 Services Division recognized Enrollment in the program of our Center for Workforce De- conference theme is “Tennessee and mentioning Tennessee Green- funding was available through the may last until December 2017, velopment in working diligently to Trails: A Community’s Pathway to ways and Trails Forum or Group # Dislocated Worker Grant program and applicants must meet certain get this started as soon as possible, Health, Happiness and Prosperity.” 7989. and knew the money could play a criteria to be eligible for employ- and I encourage everyone who lost Forum sessions will highlight the More information on the 2017 big role in helping recovery efforts ment through the grant. The pro- their jobs due to the fire to apply,” impact of greenways and trails Tennessee Greenways and Trails in Sevier County,” Phillips said. gram is open to individuals who said Dr. Tony Miksa, president of in communities and their role in Forum, including a link to the draft “We worked through the Christmas lost their jobs directly due to the Walters State. “The college, as uniting citizens, improving health agenda, can be found at http:// holiday to ensure the application wildfires, regardless of the county administrative entity of the local and combating obesity; promot- events.r20.constantcontact.com/ for the grant was completed and in which they reside; Sevier Coun- Workforce Innovation and Oppor- ing economic development and register/event?llr=aqx85ieab&oe- processed as quickly as possible.” ty residents who are dislocated tunity Act, will play a key role in tourism; providing alternative idk=a07edf2mnhkc3c9fd50&con- TDLWD made $2 million of workers, meaning they lost their working with the county to hire transportation opportunities; and dition=SO_OVERRIDE. the grant immediately available to jobs directly or indirectly because workers and distribute funds.” connecting people to nature. www.TML1.org 6-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 City officials gather in Nashville for TML Legislative Conference Road funding, TN budget, preserving local control among topics discussed

Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney and Gov. Bill Haslam (photo by state of Tennessee State photographic services)

Senate Majority Leader Mark Norris and Gov. Bill Haslam (photo by state of Tennessee State photographic services)

Farragut Mayor Ralph McGill, T.C. Williams, Alderman Ron Williams, Alderwoman Louie Povlin, and Vice Mayor Ron Pinchok

Kingsport City Manager Jeff Fleming, Alderman Tom Parham, Assistant City Manager Chris McCartt, and Farragut Town Administrator David Smoak

Above: Dyersburg Alderman Bob Kirk asks Gov. Bill Haslam questions about his tranportation funding plan. Also pictured are TML Deputy Director Chad Jenkins and Huntingdon Mayor Dale Kelley. (photo by state of Tennessee State photographic services)

At left: Manchester Finance Director Bridget Anderson, Assistant Public Works Director George Gannon, Police Chief Mark Yother, and Executive Assistant Joy Ballard.

Above: Gatlinburg City Attorney Ron Sharp and Mayor Mike Werner

At left: Columbia Finance Director Thad Jablonski, Mayor Dean Dick- ey, and City Manager Tony Massey www.TML1.org 7-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017

Senate State and Local Government Chairman Ken Yager House Speaker Beth Harwell, TML Executive Director Margaret Mahery, and House Finance Chairman Charles Sargent

Bartlett Alderwoman Paula Sedgwick, Mayor Keith McDonald, Chief Administrative Officer Mark Brown, and Vice Mayor Jack Young Senate Finance Chairman Bo Watson

Soddy-Daisy Mayor Robert Cothran, Commissioner Rick Nunley, City Manager Janice Cagle, and Commissioner House Local Government Chairman Tim Wirgau Max Lowe

Above: Athens City Manager Seth Sumner, Somerville Mayor Ronnie Neill, and Henderson City Recorder Jim Garland

At right: Tullahoma Alderman Jackie Duncan asks Gov. Bill Haslam questions about his transporta- tion funding plan. (photo by state of Tennessee State photographic services) www.TML1.org 8-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017

problems and procedures to the gen- with prescribed purchasing regula- eral public on inquiry. Complete job tions and procedures for the town of description and qualifications can be Collierville. Requires a high school obtained from the city’s website. Ap- diploma or GED; supplemented by plications may be obtained from the college level coursework in Business Advertising: $9.25 per column inch. No and interaction regarding the annual Human Resources Department on the Administration, Public Administration charge to TML members. Send advertising to: financial audit. The ideal candidate second floor of City Center, or on the or a closely related field; Associate’s Carole Graves e-mail: [email protected]. will have a broad based knowledge of city’s website at www.mymorristown. degree preferred; or any equivalent governmental accounting and methods com. Applications will be taken until combination of education, training, TENNESSEE AIRPORT MANAGER of financial control and reporting as position is filled. Send completed and experience which provides the req- FESTIVALS SAVANNAH / HARDIN COUNTY well as outstanding organizational applications to: City of Morristown, uisite knowledge, skills, and abilities The city of Savannah and Hardin Coun- skills and a focus on timely delivery Attn: Human Resources – Planner, for this job. Requires a valid Motor ty, as joint owners of the Savannah/ of reports and projects. The position P.O. Box 1499, Morristown, TN Vehicle Operators License. Salary: April 7-9: Knoxville Hardin County Airport are seeking an requires any combination of education 37816-1499. It is the policy of the city DOQ with Excellent Benefits Package. Rhythm N’ Blooms Music Festival airport manager to oversee the opera- and experience equivalent to gradua- of Morristown not to discriminate on Open until filled. Full job descriptions Knoxville’s largest music festival tions of the Savannah I Hardin County tion from an accredited college or uni- the basis of race, color, national origin, are available upon request. Call 901- returns to Downtown Knoxville’s Airport. The position is open due to the versity with major course work in Ac- age, sex or disability in its hiring and 457-2296. APPLY to Human Resourc- Historic Old City along Jackson pending retirement of the current airport counting, Business Administration, or employment practices, or in admission es Office, 500 Poplar View Parkway, Ave. and other Old City venues. manager, who has served in the position related field (CPA or advanced degree to, access to, or operation of tis pro- Collierville, TN Please submit a new Purchase weekend passes, get for over 30 years. The chosen candidate preferred with consideration given for grams, services and activities. application each time you apply for a would hopefully bring forth the same TN CMFO designation), with six years town job. Pursuant to Tennessee open information about the Old City, passion and dedication as shown by the of progressively responsible experi- POLICE OFFICER records law, applications and resumes Downtown Knoxville and the full retiring manager. The airport manager ence in governmental accounting, au- GREENFIELD. The Greenfield Po- are subject to disclosure. EOE/ Drug- festival experience at rhythmn- position is an at-will employee and diting, or related areas and experience lice Department has an immediate Free Workplace. bloomsfest.com. reports directly to the Savannah I in a supervisory capacity of accounting opening for a full-time police officer. Hardin County Airport Commission, functions and personnel. Previous ex- An application, job description and a TRANSPORTATION April 11-15: Gatlinburg a seven member board made up of ap- perience as a local government finance list of benefits can be picked up at the PROJECT MANAGER 67th Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage pointees from both Hardin County director or assistant finance director or Greenfield Police Department or the MT. JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet in the Smokies. and the city of Savannah govern- equivalent is preferred. Salary Range: Greenfield City Hall during regular is seeking a candidate for a full-time The annual five-day event in Great ments. The manager position requires $51,876-$70,185 (starting salary is business hours. 222 N. Front Street, transportation project manager in the Smoky Mountains National Park exercising independent judgment, and DOQ) and a very attractive benefits Greenfield, TN, 38230. Applications Public Works Department. A detailed offers professionally guided pro- is responsible for providing general di- package. Interested parties can apply will be received until position is filled. job description and requirements are rection to plan and organize all activities by emailing resumes to the Town Ad- available online. Applications must be grams which explore the region’s concerned with day ­to-day operations ministrator, kmclawhon@nolensvil- POLICE SERGEANT filed electronically and are available rich wildflowers, wildlife, ecology, of the airport. The ideal candidate will letn.gov. Questions should be directed FAIRVIEW. The city of Fairview is at the city’s website, www.mtjuliet-tn. culture, and natural history through have graduated from an accredited four to Ken McLawhon at 615-776-6693. accepting applications for Police Ser- gov. The city will accept electronic walks, motorcades, photographic year college or university with major geant with the Fairview Police Depart- applications until positions are filled. tours, art classes, and evening sem- course work in airport management, two MECHANIC ment. Applicants must be P.O.S.T. Cer- The city of Mt. Juliet reserves the inars. Most programs are outdoors years management experience, or any LA VERGNE. The city of La Vergne tified to be considered for this position. right to stop accepting applications at in the Great Smoky Mountains combination of education, training and is accepting employment applications A pre-employment physical and drug any time. For questions regarding the National Park. All programs are experience which provides the required for a full-time mechanic in the Public screen, as well as a psychological exam electronic application process, please held, rain or shine. This is a great knowledge and abilities.The manager Works Department. Rate of pay is will be required. Full job details and call (615) 754-2552. EOE/Drug-free time to observe how the wilderness must possess the ability to both compre- $16.94 hourly. Performs semi-skilled, applications may be obtained online Workplace hend and present technical information skilled, and administrative work in at www.fairview-tn.org or at Fairview recovers from fire damage. -Gat as well as assist with hands ­on building maintaining the vehicles and mechan- City Hall during normal business hours WATER / UTILITIES MANAGER linburg needs your business. The and ground maintenance and fueling ical equipment of the department. and are in two parts. It will include a WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace 67th Wildflower Pilgrimage offers aircraft. Starting salary dependent on Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) background investigation waiver, as is looking for a Water and Utilities visitors a unique experience this experience and qualifications. Position Certification is a plus. Works under the well as an application. Applications Manager to supervise the overall op- year. Come see the first stage of will have a paid health insurance plan. direction and close supervision of the will be accepted until position is filled. erations of Wartrace Waterworks and the Park’s recovery and show your The Savannah I Hardin County Airport public works manager. Job qualifica- Submit applications in person or mail Sewer Systems and the Public Works support for Gatlinburg. To keep up Commission is an Equal Opportunity tions include: to the attention of: City Manager, 7100 Department. Responsible for proper with the latest updates from the 67th Employer. Resumes will be accepted graduation from high school diplo- City Center Way, Fairview, TN 37062 operation, maintenance, reporting, Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, like until April 28 at 5:00P.M., C.D.T. All ma or GED equivalent is required; or at [email protected]. The city collection, treatment, distribution and/ us on Facebook. To register go to interested applicants must submit a specialized training in mechanics, of Fairview is an equal opportunity or disposal of water and wastewater. https://utconferences.eventsair. resume and cover letter along with maintenance management, or a closely employer. Applications are subject to Maintenance of city fleet, equipment, three personal and three professional related field required; three years of disclosure. streets, storm water drains, city owned com/67th-spring-wildflower-pil- references to: related experience required; current/ buildings, and parks. Supervises three grimage/landing/Site/Register City of Savannah 140 Main Street, valid Tennessee driver’s license is re- PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST employees. Prefer four or more years Savannah, Tennessee 38372Attn: quired; safe driving Record required.; COLLIERVILLE. of experience and State of Tennessee April 22- 29: Paris Garry Welch Chairman - Savannah I and current/valid CDL is preferred. The purpose of this classification is Grade 1 Water Distribution, Grade 1 The World’s Biggest Fish Fry Hardin County Airport Commission Please visit our website, www.la- to perform skilled technical work in Wastewater Treatment and Grade 1 A premier event for Paris – Henry vergnetn.gov, to review the job posting the procurement of a variety of ma- Wastewater Collection Certifications. County and West Tennessee, the ASSISTANT PLANNER and complete an online employment terials, equipment, and supplies in Valid Tennessee Driver’s License whole festival revolves around the MT. JULIET. The city of Mt. Juliet application for consideration for this accordance with prescribed purchas- and valid Tennessee CDL License or “Fish Tent” where by last account is seeking a candidate for a full-time position.Open until filled The city ing regulations and procedures for the ability to obtain within 6 months. All over 12,500 pounds of catfish is assistant planner in the Planning & of La Vergne is an EOE / drug-free town of Collierville and to coordinate licenses will be verified. Experience Zoning Department. A detailed job workplace. All candidates selected for documentation covering contractual with Telemetry and SCADA Systems, served with all the trimmings. In description and requirements are any job opening must pass a physical obligations between the Town of administrative and supervisory skills, addition to all you can eat catfish available online. Applications must be exam and a drug screen before starting Collierville and various vendors, experience with operation of heavy you will find parades, carnival, filed electronically and are available the job. contractors, and services providers. equipment: Backhoe, Skid Loader, etc. rodeos, catfish races, dances, arts at the city’s website, www.mtjuliet-tn. Requires an associate’s degree with Knowledge of safety requirements and and crafts to name a few. The Grand gov. The city will accept electronic PLANNER / SR. PLANNER major coursework in business admin- precautions. Finalist must pass a back- Parade will be held on Friday, April applications until positions are filled. MORRISTOWN. The city of Morris- istration, public administration or a ground check and drug test prior to 28, at 10 a.m. For more informa- The city of Mt. Juliet reserves the town is now accepting applications to closely related field; supplemented by employment. Work hours are Monday tion go to http://paristnchamber. right to stop accepting applications at fill one position, either for planner or four years of job related experience; through Friday, 7:30 am. – 4:00 p.m. com/fish-fry-informationor email: any time. For questions, regarding the senior planner, depending on qualifi- or any equivalent combination of edu- (subject to change). Some overtime re- [email protected] electronic application process, please cations. Planner is classified at level cation, training, and experience which quired (on call hours), some weekends. call (615) 754-2552. EOE/Drug-free 11 ($17.41 hour) and senior planner is provides the requisite knowledge, Employment applications available Workplace classified at level 15 ($20.95) on the skills, and abilities for this job. Pro- online at www.townofwartrace.com or May 5-7: Memphis city’s salary schedule. Planner essen- ficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel mail resume to Town of Wartrace, P.O. 2017 Beale Street Music Festival FINANCE DIRECTOR tial duties and responsibilities include are required. Requires a valid Motor Box 158, Wartrace, TN 37183. Downtown Memphis at Tom Lee NOLENSVILLE. The Town of No- the following yet other duties may be Vehicle Operators License Salary: Park will host the annual Beale lensville is currently seeking an assigned: assists with the development DOQ with Excellent Benefits Package. WATER/WASTEWATER Street Music Festival. Widespread experienced professional to serve as of current, long-range, transportation, Open until filled. Full job descriptions OPERATOR Panic, Snoop Dogg, Kings Of finance director. This position, which community development and/or other are available upon request. Call 901- WARTRACE. The town of Wartrace is Leon, MGMT, Soundgarden, reports directly to the Town Adminis- planning activities. Provides assis- 457-2296. Apply to Human Resources looking for a Water/Wastewater Oper- Sturgill Simpson, Wiz Khalifa, trator, oversees a small and talented tance and development information to Office, 500 Poplar View Parkway, ator. Experience required, wastewater Death Cab For Cutie, and Jill Scott staff in the finance department and the public. Assists in the staff support Collierville, TN Please submit a new distribution license helpful. Must be have been tapped to headline this directs all accounting and financial to various boards and commissions. application each time you apply for a able to lift up to 70 pounds. Valid driv- operations of the town. The finance Senior planner essential duties and town job. Pursuant to Tennessee open er’s license required, CDL helpful. All May’s event. General admission, director oversees purchasing, accounts responsibilities include the following: records law, applications and resumes licenses verified prior to employment. VIP three-day passes and sin- payable, accounting, auditing, and rev- interprets Federal and/or local regu- are subject to disclosure. EOE/ Drug Must pass drug screening prior to gle-day tickets are on sale now. enue collection services and activities. lations and ordinances. Analyzes and Free Workplace. employment. Work hours are Monday For more information go to http:// In addition, the finance director per- summarizes existing conditions, de- through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. www.memphisinmay.org/events/ forms a variety of professional level rives conclusions, makes recommen- PROCUREMENT TECHNICIAN (subject to change). Some overtime re- beale-street-music-festival/. financial management responsibilities dations and develops projections such COLLIERVILLE. The purpose of quired (on call hours), some weekends. including analysis, preparation, and as for population trends, etc. Prepares this classification is to perform entry Employment applications available maintenance of the annual budget, reports and supports graphic display level to intermediate technical work in online at www.townofwartrace.com or financial records, statements, and materials descriptive of research and procurement of a variety of materials, mail resume to Town of Wartrace, P.O. reports with significant responsibility recommendations. Explains planning equipment, and supplies in accordance Box 158, Wartrace, TN 37183 9-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 www.TML1.org

Tennessee Municipal League 2016-2017 Officers and Directors Generation Z wants a job. Are you ready to hire them? PRESIDENT challenges and opportunities than of employed teens, and the rate has John Holden BY KATHERINE BARRETT “That’s going to be a big challenge Mayor, Dyersburg & RICHARD GREENE their predecessors. hovered around 30 percent in the to government organizations.” VICE PRESIDENTS Governing Magazine One of the biggest differences last few years. But where there are challeng- Bo Perkinson — possibly because they grew up Getting back to the differences es, there can be opportunities. Councilmember, Athens Move over, millennials. Gen- during an economic downturn -- is between Gen Zers and millen- Generation Z wants to make Wallace Cartwright eration Z — sometimes called that Gen Zers have a heightened de- nials, though, a 2016 survey by a difference. According to a not- Mayor, Shelbyville post-millennials, the iGeneration sire for job security and lower ex- the consulting firm BridgeWorks yet-published study from Dors- Jill Holland or plurals, to name a few — is pectations for quick advancement shows that the younger of the two ey’s company, 72 percent say it’s Mayor, McKenzie starting to enter the workforce. As than millennials, says Jason Dors- generations is more likely to plan important that they have a positive DIRECTORS they do, it would be wise for pub- ey, co-founder and lead millennial on working at the same place for at impact on the world. That com- Jimmy Alexander lic-sector leaders to understand and Gen Z researcher at the Center least a decade. pares to 68 percent for millennials, Mayor, Nolensville for Generational Kinetics. “Their “They’re looking for stabil- Megan Barry the differences they may bring 64 percent for Gen Xers and 63 Mayor, Metro Nashville to recruiting, hiring, training and attitude is ‘I’ll take whatever job ity,” says Hannah Ubl, research percent for boomers. Andy Berke managing. you have, just give me a chance.” director at BridgeWorks. “That plays very well with Mayor, Chattanooga The earliest of Generation That may also be because Gen But while most Gen Zers ap- state and local government,” says Daniel Brown Z was born in the mid-1990s. Zers are less likely to have work ex- pear to appreciate the reliability of Dorsey. City Council, Knoxville (District 2) They don’t have solid memories perience than previous generations a steady paycheck, they also value Even when it comes to tech- Vance Coleman of 9/11; they witnessed the Great and thus may be more eager to get flexibility. After all, they grew up nology, which this generation re- Mayor, Medina Recession at a formative age their foot in the door anywhere. with the ability to connect with lies on more than any other, there Betsy Crossley — many seeing the devastating This phenomenon, however, also friends, students and teachers at all are reasons to be encouraged. In the Commissioner, Brentwood (District 6) impact it had on their parents; and applies to millennials. The num- hours of the day and night. BridgeWorks survey, 74 percent of Richard Driver ber of 16- to 19-year-olds holding Cherrie Clark, a management Mayor, Lafayette (District 5) they have lived immersed in social Gen Zers — compared to just 50 Bill Graham media and rapid-fire technological summer jobs has fluctuated with professor at Vanderbilt University percent of older millennials and Councilman, Dayton (District 3) communication. the economy, but before 1990, who has done extensive research 65 percent of younger millennials Hoyt Jones While generalizations about it almost never dipped below 46 on the topic, believes they might — said their generation struggles Alderman, Sparta (District 4) generations must be used with percent, according to the Pew Re- have more trouble with a 9 to 5 with in-person communication. Christa Martin caution, studies show that Gen search Center. Since then, there has regimen and rules that prohibit However, Ubl says her research also Vice Mayor, Columbia Zers may present a different set of been a steady decline in the portion personal breaks during the day. reveals that members of Generation Lonnie Norman Z tend to be self-aware of their flaws Mayor, Manchester and are “open to training.” Pete Peterson But their relationship with City Manager, Johnson City (District 1) Madeline Rogero technology may change how they Mayor, Knoxville should be trained. Because they Paula Sedgwick grew up more prone to Snap- Alderman, Bartlett (District 8) The U.S. economy added for the National Flood Insurance the ASCE said substandard infra- chatting than texting, they tend Charles “Bones” Seivers 235,000 jobs in February, Program’s (NFIP) retooling of structure was costing each Amer- to be more visual learners and President-CEO, TN Municipal Bond Fund surpassing economists’ expec- flood maps will lead to relying on ican family as much as $3,400 in are extremely comfortable with Barrett Stevens tations. According to govern- old maps and construction in areas disposable income a year. It also self-directed online learning, says Mayor, Bolivar ment data, the unemployment that are now flood prone, or hiking noted that “after years of decline, Dorsey. Jim Strickland rate ticked down to 4.7 percent, insurance premiums to pay for new traffic fatalities increased by 7 Of course, generational char- Mayor, Memphis compared with 4.8 percent in maps. Costs for mapping have been percent from 2014 to 2015, with acterizations also need to be Mary Ann Tremblay January. Wages rose by 6 cents shared by insurance policyholders 35,092 people dying on America’s Vice Mayor, Three Way considered within a much broader Garry Welch to $26.09, following a disap- and the federal government for the roads.” America’s water systems context. There are plenty of other City Manager, Savannah (District 7) pointingly low 3-cent increase past 15 years, said a spokeswoman are leaking trillions of gallons of factors that affect a person. Perhaps Mike Werner the month before. The Labor for the Federal Emergency Man- drinking water and more than 2,000 the most important advice to em- Mayor, Gatlinburg Department also revised its agement (FEMA), which operates dams are at high risk of failure, the ployers is from Vanderbilt’s Clark: PAST PRESIDENTS estimates for job creation in De- the flood insurance program. report said. “Every person wants to be consid- Curtis Hayes (2016) Mayor, Livingston cember and January, increasing ered as an individual. They don’t Tom Rowland (2015) Mayor, Cleveland the total number of jobs added A review of U.S. infrastructure The Federal Reserve has raised want to be lumped with a genera- Dale Kelley (2014) Mayor, Huntingdon to 9,000 more than previously by an engineering association interest rates 0.25 points, the cen- tion. There’s some Gen Zers who act Ken Wilber (2013) Mayor, Portland reported. has given the country a D-plus. tral bank’s first rate hike since like baby boomers and some baby Kay Senter (2012) Morristown Vice Mayor The American Society of Civil December. Bank officials said the boomers who act like Gen Zers.” Sam Tharpe (2011) Commissioner, Paris Tommy Pedigo (2010) Council, Morristown A proposal by the Trump Engineers’ (ASCE) gave the U.S. time was right to raise rates with Tommy Green (2007) Mayor, Alamo Administration to cut $190 the near-failing grade, unchanged inflation and unemployment close Bob Kirk (2004) Alderman, Dyersburg million in funding for updat- from its last report card issued in to the Fed’s targets of 2 percent and AFFILIATE DIRECTORS ing U.S. maps of flood-prone 2013. The ASCE estimated in a roughly 4.5 percent, respectively. Chris Anderson, Council, Chattanooga (NLC) areas would trigger higher statement that the United States The Fed is likely to raise rates Karen Johnson, Councilwoman, Nashville (NLC) insurance rates or more home- needed to invest $4.59 trillion by two to three more times before the Rob Lyons, Murfreesboro (TCMA) building in risky locations, 2025 to bring its infrastructure end of the year. Interest rates have TML AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS according to a consumer group. to an adequate B- grade, a figure lingered at historic lows since the (Ex-Officio Directors) The Consumer Federation of about $2 trillion higher than current recession and have only been hiked April 19 - 21 Tennessee Assn. of Air Carrier Airports America said slashing funding funding levels. In its report card, twice since 2008. Tennessee Building Officials Assn. TAMCAR Spring Conference Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police Embassy Suites, Murfreesboro. TN Assn. Municipal Clerks & Recorders TAMCAR is a professional or- TN Government Finance Officers Assn. ganization dedicated to the ad- Tennessee Fire Chiefs Assn. UT-MTAS APRIL / MAY MAP CLASSES Tennessee Fire Safety Inspectors vancement of the Municipal Clerk. Tennessee Association of Floodplain During its spring and fall Institute/ Management DISCOVER THE SYNERGY BETWEEN TIME MANAGEMENT AND STRESS REDUCTION Academy sessions, TAMCAR Tenn. Assn. Housing & Redevel. Auth. assists clerks with personal and Tennessee Municipal Attorneys Assn. This course will discuss tech- Dates/Locations/Times: To register for a course, go to professional development through Tennessee Municipal Judges Conference niques to help individuals re- April 11 Nashville www.mtas.tennessee.edu, or fax a curriculum that concentrates on Tenn. Chapter, American Public Works duce stress by improving their 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT to 865-974-0423. Credit card pay- public administration, social and Tennessee Recreation and Parks Assn. time management skills and April 12 Memphis ments must register online with interpersonal skill enhancement, Tennessee Chapter, American Planning utilizing other stress reduction 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT the Solution Point System: http:// and current issue sessions. Com- Tennessee Personnel Management Assn. techniques. April 13 Jackson Tennessee Assn. of Public Purchasing www.solutionpoint.tennessee. pletion of these education session 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CDT edu/MTAS or by invoice. For reg- results in points needed to receive TN Section, Institute of Transport Credits: 4 CPE/CMFO Tennessee Public Transportation Assoc. May 2 Kingsport istration assistance, call 865-974- that certification through the Ten- (Other) (PA) Assn. of Independent and Municipal 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT 0413. Or for more information, nessee Secretary of State’s Office. Schools May 3 Knoxville contact Kurt Frederick, training To register or for more information Tennessee Renewable Energy & Economic 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT consultant, at 615-253-6385. on the Spring conference agenda, Development Council May 4 Collegedale go to https://tamcar.wildapricot. Tennessee Urban Forestry Council 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT Tennessee Stormwater Association org/ TML SPONSORS 3 Star Sponsor Bank of America Bank of New York Mellon, Co. Civil & Environmental Consultants No loan is too large or too small First Tennessee Bank 2 Star Sponsor Alliance Water Resources Ameresco, Inc. Barge Waggoner Sumner & Cannon, Inc. Carr, Riggs & Ingram LLC lbtelematics VC3 Voya Financial Advisors Waste Management Inc. of Tennessee 1 Star Sponsor A2H Employee Benefit Specialists, Inc. J.R. Wauford & Co. Consulting Engineers Local Govt. Corporation McGill Associates, P.A. Pavement Restorations, Inc. Smith Seckman Reid Tennessee 811 TLM Associates, Inc. Utility Service Co., Inc. Vaughn & Melton Waste Connections of Tennessee Inc. Waste Industries USA, Inc.

The town of Livingston recently closed a $3 million fixed rate The city of Humboldt recently closed a $3,825,000 TML STAFF Margaret Mahery, Executive Director loan with the Tennessee Municipal Bond Fund to finance fixed rate loan with the Tennessee Municipal Bond Chad Jenkins, Deputy Director water and sewer system improvements. Pictured are Liv- Fund to finance renovations and improvements to Mark Barrett, Legislative Research Analyst Kate Coil, Communications Specialist ingston Town Clerk Phyllis Looper, TMBF representative city schools. Pictured are Humboldt Mayor Marvin Jackie Gupton, Administrative Assistant Linda Mooningham, Livingston Mayor Curtis Hayes, and Sikes, TMBF representative Tommy Green, and Carole Graves, Communications Director Vice Mayor Bill Winningham. Humboldt Treasurer Kim Hadley. & Editor, Tennessee Town & City Sylvia Harris, Conference Planning Director John Holloway, Government Relations Debbie Kluth, Marketing Director / Member Services See us for your special Kevin Krushenski, Legislative Research Analyst projects needs. Denise Paige, Government Relations (615) 255-1561 www.TML1.org 10-TENNESSEE TOWN & CITY/MARCH 27, 2017 New Transportation Chair Doss discusses road needs, IMPROVE Act

BY LINDA BRYANT because we have the largest budget surplus, we are going to have the largest tax cut to Rep. Barry Doss knows his numbers. date. Also, we’ve put a record number of The Lawrence County Republican, who new dollars in K-12 education. We have the has served District 70 in the State House second best retirement system in the nation. since 2012, can swiftly rattle off the history Our teachers and state employees are going of tax cuts under the Haslam administration. to get a raise. We are putting another $110 It’s second nature for him to site statistics that million in K-12 education. And we’re going back up an argument, especially when those to lower taxes $300 million this year. numbers point to Tennessee’s dramatic eco- No one wants to see taxes go up, myself nomic and educational improvements under included. But we have to face reality. Our the Haslam administration. state’s infrastructure needs more money, Doss has the demeanor of a laid back and the user fee is the fairest way to do it. country boy. Yet, he wears many hats and We have to have the courage to say we’re juggles many tasks — from running a family going to do what needs to be done. We also farm and construction company to advo- need to have the courage to say we’re going cating passionately for education in rural to cut government; we’re going to cut out Tennessee to teaching Sunday school at Gum regulation and waste. Springs Baptist Church. He’s also a passionate advocate for TT&C: Many anticipate the IMPROVE battling the state’s troubling opioid addiction Act will be altered as it makes its way crisis and not afraid to talk about how his through the legislative process. What’s own family has been touched by it. your prediction? In January, Doss stepped into the Rep. Barry Doss, House Transportation Committee Chairman BD: I predict that the Improve Act will spotlight as the new chair of the House eventually pass. It will probably be amended Transportation Committee, replacing Rep. “ There are three main components to having a thriving and growing economy and look somewhat different because Gov. Jimmy Matlock, R-Lenoir City. He relishes here in Tennessee — education, infrastructure and tax rates. If we can continue Haslam knows, as I do, that this is a process. the position and hasn’t been afraid to speak to lower taxes, improve education and upgrade our infrastructure, we are going We have 99 state house members and 33 out in favor of the Improve Act, the Haslam senators who, working as a team, are going administration’s proposed transportation to have a thriving economy.” to come up with what they feel is the best for funding plan. our state. Specifically, I can tell you I don’t Rep. Tim Wirgau, R-Buchanan, a close BD: Southern Middle Tennessee is the only gas tax. There are three main components think we’ll have indexing. Indexing means colleague in the state House, believes Doss’ area in the entire state that’s drastically to having a thriving and growing economy the gas tax automatically goes up based on skills as a legislator relate directly to his hard under-served when it comes to easy access here in Tennessee — education, infrastruc- our economy. That’s because most of us won skills as a businessman. to four-year institutions. Middle Tennes- ture and tax rates. If we can continue to feel user fees should only go up until it’s “His knowledge of running a successful see State University is the closest to us in lower taxes, improve education and upgrade absolutely necessary — not automatically. business allows him to make decisions that Nashville. Most students in Tennessee have our infrastructure, we are going to have a We don’t want to put a perpetual increase on will guide our state moving forward in a pos- to drive 30-45 minutes to get to a four-year thriving economy. We’ve proven that over anyone so we’re going to raise it to the level itive way,” Wirgau said. “The people of the college. Most of Lawrence and Giles County the past five years. We’ve lowered taxes five we know needs to be done now. We fully 70th District have definitely chosen a great have to drive 90 minutes to two hours. consecutive years. expect future legislators to do their job when person to represent them in Nashville.” Now, for the first time, Tennessee Tech- Five years ago, we got rid of the gift tax that time comes. Jim Brown, state director of National nological University is offering classes this and inheritance tax. That was a $110 million Secondly, I also think there will be more Federation of Small Businesses (NFIB), fall in Lawrence County, and we are also tax cut. The next year, we lowered the taxes tax cuts than what the governor has proposed. praised Doss recently when presenting him in negotiations with MTSU about offering on food and that was a $25 million cut. The I applaud his plan because he’s trying to make with the organization’s prestigious Guardian classes. We could soon have TCAT, Colum- next year, we lowered the food tax again us very healthy in the future. But many feel of Small Business award. bia State, MTSU, and Tennessee Tech all on another quarter-percent for $27 million. Last there’s enough surplus for us to make even “Barry Doss is a very strong supporter one campus. We’re about 30 to 45 days away year, we voted on the single largest tax cut more tax cuts. of small business and great voice for free from acquiring the land to build a campus for in Tennessee’s history by voting out the Hall enterprise,” Brown said. “He understands this project. Our county has already voted and income tax — a $300 million tax cut. TT&C: Do you have any sponsored leg- labor and workforce issues especially well, approved $1.5 million to put into this project. Up to this year, we have already voted islation or particular issues that are very since he owns and operates a small business. Lawrenceburg is getting ready to adopt a res- in some $500 million in tax cuts. That alone important to you? NFIB’s members appreciate his principled, olution to put $1.5 million into it. Our utilities accounts for nine times more tax cuts than BD: I am passionate about tackling the issue civil approach, which makes him highly system is going to put $1.5 million into the any administration in Tennessee’s history. of prescription drug abuse. Pain pill addic- effective in Nashville.” project, and we are going to raise $1.5 million This year we’re going to lower taxes an ad- tion crosses every boundary — gender, race, of private money. We hope to get some state ditional $300 million. Add it up and we will creed and socioeconomic. The United States TT&C: You are from Lawrence County money to help, but it will be far less than be up to about $700 million in tax cuts by the is five percent of the world’s population, but and have owned your own contracting what our community is giving. I’ve worked end of this year. That will put us at 11 times we consume 98.5 percent of the world’s pro- company, Doss Brothers Inc, since 1983. five years on this project. It’s my legacy and more tax cuts than any administration in state duction of pain pills. I’ve had family mem- Tell us about your background, family and will be my crowning achievement. history. bers who’ve been addicted to pain pills. It’s a little about being a small business owner. Couple all this with other facts. We have the No. 1 killer in our state; the No. 1 cause BD: I am a third-generation Lawrence TT&C: In January you were appointed not only the fastest improving education in of incarceration, arrests, divorce, DUIs and County resident. Other than going to the chair of the House Transportation Com- state history, but the fastest improving educa- bankruptcy. University of Tennessee, I’ve never lived mittee. What makes you a good fit for this tion in the nation. We’ve gone from 45th in Just about every bad thing that happens anywhere other than the little dead end road powerful position? the nation to 25th in the nation in five years. in our society is linked to prescription drug I live on in southern Lawrence County in BD: I want good roads in Tennessee. My abuse. We have to get on top of it, and we’re a little unincorporated town called Leoma. background is in infrastructure. I’m a general TT&C: You are making the argument that making strides. In fact, we went 12 consec- I come from a family of farmers. My dad, contractor back home, where I build com- prudent fiscal management has spurred utive years up until 2014 with at least 10 brother, and I own Doss Brothers Farms. We mercial buildings. I’ve been very involved strong growth, which in turn has created percent growth or more with this problem. raise commercial beef cattle. I’ve lived on the in my own county when it comes to infra- a more urgent need to upgrade our infra- But we’ve passed some really strong legis- farm my entire life and so do my children. structure. I’m also in the paving and grading structure. But with a surplus and money lation in the past five years. In 2014, we saw My sister and brother live there, too. business. Having the background I do, I in our coffers why does the gas tax make a 4 percent decrease; in 2015, a 12 percent I graduated from the University of Ten- probably know as much about infrastructure sense? decrease; and in 2016, another 12 percent nessee with a degree in animal science and and road construction as anyone up here. Last BD: In Tennessee, we’ve always funded our decrease. We hope it’s even more this year. business. I am the first person on my side of year I was so passionate about helping our roads with a user fee. Many of us feel it’s the I’m a Sunday school teacher back home. the family who graduated from a four-year rural counties that I was able to get $42 mil- fairest way — by far. If it wasn’t the fairest One Sunday a 70-year-old man walked institution. After working on a master’s lion shifted to county governments, money way, you’d think someone would have tried across the floor and said, “My back is hurt- degree for a year, I came home to be a part that went directly for infrastructure. It was to change it. Let’s go back and look at the his- ing; I wish I had a Lortab.” Three people of the family business with my brother and distributed equally among all the counties. tory. The last time the gas tax was increased spoke up and said, “I’ve got one, you want my dad. God has blessed me tremendously I had 80 co-sponsors from both sides of the was 1989. Since then we’ve gone from 13th one?” We think of this kind of thing as legal since then. We went 20 consecutive years, isle for that legislation. best infrastructure in the nation to the second and safe medicine. It is not. It is dangerous from 1987 to 2007, with 15 percent growth best — and we have zero road debt. Tennes- medicine. What would you do if I came up to or more. Then the crash came. It was tough TT&C: You have been involved in sup- see is the lowest cost producer of new roads you after Sunday school and said, “I’m tired times, and 2009 and 2011 were especially porting improvements to the roads in in the nation. We are very efficient. and sleepy, I wish I had a snort of cocaine?” rough. But we hung on. The past two years, Southern Middle Tennessee. Why are The reason most of us want to keep the What do you think the reaction would be? 2014-2016, have been the best years in our roads so important in your region? user fee is because (it ensures that) everyone Today opioids are killing five times more history. BD: Highway 64 is finally about to be who uses the roads, pays for the roads. If you people than cocaine — and we accept it. We I married in 1996, which will be 21 years completed — and it’s paid for. From Chatta- only drive 3,000 miles a year you don’t pay have to change the culture to vilify opioids in June. My wife had two children, and we nooga to Memphis we now have a four-lane a lot of fuel tax. If you travel constantly and just like we have vilified heroin and cocaine. had two kids together. My oldest son and his highway all the way through. That has really put on 40,000 miles a year, you pay your fair wife had some prescription drug problems. changed the outlook on Southern Middle share — and rightly so. Think about it. There TT&C: What do you see as Tennessee’s Seven years ago, he was on his way home one Tennessee. In Lawrence County, we’re lucky are a lot of retired people who don’t do a lot biggest challenges? day and was killed in a car wreck. Since their we have Highway 43 that runs from Nash- of traveling. They get up every morning and BD: Other than prescription drug abuse, the mother was addicted to pain pills, I asked the ville to Muscle Shoals and Florence, Ala. go to the local McDonald’s or Hardee’s, and biggest challenge in the future is continuing court for custody of their two children. She We now have a four-lane north and south, then they go home. They shouldn’t be sad- to improve our education. Health care in a didn’t fight it, so now I’m raising two grand- east and west. Giles County has Highway 64 dled with the burden of our roads. Plus, they tremendous problem that can’t be solved kids, ages 11 and 8. My youngest stepson is and Highway 31 that runs from Huntsville to already pay a lot of sales tax. without the help of the federal government. married and has two kids. My youngest son Nashville. We are at the crossroads of Dixie. Let’s look at the diesel side of the issue. The one thing the feds could do is to provide is a first year sophomore at University of On a local level, our county roads are not Fifty-two percent of all the diesel tax in Ten- block grant money (for health care) to the Tennessee, and my daughter is high school so good. Our counties are in desperate need nessee is paid for by people outside of the states. Look at Tennessee and see how well junior. for infrastructure money. Lawrence County state. Why do you think Gov. Bill Haslam we’ve managed our government, even health has over 1,200 miles of road. One cent on our has proposed raising the diesel tax 12 cents care. Do you know that TennCare is about TT&C: You are a longtime small business tax rate brings in about $60,000. Compare as opposed to 7 cents? First, diesel tax is 22 percent more efficient than Medicaid? owner and continue to be despite your job this to Williamson County; they have under currently 3 cents cheaper than gas. There was Our state manages health care better than the as a legislator. Why did you decide to run 1,000 miles of road. One penny on their tax some argument to raise it 3 cents, but Gov. federal government. Cities and counties can for public office? rate brings in $1 million. Yet, we have more Haslam wants to raise it even more. That’s probably handle things even better than we BD: Starting in 1998, I served one term as roads than they do. because 52 percent of our diesel taxes are can. That’s why we send money down to the a county commissioner. I learned so much Tennessee’s gas tax formula — and the paid for by out of state trucking companies. local level for infrastructure. about government and how it works. I didn’t way it’s distributed between counties — We have spent the last 30 years talking want to be a part of the problem; I wanted to makes (distribution of road funds) equitable. TT&C: Why can’t our roads be paid for about how to get everyone health insurance. be a part of the solution. We did awesome The problem is the money just doesn’t go far by other taxes? I believe that’s the wrong debate. Why aren’t things in Lawrence County from 1998 to enough today. We’ve had dramatic inflation BD: Some here on The Hill are advocating for we talking about how to get health care costs 2002. We expanded our college. We had a in the cost of building roads, yet our revenue sales tax dollars to be used for infrastructure. down? We’ve sat back for the past 30 years $5 million road program that covered 575 hasn’t increased nearly as fast. In 1998, it That means you and I would be subsidizing and let healthcare costs get so out of whack. miles of dirt road with hard surface. By now cost us $37,000 to pave one mile of road. all those trucks coming from California to Guess why we keep saying everybody needs those roads are worn out; they need to be Today, it’s $86,000. It’s almost three times as New York. By the way, 38 other states fund health insurance? It’s because nobody can af- fixed again. I now serve about 65,000 people much just since 2002. Our revenue has only their roads with the user fee, and the federal ford health care. We’ve ignored the problem in Lawrence and Giles counties, both very increased a miniscule amount compared to government funds its roads with the user fee. and its runaway costs. large geographical areas. By comparison, that. We’ve really got two issues. Infrastruc- Williamson County has three state represen- ture needs new funding. It’s our duty to TT&C: Who are your strongest mentors? tatives and a senator all within one county. TT&C: You are a strong proponent of the increase that funding. The other issue: Our BD: My Lord and savior first. After that my IMPROVE Act. If passed, this legislation economy is growing fast because we’ve wonderful wife and children. Here in the TT&C: You have been very involved in would increase fuel taxes by 7 cents on cut taxes. We’ve kept our infrastructure at legislature I have a lot of friends. I’ve known education efforts and have championed gasoline and 12 cents on diesel. Why do a very high level. This year we have over a Rep. Pat Marsh, R-Shelbyville, for 40 years. efforts to bring a four-year college to your you support this legislation? $1 billion surplus in recurring money. Every I have looked up to him and watched his region. Can you talk about the highlights BD: It’s worth going over our achievements year we’ve had a surplus we’ve cut taxes. tenure. There are 8 to 10 state reps here who of this process? in lowering taxes before we talk about the We intend to cut taxes again this year, and have become close friends. I’m blessed.