City Council Approves Budget First Reading, Tax Increase
The Cookeville City Council approved on first reading Thursday its proposed budget for the new fiscal year including a 7-cent property tax increase. Finance Director Brenda Imel said the increase will provide an additional $862,000 in revenue. Imel said that property tax along with growing sales tax revenue have left Cookeville in a good place. […]
Gainesboro Hopeful That Final Budget Will Hold
Gainesboro Officials hopeful that the new fiscal year budget will hold after Aldermen finalized the budget on second reading Thursday night. Alderman Beth Young said nothing changed between reading one and two. Young said the budget is tight, but could withstand a few blows. “We do have some wiggle room, and not a lot, but […]
Putnam Schools To Use Pouches To Lockup Cell Phones
The Putnam County School Board approved a new cell phone policy Thursday that will require personal communications devices be locked away in magnetic pouches during the school day. The pouches will be a new reoccurring $200,000 expense for the system. But School Board Member Dr. Dawn Fry called the expense necessary to make sure phones […]
Van Buren Awarded $50K Grant To Upgrade Technology
Van Buren County awarded a $50,000 grant Thursday to improve the county’s technology. Van Buren County UT Extension Agent Chris Binkley said the county received the grant after he and County Mayor David Sullivan participated in several trainings where they learned how to get federal grants. Binkley said the county will use the grant to […]
T-DOT: Air Taxis, Delivery Drones Could Be A UC Reality
On-demand aviation could become a reality in the Upper Cumberland, according to T-DOT’s Aeronautics Director. JP Saalwaechter told the Center Hill Rural Planning Organization Thursday advanced air mobility can improve both delivery and transportation. Saalwechter said technology like delivery drones already exists, but new technology like small electric or hydrogen powered airplanes, referred to as […]
IDB Concerned About SAIC And Ficosa Delinquent Payments
The Cookeville Industrial Development Board concerned about SAIC and Ficosa being delinquent on each company’s Payment In Lieu Of Taxes or PILOT incentive package. Putnam County Property Assessor Steve Pierce said SAIC has paid the 2024 non-compliance portion to Cookeville but not to Putnam County. Pierce said SAIC is looking to reduce its lease space […]
Livingston Set To Host Pioneer Days Friday And Saturday
Pioneer Days returns to Downtown Livingston, to celebrate Overton County’s past and pioneer spirit. Pioneer Day Committee Chairman Gene Gant said people will enjoy an artifact show, an antique car show, country and bluegrass music. Gant said there will also be re-enactments and people dressed in old-fashioned outfits. “We’ve had a lot of great politicians […]
