Van Buren Passes $23.3 Million Budget
Van Buren County Commissioners passed an estimated $23.3 million budget on final reading Tuesday night. Commissioner Tabitha Denney said the tax rate will stay the same at $2.40 per $100 of assessed value. The penny value is an estimated $17,463, with projected tax revenue to be an estimated $4.4 million. The tax breakdown features $1.585 […]
Metro Government: How It Works And How One Is Formed
Rumors circulating around Van Buren County about the possibility of forming a metro government in Van Buren County, something a UT Expert said happens to increase efficiency. UT County Technical Assistance Service Legal Manager Kristy Brown said a metro government forms when a county and its largest populated city combine to form one acting government. […]
New Telehealth Services Coming To Van Buren Schools
A telehealth partnership between the East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and the Van Buren County School could benefit children in the county. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said these services could help address attendance and truancy issues that come with being sick as well as provide quick care for students. Simmons said nurses can set up […]
Van Buren Receives Grant For Solid Waste Upgrades
Van Buren County will make some upgrades to its solid waste department after receiving an estimated $138,000 grant. The county will receive a 240-volt compactor, a 460-volt compactor, and six 40 cubic yard octagon receivers. County Mayor David Sullivan said the compactors will make upgrades in two locations. “The 460 was one that we was […]
Van Buren Discuss Limiting Short-Term Labor Contracts
The Van Buren County School Board wants to consider limiting short-term employee contracts, concerned about the potential costs. Some of the contracts are for employees who have already retired. Board Member Barry Austin said he does not have a problem with the deals if the school system needs them. However, Austin said the keeping retired […]
Van Buren Chamber Holding Community Connect Meeting
The Van Buren-Spencer Chamber of Commerce will conduct its first Community Connect Meeting Thursday night. Chamber President Mika Davis said the idea was brought up by the American Legion’s Hansel Moore as a way n to better connect local businesses and community members. Davis said the she believes the Chamber can grow from the connection. […]
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 […]
Fall Creek Falls Boil Water Advisory Lifted After Leaks
The Fall Creek Falls Utility District has lifted the boil water advisory for Falls Creek State Park, meaning it is now safe to drink and cook with water. A boil water advisory is placed when water lines are potentially contaminated. Fall Creek Falls Utility District Commissioner Virginia Lewis said last week’s leaks caused low pressure. […]
School Board Approves Roof Repairs At Elementary, High School
The Van Buren County School Board Wednesday night approved roof repairs at Van Buren County High School and Spencer Elementary. Both roofs have multiple leaks. School Board Member Benjamin Grissom asked why, saying the roofs have too many issues for such a fairly new roof. Director of Schools Katina Simmons said a contractor suggested the […]
Van Buren’s Sullivan: From Cheerleader to Tennis Player
Van Buren Eaglettes girls tennis player Erin Sullivan is going through a change in her sporting career.
