Athens Development News
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Regular Session - 06/16/26
Published: Jun 16, 2026
New Regulations for Towing Services Approved
Ordinance 1156, amending Title Nine, Chapter Five of the Athens City Code concerning Wrecker and Towing Services, was approved on its second reading. The ordinance aims to establish regulations, permitting requirements, rotation procedures, insurance limitations, record keeping, and enforcement procedures for towing services, aligning with state standards. The attorney clarified that the ordinance sets a cap on fees, preventing price gouging, rather than mandating specific rates. The vote was unanimous.
Council Authorizes Engineering Proposals for Cook Park Parking Expansion
The council considered awarding funds for additional parking at Cook Park. While initial motions to award a bid were withdrawn, the council ultimately authorized the Public Works Director to obtain proposals from engineering firms for the design work of two parking options off East Harper Johnson Drive. These options include adding 14 new parking spaces for an estimated $245,000, or adding 13 additional spaces for a total of 38 spaces at $335,000, which would reduce green space. The motion to seek engineering proposals passed unanimously.
Athens City Schools Budget Approved; SRO Grant Application Authorized
The consent agenda included approval of Athens City Schools budget amendments and resolutions, as well as a resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the State of Tennessee for the Statewide School Resource Officer (SRO) Program Grant. Additionally, an increase of $16,453.78 to the contract with Wilson Construction Group LLC for the Heritage Park LPRF Grant project was approved.
Athens City Council Approves Amended Budget, Maintains Tax Rate
The council approved the amended budget ordinance for fiscal year 2026-2027 after extensive discussion and multiple amendments regarding various funding allocations. The property tax rate remained unchanged at 1.0078. Key amendments included reintroducing funding for the Tri-County Center and Soap Box Derby, adjusting auto allowances for employees, and reallocating funds for condemned houses. The initial proposal to increase council salaries was removed from the amendment and will be addressed separately.
Council Approves New Compensation Ordinance for Mayor and Council Members; Time Capsule Project Greenlit
The council discussed and ultimately approved an ordinance establishing compensation for the mayor and council members, to take effect after the 2026 and 2029 elections. The proposed ordinance sets the mayor's compensation at $600 per month and council members' at $500 per month. A motion to table the ordinance failed, and despite some discussion about the timing and optics, the first reading is scheduled for July. Separately, a motion to install a time capsule at the regional park for the 250th anniversary of the nation was approved.
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The Athens News archive
Regular Session - 06/16/26
Special Called Session - 06/04/26
Special Called Session - 06/04/26
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