
Kingston Springs was founded in 1807 only 10 years after Tennessee became a state ! It's earliest attraction was the black and red sulpher water springs known for their healing qualities. In the late 1800's a commuter train ran between Nashville and Kingston Springs helping create it's first presence as a recreational retreat.

Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, June 2009
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, March 2009
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, February 2009
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, January 2009
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, December 2008
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, November 2008
Dear Constituents –
From the Cheatham County Commission by Adair Schippers, October 2008
Welcome to a beautiful fall! In the September 08 cumulative Sales tax report, Kingston Springs collections were down by $1727.36, and Pegram down by $1962.04. Both Ashland City and Pleasant View saved us this month with gains of $2738.19, and $5870.33, respectively, resulting in a total gain in sales tax of 1.5% ($15.03) over last year.
The third month of the new fiscal year (September) resulted in Adequate Facilities Tax collected totaling $21,056.00, $3191.00, less than last September, and Development Tax collected was $52,500.00, an increase of $30,000 more than September of last year. These two taxes are collected from permits issuef for new homes and/or additions, storage units, garages/carports, pools, barns, etc. There were 6 new home permits issued throughout the County in September.
In other financial matters, we approved a new roof for East and West Cheatham Elementary Schools ($559,436.00), the County’s share ($168,500.) of erecting lights at Exit 31 in Joelton, and $35,000 expenditures for “Clean Sweep” ($35,000.), which we eventually hope to partially recover from the sale of metal scrap. Operation Clean Sweep is scheduled to begin on October 27 through November 1st. This year there is only one place for “free dumping”, it is the Sams Creek location.
The issue of FEMA was with us again and expenses for attorneys and reporters amounted to $7,768.30 for September, leaving a balance of $156,284.55 in reserve for this item. Additionally, the Commissioners ask Mayor Orange for plans for the trip to the FEMA regional office in Atlanta on November 13th. Commissioner McCanless asked if FEMA could just come up here on that date. No answers were available and we await word from Mayor Orange as to whether or not the Director can even attend on that date. In a letter from the Mayor on October 8th, he informed Commissioners of his decision to hire Ragan-Smith Associates (Engineering firm) to work with on the Flood Plain issues.
Commissioner Jack McCanless expressed displeasure at the time spent by the Director of the Planning Department or writing Editorials in the local papers instead of doing her job. To this end, he asked Mayor Orange for a detailed “cost comparison” on whether or not the Planning Department is paying for itself and that this report be placed in our packets for the next meeting. Mayor Orange also announced that the Planning Department will now operate on a 4 day work week, Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Commissioner John Paul Wood, Chairman of the Education reported that the overcrowding at Sycamore High School has become urgent and asked Bill Anderson, Chairman of the Rezone Committee to please meet and give the Committee its findings on whether or not rezoning would be a possibility instead of a new school at this time.
The Calendar, Rules and Nominating Committee met and Chairman Schippers reported that following a thorough search of the County Commission minutes since September 2006, no reference or resolution was found to confirm adoption of the County Technical Assistance Services Manual, written by the University of Tennessee as operating rules for the Cheatham County Commission. This also means that a “nepotism” policy was not adopted. Following discussion, the members of the Committee did adopt a resolution recommending to the full County Commission: That the Commission, at each organizational meeting (held after each election of Commissioner’s) adopt the CTAS Manual and all of i t’s manuals regarding County Government, along with Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised. Following lengthy discussion this resolution was deferred for 30 days. Regarding “nepotism”, County Attorney Perry stated that even if the Commission did adopt a resolution, it would have no effect.
The Beer Board introduced a resolution requiring establishments to display their current and legible permits in highly visible areas or be subject to a fine of $50 for each day that it is not there. This resolution will take effect January 2, 2009 and it passed, 11-0-1.
Commissioner Jack McCanless offered a resolution that asked the Joint Economic & Development Board to change their by-laws to allow a member of the Commission to be on the Executive Board. This motion failed by a vote of 6 to 5 with 1 member absent. Voting for the resolution: Commissioners Baker, McCanless, Crouch, Davidson, Schippers and McCullough. Voting against: Anderson, Wood, Jarreau, Montgomery, and Engelman.
Commissioner Davidson introduced a resolution to allow Cheatham County Fire Departments with a non-profit status, to be the recipients of surplus sheriff cars if they ask. This motion also passed 10-1-1.
Chairman Crouch of the Emergency Services Committee announced that this committee will meet in November at 5:00PM in the School Board Annex. This is a one time change only.
Let me take this opportunity to sincerely thank the overwhelming number of citizens for your recent outpouring of love, support and prayers during recent political trying times. I appreciate it so very much!
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers,
952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
Dear Constituents –
The September meeting of the Cheatham County Commission started with the unanimous reelection of Commissioner David McCullough of Kingston Springs as our Chairman, and Commissioner W. R. Baker of Ashland City as the Chairman Pro Tempore, also unanimously. Congratulations to you both! We appreciate your willingness to lead.
Reporting from the Cheatham County School Board, Member Greg Horton reported that a tour of the schools would be made to ascertain ADA compliance and asked Commission Members to join the tour of their district schools, along with the Education Board Members.
Monday’s Commission meeting included the August 08 cumulative sales tax report compared to this time last year as follows: Countywide the amount was down by $24,775.48, for Kingston Springs it was down $37.50, and for Pegram down $1573.98. The second month of the new fiscal year (August) resulted in Adequate Facilities Tax collected totaled $21,467.00, a total of $14,104.00 less than last August, and Development Tax collected was $24,375.00, $5625.00 less than last August.
The budget for Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, for all of Cheatham County passed Monday night after an override of the Mayors veto. Commission’s voting to override were: Schippers, McCullough, Crouch, McCanless, Wood, Burton, and Davidson. Voting not to override were Jarreau, Anderson and Montgomery. Mr. Baker abstained and Engelman was absent. This override deleted $71,629.00 from the proposed budget making the total amount of all funds $67,759,352.77. Also reported in the Budget were expenditures of $10,947.15 from the FEMA reserve account in the months of July and August, leaving a balance of $164,052.85. A motion was made, second ed and passed asking the Mayor to advise the Commission Chairman of expenditures of more than $10,000. when spent out of this account.
Operation Clean Sweep is upon us again, the dates of October 27 - November 1st have been tentatively set for the event. Look for more news about this in the coming weeks.
The Economic and Community Development report for Cheatham Connect was given with the great news that Cheatham County has achieved a “Benchmark Level 3” in the Tennessee 3-Star program. This is a top level feat that only 4 other counties in Tennessee have attained, and we will receive an award for this at the Governor’s Conference held in Nashville this week.
The final issues of FEMA on the agenda were widely discussed resulting in two motions put before the Commission. The first motion by Mr. McCanless was to express the Commissioner’s desire and commitment to obey the laws and ordinances set out in the FEMA regulations. This motion was seconded and passed with all present voting yes, 10-0-2. The Second motion, made by Schippers, asked FEMA to reprimand and replace Ms. Mitchell with a non-partisan person, because of the inappropriate accusations and the use of here say which resulted in her making recommendation for FEMA probation for all Cheatham County. This motion passed 8-1-2, voting yes were: Schippers, McCullough, Crouch, Baker, McCanless, Wood, Burton an d Davidson; Voting No, Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Montgomery, Ms. Jarreau abstained and 1 Absence. Both of these resolutions are to be mailed to FEMA regional office with a return receipt requested.
The entire Commission expressed deep sadness and regrets at the death of Jason Proffitt, the son of 4th District School Board Member Dianne Proffitt, and James Carter also of Pleasant View, who were both killed Sunday morning on the Hermitage Golf Course by a tree falling during a storm resulting hurricane Ike.
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers,
952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
Dear Constituents –
Monday’s Commission meeting included the July 08 report on cumulative sales tax as follows: Countywide the amount was up by $36,259.69; for Kingston Springs it was down $4442.6, for Pegram up $3167.73, Ashland City down $11,330.97, and Pleasant View up $8,049.31. The first month of the new fiscal year resulted in Adequate Facilities Tax going down by $6058; however Development Tax for a plan in Ashland City went up from last July by $120,000. Sure hope this trend continues!
The budget for Fiscal Year July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009, for all of Cheatham County passed Monday night also, the total amount of all funds was $67,830,981.77. This amount was divided as follows: $12,722,733.71 for the General Fund; $3,604,884.00 Highways and Bridges; $1,051,874,07 Solid Waste/Sanitation; $41,682,933.00, General Purpose School Fund, $3,176,829.00, School Cafeteria Fund; Capitol Projects for Vehicles, $280,000.00; Drug Enforcement $36,800.00; Courthouse and Jail Maintenance $20,350.00; Unemployment $22,400.00; Education Debt service $4,813,072.76; $373,105.23 General Debt Service; and Capitol Projects Funds $46,000. An additional $275,500 is appropriated for Non-Profits Organizations: $250,000 for Firefighters Association; and the res t among several others.
After so many phone calls to each of the Commissioners from their constituents, and in front of a packed audience Monday night there was one amendment added to the final budget resolution in line items for the Planning and Building offices. This complicated issued caused a lot of thoughtfulness, studying, asking everyone I knew about planning and floodplain issues and adding some common sense (hopefully). Commissioner Davidson’s amendment to the budget for 08-09 offered a compromise (and hopefully a solution); it decreased dollars for the part-time person in the Planning office saving $18,000; deleted the Administrator from the Building department, saving $53,628, and put the total savings of $71,628.00 (plus all the employee benefits) in a new line item for the purpose of hiring a qualified consultant, i.e., a Flood Plain Engineer, to address the FEMA issues. The amendment passed 8-3-1, voting Aye were Davidson, Schippers, McCullough, Crouch, McCanless, Wood, Burton and Engelman. Voting No were Anderson, Montgomery and Jarreau, Mr. Baker Abstained.
Specifically, what this amendment does is take away the money for the Planner’s daughter as part time help for her but not her fulltime assistant and with the FEMA issues being moved it will give her much more time for Planning. The Planning Department (along with ECD) will now be under the JECDB. The amendment also takes away the money for the Flood Plain Administrator that was hired pending acquiring flood plain certification within 12 months, which did not happen. Also, this action did not disturb the two positions of Certified Codes Enforcers in the Building department. Keeping in mind that the Legislative body cannot manage the Mayor’s department, we can only take away (or give) money. Mayor Orange is the Administrator of the Codes Department and he may arrange, or rearr ange that Department however he sees fit. It is my hope that he will now put these problems in the hands of a qualified/certified Flood Plain Engineer instead of the Courts. The Mayor also had the power to veto the budget and must do so within 10 days if he desires.
The complicated issue of whether or not to have a Planning Department was solved many years ago, 1995 - 98, or so, when many Chamber Board Members (myself included representing the old Industrial Development Board) and civic leaders met many times at the old Bill’s Catfish in Ashland City to study, understand and implement the tenets set down in PC 1101, thereby giving Cheatham County a JECDB Board to address planning, growth and ECD. In my opinion, Planning should never have been saddled with FEMA problems. The five Mayors were/are the governing body of Joint Economic and Community Development Board.
Let me take this opportunity first to thank those who helped enlighten me with facts, figures and legalities about this situation and then those many folks attending the Commission meeting who erupted into applause when I spoke in support of the budget amendment for a qualified Flood Plain Engineer. I sincerely appreciate your help and support.
In other news, James Fenton, Director of ECD “Cheatham Connect” told the Commissioners that now is the time to work together and be ready to address any prospective companies that may look to move into the area because of the Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. He suggested that we pay particular attention to infrastructure at the New Hope Road exit as this is required by the State, TVA and site selection companies for consideration for locating businesses here.
The August elections are over and my congratulations to Tammy Lavender on her win for the 6th District School Board. Mrs. Lavender will have big shoes to fill and I know that she can do it and I look forward to working with her for our schools. My sincere thanks and appreciation go to Susan Greer for her service over the years and for her patience with me while I tried to learn everything that I could about the school system. Susan, we will miss you and I hope that you enjoy your well deserved “retirement”.
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers,
952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
Dear Constituents –
Monday’s Commission meeting included the following report on business taxes for the calendar year that ended June 30th. Sales tax collections for the county were up slightly from last year by $12,634. For Kingston Springs it is up $11,086., and for Pegram, up by $2587. That was the good news!
Countywide, Development Taxes for the same year were down. The total loss of Adequate Facilities Tax (compared to the previous year) was $463,621.00. (The average annual income for this Adequate Facilities tax over the previous 5 years has been $705,023.00.) The Development Tax report is just as grim, last year we earned $1,460,625., this year only $510,000.00, another loss of $950,625.00. (The Development Tax average annual income over the previous 5 years is $974,900.00.) With these two combined loses, our county is out $1,414,246.00 for the currently completed calendar year.
The total amount of expenditures for the County operating budget is proposed to be $12,722.733.00*. You can see what an impact this can have and how vital development throughout the County is to us. *For those of you who closely watch the budget, this new operating budget is $1,338,958. less than 07-08 actual expenditures.
Final adoption of the budget was deferred until the regular August Commission meeting to work out issues that some Commissioners (myself included), and many constituents have with the Planning Department and the Flood Plain Administration. These two areas are seen as the reason that the growth has slowed down and caused such heavy revenue losses.
Another Resolution from the Education and Budget Committee’s attempting to put the 3 cents back in the Education Budget was defeated by the same vote as last month. Voting to give the 3 pennies back to the schools were: Commissioners Crouch, Baker, Wood, Schippers, and McCullough. Voting to take the 3 Cents and give another 2 cents to the Mayor’s budget and 1 cent to roads were: Commissioners McCanless, Jarreau, Anderson, Montgomery, Burton, Engelman and Davidson. (Votes were the same as last time.) . In my opinion, reason and good judgment will have to wait for the next County Commissioner’s election in two years, the 5-7 spli t continues to dominate the voting on most issues.
Update on FEMA problems – At the Commission meeting we were each given a report (on a disc) that is quite lengthy with every name listed on it that has been cited by Ms. Caton and Mr. Armstrong for FEMA violations. I think (guess) this is a list of our citizens eligible for flood insurance. It is a very lengthy list and it looks like we will be keeping the lawyers very busy for quite sometime with 19 actual cases pending in court, 1 more that was dismissed by our court and will be appealed, according to Ms. Caton. The other 26 listed as pending could also be court cases if the owners do not comply with FEMA requests, mostly for MT-2’s, very expensive engineering surveys.
Chairman McCullough and I have requested that Sunday opening hours be added to the landfill on Sam’s Creek Road. The Budget Committee put the money in the new budget for this and tonight Mayor Orange said that as soon as we pass the new budget he will tell us the hours on Sunday’s that it will be open. So many of you have requested this I am glad to see that there is a real possibility that it will happen soon.
Do you believe another election is upon us? The August 7th primaries are here This election consists of both Republican and Democrat primaries, municipal ballots in Pegram, County General races for Assessor of Property, Road Superintendent, School Board Members, (4 members are up this time), and finally, Judicial Retention “Questions” for the State Supreme and Appellate Courts. These are all very important to each of us and we can vote early as follows: Kingston Springs City Hall, Wednesday, July 23, 9-4; Thursday, July 24, 9-6; Friday, July 25, 9-4; and Saturday, July 26, 9-12. Pegram City Hall dates and times are: Monday, July 28th, Tuesday, July 29th, Wednesday, July 30th, 9-4pm; Thursday, July 31, 9-6; Friday, August 1, 9-4; and Saturday, August 2, 9-12. YOU MAY VOTE EARLY AT EITHER PLACE OR AT THE ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICE IN ASHLAND CITY. Please don’t forget to exercise your right to vote!
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers,
952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
Dear Constituents –
The long awaited “roll out” for the AIA project in Kingston Springs is upcoming, I hope to see all of the participants this coming Tuesday, June 24, at the Jean Downey Theater at Harpeth High School. The program will begin promptly at 7:00PM, should last for about an hour and then Purity Dairies is furnishing ice cream and lemonade while we hang around and discuss and sign up to volunteer for this wonderful opportunity for Kingston Springs.
Now for Commission business, sales tax collections for May 2008 – for the County, are up slightly by $469.85, for Kingston Springs, down $537.11, and for Pegram, up $571.19. Residential permits issued were 2 for District 5 and 4 for Kingston Springs (6th District) in May. Along with the rest of the County, this resulted in a decline of approximately $103,125 in Development Taxes for May 08, and at this rate, the total loss for the year could be almost a million dollars. The Adequate Facilities Tax report for the County shows a decline of $28,794 for the month of May, and at this rate the total for the year will equal approximately a $400,000 decline.
Work continues on the Budget for July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009. The County Commission will probably adopt the same tax rate of $2.78 as last year. As most of you remember, the tax rate for the 2007-08 was $2.78. For that year, each penny in the $2.78 was worth $64,000.00. The same tax rate for 2008-09 ($2.78), with the growth of the penny to $65,800.00, a 3.5% growth, means each penny will be worth $1800 over last year.
The next step in the budget is to divide the $2.78 among all departments, savings funds for major expenditures and capital improvements. At this point, the Mayor proposed spending the “pennies” as follows: for County General operations 0.85 (up 3 pennies from last year); for Roads 0.07 (down 1 penny); for Education Debt 0.50 (same as last year); for General Debt 0.03 (same as last year); for Solid Waste 0.135 (1/2 cent more than last year); for the schools 1.13 (up one penny from last year); and finally, for Capitol Improvements (including vehicles) 06.5 (down .03.5 cents). At this point, the Mayor explained that this was an unusual budget that addresses the increase in fuel costs for the schools, opening the Sams Creek Convenience Center on Sundays (times will be announced soon,) along with all increased (especially di esel) fuel costs and give steps plus 1% cost of living raises to county employees. He further explained that with the growth of the penny, this proposal would be possible.
A motion to adopt the Mayor’s proposal of a $2.78 tax rate was made by Commissioner Wood and seconded by Commissioner Crouch. Then Commissioner Anderson made a motion to amend the Mayor’s proposal with the following changes: add 2 pennies to the County general fund, add 1 penny to roads, and to pay for this without raising the tax rate by deleting those 3 pennies from the schools, reducing the Education funds to $1.10. His motion was seconded by Commissioner Burton and it passed 7 to 5. Commissioners voting to reduce the school budget were: Jack McCanless; Ann Jarreau; Bill Anderson; Brenda Montgomery; Ricky Burton; LuAnn Engelman; and David. Davidson. Voting to keep the 3 pennies in the schools were: Ray Crouch; W. R. Baker; John-Paul Wood; David McCullough and myself. This set the tax rate and the budget will be voted on at the July meeting. In my opinion, the n atural increase of the penny by $1800.00, will not nearly cover the increased costs of fuel for the next school year and that is the reason I voted against the cutting of their funds. In the beginning of the budget process, all departments, including the schools were told to cut their budgets by 5% because of the lower revenue and they did that. I would love to hear from you and how you feel about the budget with this amendment, I depend on your comments to help in my consideration of every issue, especially the schools that I know we all care so much about.
The other major topic on the agenda for discussion was FEMA. Of the $200,000.00 set aside (from the sale of the nursing home,) for the expenses incurred to clear up the violations cited by FEMA, we approved an expenditure of $25,000 of this money for attorney fees (to date the County has filed 3 lawsuits), engineering fees and office supplies. I question the “office supplies” and was told that Mr. Armstrong needed a computer with GIS capabilities. I noted that he had requested that same money in his regular budget for next year. I will ask that this item in his budget be deleted before voted on. The Commission then requested that a written monthly update of “forward motion” (a favorite FEMA phrase) with each of the 38 violations listed, be furnished to Commissioners at each Commission meeting.
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers,
952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
County Commission Highlights by Adair Schippers – May 2008
First things first – A review of the flood plain zoning! On Thursday, May 15th, I attended the “Special Called Meeting” of the County Commission. Mayor Orange called the meeting for the purpose of hearing from FEMA Mitigation Specialist Janice Mitchell about the building violations of residents within Cheatham County, (not including the four cities) all located in the flood plain or floodway
.
After Chairman McCullough called the meeting to order, Mayor Orange spoke first at this meeting by introducing representatives from US Senator Alexander’s and US Representative Blackburn and Cooper’s offices and advised us that they were there to answer questions if we had any. He then told the Commission why he called the meeting and expressed his concern that although some of the Commissioners do have a grasp of the seriousness of the FEMA violations and the resulting
consequences; some do not understand, as evidenced by the Commissioner’s April vote (that failed 6-6); to require that the Flood Plain Administrator forward a completed MT2 application for a John Rankin subdivision to the Atlanta FEMA office for review. (This would not be necessary if we had a qualified engineer on retainer or staff.) Mayor Orange then called on Mrs. Mitchell to explain the steps to loosing our flood insurance and the consequences of this to the Commissioners again.
Before listing the steps, Mrs. Mitchell started by explaining to the group that FEMA had become aware of problems in our County because of numerous phone calls from citizens, administration and US Senator and Representative offices. After that explanation, Mrs. Mitchell also expressed her concern that the Cheatham County Commission does not understand that FEMA is “not the enemy”, then she gave a very thorough, step by step review of the process of loosing federal flood insurance “NFIP” if the 38 cited violations (for a two year period of 2006-07,) in the County are not addressed. The steps are as follows:
- Violations found by FEMA were listed and 3 letters sent to Mayor Orange from FEMA stating these violator(s) of both homeowners and paperwork in the Codes office. The first letter to Mayor Orange, dated August 9, 2007 and written by Prasad Inmula, Acting Chief, Floodplain Management and Insurance Branch in the Mitigation Division, pointed out “several deficiencies in your administration and enforcement of the County’s floodplain management program”. This letter also contained a list of violators and explanations and suggested steps to take for correction. The second letter, signed by Mrs. Mitchell and dated September 28, 2007, stated that she had been informed that variances had been requested and that they should not be waived “as these sited remedial actions would place the County in danger of being placed on Probation from NFIP”.
Letter 3, again signed by Mrs. Mitchell and dated April 18, 2008, stated that “it was brought to her attention that someone is proposing to remove Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Caton from their positions”. She then praised both of them highly and stated that in each case “this would be a step backwards and very unfortunate if changes were allowed that could have such a large impact on the County as a whole”. These are the only letters made available to us by the Mayor.
- Administration advises violator? (This was not made clear but I gather that was the next step.)
- If no “forward motion” or steps being taken towards corrections are seen then FEMA will place the County on “probation” for 6 months; resulting in a $50 penalty on all NFIP policyholders.
- After that time, if still no action is taken by the Administration to make sure the violators are “served” with further notice; at the end of the 6 months the County NFIP insurance will be “suspended”.
- Major penalties for the FEMA suspension are: loss of flood insurance for the 210 homes in the County that are required to have it; home loans that require this insurance will not be refinanced and may be called; Cheatham County will no longer be eligible for home loans from FHA, VA, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, or any other FDIC lender; and no federal grants or Small Business Loans for the county; and no disaster relief for the violators.
- NOTE again, none of this impacts the cities within our County unless they are found with violations and their administration does not act on them.
Mrs. Mitchell was careful to explain that FEMA wishes to work with the Administration and not suspend our insurance but will have to do so since we adopted their codes for the floodplain/floodway in order to receive the flood insurance. She also stated that they will be looking at records and buildings, back to 2005 (for now) before they complete their review.
Now that the rules in lengthy detail are explained, from my take on this thing, I am glad that Commissioners Crouch and Baker were able to speak so eloquently on behalf of the Commission by pointing out that as legislators, administration is not our responsibility. They also asked Mrs. Mitchell to tell the assembly how far the County is expected to go to pursue correcting the violations in order to maintain our flood insurance and her response was all the way to the US Supreme Court if necessary.
Until Thursday’s meeting I had no idea what, or how many, violations FEMA had found. Copies of the letters FEMA wrote to Mayor Orange were given out that evening. We were not given copies of any corrective action letters. All the time Mrs. Mitchell talked, she carefully thanked and praised Ms. Caton and Mr. Armstrong for all they had done to “help get the paperwork in the codes officials offices” straight and that this was a good sign of “forward motion”. My concern with this was, who is granting permits to those waiting to pay the big fees to build? Obviously this is a major area of trouble, we are loosing money not granting these permits, especially the commercial ones, for instance Trinity Marine in Ashland City who is in great need of expansion in order to fill their customers orders. I know they have another plant in Louisiana that is capable of building barges, and with the looming deficit in the budget for next year, do we want to lose them?
So sorry to take so much time with this issue, but it is the Number 2 issue that I hear from the 6th district residents about and it is critically important to the businesses that pay such huge heavy industry taxes in Ashland City and to the County.
Now on to my regular Commission report.
From the Commission – May 19, 2008
Dear Constituents –
Tax collections for April 2008 - sales tax collections up slightly by $1,217.00, over March. Ten new residential permits were issued, five of these were issued in the 5th District and 3 issued in the 6th District A total of ten for the entire county, resulting in approximately an $1800 decline in Development Taxes for April 08 , and again, approximately $4000 decline in adequate facilities tax for April 08.
Work continues on the Budget for July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009 and the next workshop/meeting is planned for Tuesday, May 20th, 1PM, General Session Courtroom in Ashland City. The public is invited to attend.
In other business before the Commission Monday night, resolutions to appoint Mrs. Pat Dannemiller of Kingston Springs and Mrs. Joan Evans of Pegram, to the Cheatham County Public Library Board were approved and we thank them for their willingness to serve. These ladies were added to replace long serving members, Priscilla Dorris and Robert Newman. Both Mr. Newman and Mrs. Dorris have served as Kingston Springs representatives on this Board beginning with the establishment of our South Cheatham library in the late 80’s, and their expertise will be missed. Though words are not adequate, I will take this opportunity to thank and applaud them for their dedicated service, they are two of the folks that made the library here happen! Another resolution reappointing David Risner of Kingston Springs to the Cheatham Development Association Board was also approved.
No other business before us, just the usual end of the year budget amendments, and we adjourned in record time at 8:00PM.
Keep you comments and calls coming!
Adair Schippers, 952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com
Dear Constituents – Another marathon meeting last night, and silly me thought they were over! The first real item on the Agenda was another attempt at electing a Chairman, the same two persons were nominated, Commissioners McCullough and Anderson, and the vote was the same as last month; voting for Bill Anderson were: Commissioners Jarreau, Anderson, Burton, Montgomery, Davidson and Engelman. Voting for Mr. McCullough were: Commissioners Crouch, Baker, Wood, McCanless, Schippers and McCullough. Until there is a majority (7 votes) to unseat Chairman McCullough, we could be doing this each meeting for the next three years, or until someone changes their mind. My hat is off to Chairman McCullough for his continued fairness during this trying process, he continues to act like a Statesman at all times. I sure hope we are able to keep him in this position. Next there was a very lengthy discussion regarding a $750,000 item for asbestos removal from Cheatham Central High School if any was found during the renovation process. The architects now know that this is not the case; no asbestos was found at Cheatham Central. Mr. McCanless, Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Montgomery expressed concern that this money would be spent on “other school projects” not in the original bid, instead of being returned to the General Fund for the County. Following debate, a motion was made to refer any and all changes to the original scope and “footprint” of the plans, back to the Capitol Improvements Committee for review. The motion passed, even thou gh it is already the procedure that is followed with all buildings. With the recent appointment of Mike Armstrong as Director of the Office of Codes Enforcement, it was necessary to approve an amendment to the budget to fund this new position. The motion passed with a few questions about who would be hired to take his former position. Mayor Orange responded that he is looking into this. He further explained that Mr. Armstrong will be trained as a Flood Plain Director by FEMA, within one year. Mike Armstrong reminded the Commissioners that Operation Clean Sweep will be held October 22nd to 27th. If you haven’t already volunteered in your neighborhood, now is the time to call and get involved to help clean some of our nearly 700 streets in the County. This is also the perfect time to have large items for discard picked up at your home if you are like me and need help lifting and/or delivery to the dump. If this is the case, give the office a call for pickup at 792-7915. Congratulations to Harpeth High School for being selected as the only “Blue Ribbon High School” in Tennessee. This honor is given by the “No Child Left Behind” program for making progress in student achievement. For my friends in the Ranchette’s and at Cliff View, Road Commissioner Jerry Carney told me that the work on the entrance on Jackson’s Cabin Road will begin this week. The plan is to make the curved road one-way into the neighborhood, with a stop sign at the end of the triangle and a warning sign as you turn into the curve. Additionally, there will be rumble strips to stop exiting traffic. The straight road in and out will remain the same as it does not create a blind corner for anyone. I know we all hope that this will be the answer to the threatening situation of trying to turn into Jackson’s Cabin Road off Bluebird. I hope everyone got at least a little rain today! Sure will be glad when we get back in the “normal” range. Have a great weekend and hope to see you all Saturday at the “Fall Festival” at the TSU farm on River Road, sure to be a delight to our little trick or treaters. As always, send me your feedback, I love hearing from all of you! 952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com.
Dear Constituents, I promised to keep in touch about the budget so here goes with my September 6 update! Please remember that this is my first budget process to follow, I am not a member of the Budget Committee, just an intrested attendee. You have probably already heard that the entire Commission had a 4 hour marathon Tuesday night and accomplished absolutely nothing, except to find out that the full Commission is very split on the main issues of 7 1/2 cents for school funding and the 10% employee raises along with other less expensive issues such as: deleting some contributions for: Imagination Library, $3,000, Leadership Cheatham County $1,000, Animal Awareness Foundation $1,000 and not giving the Chamber of Commerce its 1/3rd share of the hotel/motel tax, about $14,000. Following the marathon Tuesday night, there was another budget meeting (I also attended) Wednesday morning to discuss the Highway Department budget. No other subject was allowed at that meeting. Before I go to the next step, some Budget basics are: with the new certified tax rate set by the State of $2.64, (suppose to be the same as the $3.13 from the last several years), and in the language of "government budgets" that makes each penny of the tax rate worth $64,000. Now, about the school funding. I have never made any bones about how I feel about the schools getting the 7 ½ cent raise (an additional $480,000 for a total of approxinately $7.2 million) from last year, (bringing their total to $1.14 cents). This would be a part of the new tax increase of 25 cents. (The 25 cents is proposed to make us not have to raise property taxes again until the next appraisal barring any unforeseen catastrophes.). Some of the other Commissioners do not want to give the schools any more than they had last year ($1.06 1/2), some want to give them 5 cents for “debt service” and no additional pennies for spending on regular reoccurring budget items. Several other creative ideas were mentioned regarding funding the schools but no action was taken. With this basis of information, add to that the State gave Cheatham County Schools $2+ million this year and mandated that they have to spend approximately $1.3 of that to adding several new Assistant Principals. That leaves almost a million that they could add to their re-occurring budget items. I tell you this because with those additional dollars, I would look at (consider) reducing the 7 ½ cents in their reoccurring budget and placing some of this money instead in their debt service budget for future building(s). Your feedback here would be invaluable. Next is the subject of the 10% employee raises! I believe that I told you the cost of this would be $770,000.00, or about 12 cents. I wondered why this was so high, as others Commissioners did. The sum of $770,000.00, turns out, is 10% for everyone! I certainly never meant, nor did some others, for the 10% to be for elected officials, the original thought being that this amount was for those working below the poverty level to bring them up. Additionally I did not mean that 10% was to be in addition to cost of living and/or step raises (a plan put in place by the last Commission meant to bring salaries in line with today’s rates). However, that is the way it was figured. Tuesday night I ask in the public forum why we could not give everyone the raises that were already planned, i.e., step and cost of living, and then the difference that made the total raise (adjustment) come up to 10% for the non-elected employees. The answer from the Mayor was twofold, one was “that would be very difficult”, the other was “that would throw the steps off”. Can anyone out there explain this to me? Another suggestion was - do we really have to give a cost of living increase with a 10% raise? Without many other questions, the rest of the 25 cent increase was disbursed as follows: 3 additional cents to County General; ½ cent more to Solid Waste; 2 cents to capitol projects and 1 cent to the vehicle fund. This 25 cents would increase the tax rate from $2.56 to $2.81. I appreciate, so very much, all of the constituents that were there for this workshop. Thank you for caring. I hope even more of you can join us for the September 17th regular Commission meeting to hear the final outcome. Others speculated that we will probably have several more emergency called meetings to iron out the differences before the end of the month. Some of you have asked, "what if we don't settle and vote on a budget by the end of the month of September", I was told that the State takes over if we don't. Thank you again for letting this novice serve you. The budget process is totally new to me so I have attended each meeting (missing only one) in the process and tried to learn as much as possible. I have also asked Mayor Orange to be added to the committee next year, as he is the one that appoints it. Most of all, please don't hesitate to call or email with your concerns, I will do my best to give you the straight answer. Adair Schippers 235 E. Kingston Springs Rd. Kingston Springs, TN 37082
Still no word on the County budget! At the Commission meeting last night (Monday) there were many, many folks speaking at the public forum regarding the 7 ½ cent increase for the schools and the 10% raises for County employees. There did not seem to be a consensus among the Commissioners and I think that if we had voted on the budget it may have failed. In that light, the Mayor decided to have more meetings and bring the Budget back in September for a vote by the full Commission. The Budget Workshop for the Commissioners to ask questions will be Tuesday, September 4, 6:00PM, in the General Sessions Courtroom at the Courthouse in Ashland City. The Budget Committee will then meet on September 5th, 9:00AM, location to be announced, when it will hopefully adopt something to present to the full Commission on September 17th.
Regarding the FEMA report, there will be a FEMA meeting (this time with someone from FEMA,) and since it is happening this Thursday at 5:30PM, also in the General Sessions Courtroom in Ashland City, I hope those of you who receive this in e-mail form will be able to attend if you are interested in this subject. Hopefully FEMA will explain just exactly what the role of the County is when/if they find issues with building(s) in the floodplain. It occurs to me that this could be a very costly item for the County if we have to become the agency that makes folks “fix” any wrongs.
Last Saturday about 50 homeowners from the Ranchettes gathered to talk about possible solutions to the life threatening entrance into their neighborhood via Jackson’s Cabin Road. The meeting was long, informative and productive! Look for the curve to be made into a one way entrance with a stop sign at the end of the triangle, the straight road will be left alone for now. Repair work has now been done on Bluebird to help exiting from there. Kudos to Mr. Carney for being there and helping us try to fix the problem. Several others suggested a three way stop at the straight road and the need for a traffic study for the entire area became very apparent. Obviously this can not be done overnight and we will have to search for a funding mechanism for this. In the meantime, Mr. Carney will continue to look for ways to improve and will always welcome your kind input. I thank each of you who took your Saturday morning to be there, we made a lot of progress!
Congratulations – or should it be condolences – to Tom Cullen for his appointment to the Planning & Zoning Board. His engineering experience will serve us well on that Board and we thank him for his willingness to serve.
Once the Budget hearing was deferred, the meeting was shortened considerably and that is all the news I have for now. Stay tuned! As always, send me your feedback, I love hearing from all of you! 952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com.
From the Commission, August 6, Budget update!
Well, I promised I would pass the word on – when there was one, and finally, here it is! Following a “workshop” on August 1, that replaced the announced one for the 31st, the Budget Committee voted to recommend a budget to the full commission! Highlights of this budget – that are subject to change at the County Commission meeting on the 20th, the vote was 3 ayes, 1 nay. Voting aye were: Mayor Orange, Commissioners McCullough and Crouch, Commissioner Montgomery voted Nay. Here are the highlights:
The tax rate was set at $2.56. The Budget Committee voted to up this to $2.81, which if I had a vote, it would have been Aye. If it passes the full commission, that would mean that you will multiply this figure by your new appraisal to find your new taxes. This is about 10 cents less than I think I told you two months ago. You could also look at this as a decrease, down from $3.13 as charged last year.
Some of the reasons for going down from $2.91 are: growth in property taxes, in the business tax fund, growing sales tax, growing investment income and a decrease in the nursing home expenditures.
It is important however, to keep in mind that the price of doing “everything” has gone up and the County is no exception. Did you know that all petroleum products have climbed 700% in the last few years? The 10% employee raise that you have heard about is not a “raise” but an adjustment in salaries to take our employees out of the “poverty level”. NOTE: this is for employees, not elected officials! All elected officials, except the sheriff and Mayor, will get regular COLA raises, not 10%. As I told you earlier, the Sheriff will get an extra $10,000 for running a “workhouse” and the Mayor will have to be paid 5% more than the sheriff, both according to state law, making their salaries increase to $76,959. for the sheriff, $80,807. for the Mayor.
It is my hope that we can pass this budget in August. Thank you for your input and comments,
Adair Schippers, 952-3430, email Adair
County Commission Highlights by Adair Schippers – July 2007
Still no final word on the County budget but the latest word is $2.56 on the tax rate that we will adopt and then increase. The information that I have at this time is that a Budget Workshop is scheduled for July 31st, 9:00AM, at the Library in Ashland City. Please try to make this meeting; it should be informative for all who attend.
Again last month the sales tax revenues increased. I have to keep remembering that the greater portion of this is collected by the incorporated cities and distributed the same way. Next, the full Commission voted to sell the Christian Care Nursing Home in Ashland City to the only bidder, Christian Care, for a net profit of $1,037,441.00, and we keep approximately 35 acres of land. The vote was ten for the sale, one against and one Commissioner was absent. I voted for the sale because I have long felt that we do not need to be in the medical care or nursing home business and Christian Care has proven that they run a very good and caring home. There was an attempt by yours truly to use the proceeds from the sale of the nursing home to put sewer at New Hope Road Exit on I-24 to help with proper development of that exit. My attempt did not get on the resolution but the idea is still out there. I will vote for it when/if it makes it to the table because I feel that since this is the ONLY exit from which Cheatham County (as mentioned in my last letter) will receive all the sales tax dollars, it is critical to make sure that we develop it with the best possible growth. Too much of the burden of tax at this time is placed directly on the homeowner because of our low sales tax base in the county.
Nothing new on the FEMA report! I read with interest the articles that Mayor Orange keeps writing about their audit. Perhaps we will hear more at the upcoming “FEMA Workshop” to be held on Monday, July 30th, 7:00PM, Cheatham Central High School, in the Auditorium. I will be there and for those of you who live near either river, you will have the opportunity to ask your questions at this time, so please try to be there and hear it “first hand”.
Attorney Bob Perry gave his opinion on whether or not the County has the right to suspend permit fees to build a home for Sgt. Kevin Downs here in Kingston Springs. He told us that State law does not permit waiving the fees for anyone or anything and therefore we will not be able to do so in this case.
Speaking of Sgt. Kevin Downs! I hope you all were at the “Home For A Hero” concert Tuesday night! If not, you really missed a show that will never be forgotten by so many of us. Yes, the music and entertainment were spectacular – mostly local big name talent – but the citizen input from the crowd was so alive that I found myself reflecting on how wonderful our community is when we are called upon. We are such a caring and giving community, may it never change! I would also like to thank Dale Graham for coming up with the idea of a home for Kevin and Patze and Roddy Fischer who gave their all to put on this incredible event. There are not enough words to thank them properly.
And further kudos to Tom Salter for his wonderful photos, to Pastor Sam Creed for helping us get the word and reminders out through the Ministerial Alliance, and to our very generous neighbors who donated food for the press, talent and volunteers, and “goodies" for the talent. These generous folks were: Arby’s of Kingston Springs; B & B Gatherings; Birdsong Marina & Resort; Cheatham County and the Chamber of Commerce; Community Bank & Trust; Heritage Bank Kentucky; Hog Heaven of White Bluff; Jim & Nick’s Bar-B-Q; City of Kingston Springs; Jackson’s Liquors; MacK & Kate’s; Mapco of Kingston Springs; Publix of Bellevue; Purity Dairies (Steve Stewart); Randstad of Springfield; Sargent’s Fine Catering of Franklin; Mary Jo Smith (her fabulous cookies); Tennessee State Parks (Jane Polansky); Wal-Mart of Ashland City; and Wrightrac Designs of Pleasant View. Each of these donors gave whatever we asked and I, in turn, ask that you patronize their businesses and thank them again for their generosity.
I could not have put all this together without a volunteer team to “end all” volunteer teams and my heartfelt thanks go out to each of you, my husband Jim, John McLeroy, Larry and Mary Dalton, Bob & Janice Keast, Bruce Shindler, Marie Smith, Ron and Linda Prater, Troy and Dawn Scott, Donna Boggs, Mike & Valerie Breedlove, Sean, Lauren and Zane Schippers and Leslie Maxwell and Ralph Allen.
As always, send me your feedback,
I love hearing from all of you! 952-3430,
or aschippers2@yahoo.com.
County Commission Highlights by Adair Schippers – July 2007
Still no final word on the County budget but the latest word is $2.56 on the tax rate that we will adopt and then increase. The information that I have at this time is that a Budget Workshop is scheduled for July 31st, 9:00AM, at the Library in Ashland City. Please try to make this meeting; it should be informative for all who attend.
Again last month the sales tax revenues increased. I have to keep remembering that the greater portion of this is collected by the incorporated cities and distributed the same way. Next, the full Commission voted to sell the Christian Care Nursing Home in Ashland City to the only bidder, Christian Care, for a net profit of $1,037,441.00, and we keep approximately 35 acres of land. The vote was ten for the sale, one against and one Commissioner was absent. I voted for the sale because I have long felt that we do not need to be in the medical care or nursing home business and Christian Care has proven that they run a very good and caring home. There was an attempt by yours truly to use the proceeds from the sale of the nursing home to put sewer at New Hope Road Exit on I-24 to help with proper development of that exit. My attempt did not get on the resolution but the idea is still out there. I will vote for it when/if it makes it to the table because I feel that since this is the ONLY exit from which Cheatham County (as mentioned in my last letter) will receive all the sales tax dollars, it is critical to make sure that we develop it with the best possible growth. Too much of the burden of tax at this time is placed directly on the homeowner because of our low sales tax base in the county.
Nothing new on the FEMA report! I read with interest the articles that Mayor Orange keeps writing about their audit. Perhaps we will hear more at the upcoming “FEMA Workshop” to be held on Monday, July 30th, 7:00PM, Cheatham Central High School, in the Auditorium. I will be there and for those of you who live near either river, you will have the opportunity to ask your questions at this time, so please try to be there and hear it “first hand”.
Attorney Bob Perry gave his opinion on whether or not the County has the right to suspend permit fees to build a home for Sgt. Kevin Downs here in Kingston Springs. He told us that State law does not permit waiving the fees for anyone or anything and therefore we will not be able to do so in this case.
Speaking of Sgt. Kevin Downs! I hope you all were at the “Home For A Hero” concert Tuesday night! If not, you really missed a show that will never be forgotten by so many of us. Yes, the music and entertainment were spectacular – mostly local big name talent – but the citizen input from the crowd was so alive that I found myself reflecting on how wonderful our community is when we are called upon. We are such a caring and giving community, may it never change! I would also like to thank Dale Graham for coming up with the idea of a home for Kevin and Patze and Roddy Fischer who gave their all to put on this incredible event. There are not enough words to thank them properly.
And further kudos to Tom Salter for his wonderful photos, to Pastor Sam Creed for helping us get the word and reminders out through the Ministerial Alliance, and to our very generous neighbors who donated food for the press, talent and volunteers, and “goodies" for the talent. These generous folks were: Arby’s of Kingston Springs; B & B Gatherings; Birdsong Marina & Resort; Cheatham County and the Chamber of Commerce; Community Bank & Trust; Heritage Bank Kentucky; Hog Heaven of White Bluff; Jim & Nick’s Bar-B-Q; City of Kingston Springs; Jackson’s Liquors; MacK & Kate’s; Mapco of Kingston Springs; Publix of Bellevue; Purity Dairies (Steve Stewart); Randstad of Springfield; Sargent’s Fine Catering of Franklin; Mary Jo Smith (her fabulous cookies); Tennessee State Parks (Jane Polansky); Wal-Mart of Ashland City; and Wrightrac Designs of Pleasant View. Each of these donors gave whatever we asked and I, in turn, ask that you patronize their businesses and thank them again for their generosity.
I could not have put all this together without a volunteer team to “end all” volunteer teams and my heartfelt thanks go out to each of you, my husband Jim, John McLeroy, Larry and Mary Dalton, Bob & Janice Keast, Bruce Shindler, Marie Smith, Ron and Linda Prater, Troy and Dawn Scott, Donna Boggs, Mike & Valerie Breedlove, Sean, Lauren and Zane Schippers and Leslie Maxwell and Ralph Allen.
As always, send me your feedback, I love hearing from all of you! 952-3430, or aschippers2@yahoo.com.
County Commission Highlights by Adair Schippers – June 2007
Last month I reported that the tax rate has been set at $2.56, replacing this year’s rate of $3.13. In the last budget meeting we were told that the tax rate, and the dollar amount for each penny is not yet final and we may not know until mid July what the actual figure will be. Hence, we may not vote on the budget until August.
And while I am on the subject of budget, I want to thank so many of you for your feedback. I appreciate it all very, very much and hope you will keep the calls and emails coming, it makes me a better representative for you. I will be a prudent watchdog for our property taxes and the dollars they supply for the operations of Cheatham County, and for our seniors who live on fixed incomes. I will keep you informed about the new state proposed “tax freeze for the elderly” as we know more about it.
In other business Monday night, Economic & Community Development Director announced that Homax in Ashland City will be moving all of its operations here and will add 14 new manufacturing jobs to our economy; that TVA will be facilitating a retail analysis of Cheatham County in July and August to help us with planning for the future of our County. If you are a business person and would like to volunteer for this project, please give James Fenton a call (792-2379), he needs a few good citizen volunteers to help with this (three afternoons required, July 16, 30 and August 13). Tax collections were down (very slightly) for the month of May and this is not anticipated to be repeated; County Clerk W. J. Hall collected $540,766.84 in revenue for the month of May (very high); the Cheatham County Industrial Development Board has changed their name to Cheatham Development Association; passed a resolution declaring July 17th, 2007, as Sgt. Kevin Downs Day and praised Patze Fischer and Dale Graham for all they have done to put together the upcoming “Home for A Hero” Benefit Concert* for Kevin on that day (hope to see you there, it will be a spectacular event); voted yes to declare certain property surplus at the Christian Care Home in Ashland City for the purpose of looking at selling it; a motion was approved to give the Mayor permission to ask the State Department of Transportation to proceed with an engineering study for placement of lights at the New Hope Road Exit off I-24, and finally, it was announced that the Federal Emergency Management staff (FEMA ) will be in Cheatham County beginning next week to inspect and audit our zoning permits/laws and buildings in the flood areas in Cheatham County.
Back to the New Hope Road Exit on I-24, it is the only exit that exists in the County that is not part of one of our cities. There is no sewer there and for that reason a large chain restaurant decided not to locate there in the past. When the motion came before the Commission, I voted against it because I believe that we should put some infrastructure there, before the lighting, that will allow us to recruit hotels, chain restaurants, etc. In other words, large sales tax producing companies! I was the only no vote on this issue.
*In case you have not bought your tickets, they are $20 advanced purchase at Community Bank in Kingston Springs. Gates open at 5PM for a “Heavy Metal” pre show event honoring all branches of the Armed Forces. The show begins at 7PM, with names such as Joe Diffie, Lonestar, John Berry and more. Fireworks will be the finale. All proceeds will go to the Kevin Downs Benefit
I recently joined with Kiwanis President John Mayfield to introduce Girl Scout CEO Agenia Clark to the Cheatham County Kiwanis Club. I met Ms. Clark at an Austin Peay State University breakfast for Montgomery County State Legislators and the Tennessee Board of Regents. Finding out I was from Cheatham County, she began telling me about the proposed renovations for Sycamore Hills Girl Scout Camp. It was hard to tell who was more excited about the potential for the camp located in the center of our community. The great news for the camp will also be great news for Cheatham County.
I thought the Kiwanis Club would be a good first step to sharing the information with others in our area. I appreciate John Mayfield for making this meeting happen. Ms. Clark, along with several officials from the Girl Scouts Organization and Camp Sycamore Hills made a presentation of the details for improvements and additions to the existing facility. Plans include a new equestrian facility, an olympic-size pool, along with significant renovations and improvements to the "Red Barn." The organization is expected to spend approx. $5.5 million for the improvements. The Girl Scout property already has a high and low ropes course, cabins, walking trails and, of course, the John E. Mayfield Swinging Bridge.
I couldn't help thinking of all the possibilities to increase tourism revenue for our county. Tourism is an industry that has no "smoke stacks," yet can provide a great source of tax dollars from people that visit our county, eat in our restaurants, buy goods at our stores, but live somewhere else. This outside source of revenue can help businesses thrive and lessen pressure on property tax as the main source of funding for our local governments. While the focus and priority of the camp will be the development of young ladies through the Girl Scout program, the property and facilities have the potential to become a premier multi-purpose site. Corporate retreats and training, equestrian events, field trips for our schools, and swim team training are just a few of the possibilities. A nice gathering facility would also enable organizations to stay in-county for large events such as the Cumberland Ball and the Lions Club Gala. No longer would we need to go out of county for an appropriate venue. Having such a gem located in Cheatham County would enhance our economic and community development; maintain the beautiful environment of our county, while protecting the quality of life in our communities. To coordinate the effort with our state government, I invited Lee Curtis and Sue Ann Bone of the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development to join us for the meeting. Ms. Curtis actually attended Camp Sycamore Hills as a young girl. She shared the great potential benefits for our county by working together with the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
It is my hope that everyone in Cheatham County will join in my excitement and support the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee in the effort to make the Sycamore Hills Girl Scout Camp the outstanding facility and property it can be. For more information on how you can help, contact Girl Scouts of Tennessee, 4522 Granny White Pike, Nashville, TN 37204. Telephone 615-460-0207 or 1-800-395-5318
State Representative Phillip Johnson serves the 78th District which consists of Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.
Pictured is Cheatham County Mayor Bill Orange, Theresa Carl, Vice President of Development Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Agenia Clark, CEO Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, State Representative Phillip Johnson, Sue Ann Bone of the TN Dept. of Tourist Development, Lee Curtis of the TN Dept. of Tourist Development, and John E. Mayfield, President Cheatham County Kiwanis
November 13, 2007 Contact: Kara Watkins Phone: 615-741-1975
Representative Phillip Johnson announces Cheatham, Montgomery, and Williamson Counties to receive grant for security equipment
NASHVILLE –
Representative Phillip Johnson (R-Pegram) announced today that Cheatham County, Montgomery County, and Williamson County will receive security Enhancement grants. The money was granted by the Administrative Office of the Courts. The counties will have to provide funds as well, matching 10% of the grant.
Cheatham County will be receiving a $30,230 grant for security enhancements, specifically for handheld metal detectors, walk-through magnetometer, an x-ray machine, and new audio/visual equipment.
Montgomery County will be receiving a $24,999 grant for security enhancements, specifically cameras that will serve as a surveillance system, and new audio/visual equipment.
Williamson County will be receiving a $17,999.20 grant for security enhancements, specifically cameras, a new surveillance system, and new audio/visual equipment.
“I want to thank the AOC for awarding grants to the three counties I represent,” stated Representative Johnson. “The grant money will ensure our citizens additional safety at our courthouses. I believe this will help bring long-term benefits to the citizens of the 78th District.”
Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE;
Contact: Rachel Woods
October 3, 2007 Phone: 615.253.1960
Rep. Phillip Johnson announces Harpeth High School
Named 2007 Blue Ribbon School
Nashville, TN – Four Tennessee schools received Blue Ribbon Schools awards from the U.S. Department of Education. This national award recognizes schools that dramatically improved student achievement or performed in the top percent in the state on annual tests. Tennessee’s 2007 Blue Ribbon Schools are Jacks Creek Elementary in Chester County; Holstein View Elementary in Bristol City, Jefferson Middle School in Oak Ridge City; and Harpeth High School in Cheatham County.
“These schools have implemented the best educational practices and resources to increase the academic achievement of their students,” Education Commissioner Lana Seivers said. “I congratulate these schools on modeling the best of what public education is about – helping all students reach their greatest potential.”
“I am very proud of every school in the 78th district, and especially proud of Harpeth High School for excelling as a top performer. An outstanding principal and quality teachers have guided hard-working students to attain this distinction,” said Rep. Johnson.
Schools may be nominated based on two types of performance. The first category recognizes schools with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students that make exceptional progress on annual achievement tests. The second category honors schools whose students perform in the top 10 percent of all the state’s schools. Two Tennessee schools serving at least 40 percent disadvantaged students also performed in the top 10 percent in the state.
School |
Principal |
System |
Category |
Jacks Creek Elementary |
LaTasha Phillips |
Chester County Schools |
In top 10 percent in the state with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students |
Holstein View Elementary |
Tom Parker |
Bristol City Schools |
In top 10 percent in the state with at least 40 percent disadvantaged students |
Jefferson Middle School |
Bruce Lay |
Oak Ridge City Schools |
In top 10 percent in the state |
Harpeth High School |
Jenny Simpkins |
Cheatham County Schools |
In top 10 percent in the state |
“The criteria for this award are not easily met. Blue Ribbon status represents a tremendous amount of work on the part of both staff and students at each school,” Federal Programs Director Julie McCargar said. “This is a notable honor for everyone involved.”
The Blue Ribbon Schools award program was created by the No Child Left Behind legislation in 2002. The principal and one teacher from each 2007 Blue Ribbon School will be invited to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. November 12-13.
For more information, contact
Rachel Woods at (615) 253-1960 or Rachel.Woods@state.tn.us
Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.
REP. PHILLIP JOHNSON LEARNS MORE ABOUT ETHANOL AND BIOFUELS
March 27, 2007 Contact: Kara Simpkins, 615-741-1975
Ladies and Gentlemen - start your ethanol-powered engines.
Representative Phillip Johnson (Pegram) is pictured with a vehicle powered by ethanol – a fuel made from cellulosic plant materials, including switchgrass and corn.
The vehicle was on display as part of “Ag Day on Capitol Hill” - Tuesday, March 20, 2007 at the Legislative Plaza in Nashville.
The car is a 2005 Dodge Stratus from the University of Tennessee motor pool. It is an FFV or Flexible Fuel Vehicle which can run on a mixture of gasoline and up to 85% ethanol.
Lawmakers were able to learn more about ethanol and other biofuels as part of this event. Leaders from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture also made a presentation to the House Ag Committee on biofuels that day. UT is teaming with the Oak Ridge National Laboratory as part of its new Biofuels Initiative. Here researchers will look for ways to lessen our dependance on foreign oil, and increase markets for Tennessee farmers who could grow some of the plant materials for biofuels. UT experts estimate the Biofuels Initiative will create thousands of jobs and millions of dollars in ag revenue.
Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.


email Phillip
Rep. Johnson serves the 78th District of the Tennessee General Assembly, which includes Cheatham, Williamson and Montgomery Counties.
On a recent sunny afternoon, Rep. Phillip Johnson shared the wonders and highlights of Ashland City with his colleague and friend, Rep. Charles Sargent of Williamson County. Along for the trip, were Celeste Thomas, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Johnson and Tammy Martin, Legislative Assistant to Rep. Sargent. Joining in the outing was Rep. Sargent’s wife, Nancy. “Cheatham County is such a great place with so much to offer. It was fun to share some of the sights and personalities of my district with my friends from the Legislature. I also wanted to introduce my assistant, Celeste to the people we work for and represent,” said Rep. Johnson. Pictured are just a few of the highlights from the afternoon trip.