Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cocke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
11 issues in public safety
Donated police SUVs for sheriff's office
The sheriff's office is getting four used K-9 patrol SUVs free from the Fitzgerald Police Department, each with plenty of life left.
Jail financing and the $70 million bond question
The county is clearing the way for a possible new jail by not renewing the lease on the Jack farm south of the industrial park, avoiding conflicts with crops or tenant investment before groundbreaking.
Speeding and cut-through traffic in Cosby
Residents petitioned for more traffic enforcement on Stone Group Drive and Indian Camp Creek, where drivers cut through and blow four-way stops. A public safety meeting was called.
Lithium-ion battery fire safety
A recent fire near the landfill at a scrap metal facility may have been caused by a lithium-ion battery, prompting public safety coordination with fire departments, EMS and the EMA director. The hospital, a major battery user, is working on a shelter-in-place plan.
Lithium battery disposal
The Public Safety Committee will hold a special meeting June 2 at 5:30 p.m. on lithium battery disposal, with fire departments, ambulance service, and rescue squad invited.
Second new fire engine sought through CDBG grant
The county's retired 1979 fire engine goes to the Parrottsville Volunteer Fire Department for parts instead of the scrap yard — keeping the equipment working for county fire coverage.
First responder wellness program (Hope Nation)
The county's budget investment in first-responder mental health filled all 20 treatment slots, cut psychological trauma symptoms by 78%, and spun off a $25,000 grant to support schoolteachers starting in the fall. County officials want to continue the partnership.
CDBG food insecurity grant closeout
The 2023-era food insecurity grant closes in June. Rather than returning leftover contingency funds to the federal government, the commission directed them to the Boys and Girls Club's refrigerated food truck.
Opioid abatement funding
FY 2027 opioid abatement money goes to recidivism reduction, the public defender, recovery ministries, and county finance. The pool shrinks every year as one-time payments wind down, so no new applicants were added this cycle.
EMA report release controversy at Freeman Park
A social media post about an incident at Freeman Park led to an EMA investigation of a river safety officer, and the public release of the report has divided commissioners. Some say releasing names exposed the victim; the EMA director says the public demanded answers.
Safe haven baby box proposal
Local pediatric representatives want to install a safe haven baby box at the Fairgrounds fire department, giving new parents in crisis a safe, legal way to surrender a newborn. Knox and Gatlinburg have recently installed boxes with babies surrendered.