Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cocke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
4 issues in water utilities
Wastewater service for Cosby, Hartford and Wilton Springs
The ARPA-funded Cosby High School sewer project is ahead of schedule after breaking ground in November, with completion due by September 30. About $277,000 of the roughly $4 million project has been paid to date.
Contaminated well water on Sparks and Good Hope Roads
A resident says eight households' wells tested positive for coliform and E. coli — one child was hospitalized — and Hurricane Helene damage made it worse. Running a water line would cost about $153,000 plus taps, and grant funding can only be sought by the county and partners, taking 4-6 years. She asked to return on the September agenda to pursue TDEC and USDA emergency water grant options.
Exit 432 water capacity grant
The county is applying for a federal ARC grant to boost water capacity at Exit 432 — with the utilities district covering all matching costs, so no local tax dollars.
Convenience center phones, cameras, and compactor upgrades
The county is modernizing its garbage convenience centers — new compactors with fill sensors, safety cameras, and now Wi-Fi-based phone service replacing copper lines that have crumbled underground. The phone work cost under $10,000 and was already budgeted.