Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Cocke County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
28 issues
Election Certification
A tie between two in-laws for the final Parrottsville commission seat has been certified in Cocke County, so the winner could be decided by a coin flip or card draw. That means one local race is now down to chance rather than votes.
County Election Results
Cocke County's November 2026 election results are in, and the winners will now control county budgets, roads, and local policy for the next term. That means the people making decisions about your taxes and services are officially set.
Election Tie
Two in-laws in Parrottsville are deadlocked at 38 votes each for the same local commission seat, so a recount or coin flip could decide who represents you. It’s a tiny margin with real consequences for local representation.
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.
Countywide zoning controversy
Zoning remains a hot topic. Residents asked for a balanced committee to work on amendments, and Bright's push to put zoning on the ballot was tabled while state law is checked.
Economic development and tourism
The REO grant was rebid and contracts signed, with work expected to finish mid-December. The Overmount rally filled every hotel in the county, and a street festival is set for October 3-4.
Commercial rezonings in Cosby and Parrottsville
Two properties were rezoned to C-2 Commercial: 1880 Hartford Road in Cosby and 2331 Happy Hollow Road in Parrottsville, opening them to commercial development.
Hurricane recovery and bridge repairs
EMA Director Joe Esway walked commissioners through his 200-page after-action report on the Helene response — far longer than typical — and said many fixes are already in place. A revised county emergency operations plan will come in September or October.
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.
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.
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.
Pigeon River rafting threatened by I-40 construction
Rafting interests say I-40 work is channelizing and shallowing the Pigeon River, possibly making sections unrunnable. Commissioners approved $50,000 from rafting fees for an engineering plan, with the state chipping in about $80,000.
Smoky Mountain Innovation Park and economic development
The industrial park is getting a $2 million sewer line (no local match) plus final design for three-phase power, broadband, street lights, and water — about $4 million total funded without local taxpayer dollars. Marketing is underway with a June-July timeline.
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.
Proposed French Broad River boat ramp and park
A land conservancy may donate nearly an acre near Del Rio for a public put-in, possibly pre-staging swiftwater rescue gear. No vote yet.
Landfill-adjacent property timber
Commissioner Templin wants to put county-owned land next to the landfill out for grass bids to be logged.
FY2026-27 budget and flat tax rate
The county budget keeps the tax rate at $1.4993 and gives employees a 3% raise starting January. Two commissioners voted no.
Zoning amendments threatening Meat Jack and small businesses
County zoning amendments would have redefined slaughterhouses and removed meat processing from agricultural zones — John Hope of the Meat Jack says he'd lose grandfathered status. Commissioners sent the changes back to the planning commission and many said the whole zoning framework needs rework.
Veterans flag salute project
A nonprofit aims to give 2,339 Cocke County veterans an American-made 20-foot flagpole and flag, with ceremonies and fundraisers underway.
Federal appropriations and FEMA flood recovery
The county is still fighting to get federal reimbursement for disaster-related costs. FEMA has officially received the county's appeal, with a decision expected in roughly 80 days, and state and federal senators are pushing at the highest levels.
Rezoning 1692 Deerwood Road to commercial
After a public hearing with no speakers, the commission approved changing the Deerwood Road parcel from residential to general commercial zoning, following the Planning Commission's recommendation.
One-year moratorium on data center facilities
The county hit pause for one year on data centers, crypto mining and battery storage facilities while it studies their huge energy and water use, noise and few jobs. Officials noted Knox County passed a similar rule and that zoning rules — not outright bans — are the legal tool to manage them.
County Elderly Tax Match Program
The county is adding a $50 match to the state's property tax relief for low-income elderly residents, helping roughly 925 households. The sponsor hopes to grow it to $100 in future years, but the state amount won't be known until September, so a flat rate was chosen for easier budgeting.
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.
Highway department temporary offices
The highway department got a one-year lease extension while its building is rebuilt; architects are procured and drawings underway, with FEMA-related grading requirements to be confirmed.
Bike trails and Innovation Park development
The Hogstop Bike Trail environmental work is 75% done with the Forest Service now involved at no fee, and the Smoky Mountain Innovation Park pad is finished with utilities design underway — all funded by grants, not local taxpayers.
County attorney contract length
Residents pushed back on a proposed four-year contract for the county attorney, arguing it would tie the hands of the incoming administration. The commission amended it to two years, 11-3, and the attorney said he was fine with that.