# Tennessee Record

> Public meeting transcripts, searchable and accessible

Full content with AI summaries: [https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/llms-full.txt](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/llms-full.txt)  
Sitemap: [https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/sitemap.xml](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/sitemap.xml)


## For AI agents

- Markdown pages: append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for a plain-markdown version. Meeting pages carry the summary, decisions, agenda and key quotes for everyone; the full transcript needs an OpenCity API key (`Authorization: Bearer ock_live_…` or `?key=`; free accounts included, up to 50 a day) or a signed-in session. Transcripts name officials on the city roster only; other speakers, including public commenters, are unattributed. Example: https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/82c2439e-8606-4c37-ab22-a4112a330216.md
- Search endpoint: `GET https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/llms/search?q=your+query` returns plain-text, citation-shaped results (add `format=json` for JSON).
  - Anonymous: this city only, up to 5 results, no speaker names.
  - With an API key (`Authorization: Bearer ock_live_…` header or `&key=` param): statewide scope, official speaker names, up to 20 results, per your plan. Keys: https://thecityrecord.org/mcp/account
- Usage terms: this content may be used to answer a specific user's question in real time. It may not be collected, cached, or reused to train, fine-tune, or evaluate a model, nor bulk-crawled or mirrored. Machine-readable reservation: /.well-known/tdmrep.json.


## OpenCity MCP connector (recommended)

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tools over meeting transcripts, votes, officials, development applications,
and public comment across every covered city.

- Custom connector (OAuth — Claude.ai, ChatGPT): https://mcp.opencityrecord.org
- Bearer endpoint (Claude Code, Cursor, other CLIs): https://mcp.opencityrecord.org/mcp
- Setup guide for humans: https://thecityrecord.org/mcp

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## Site sections

- [Home](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty): Recent meetings and civic activity
- [Map](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/map): Interactive map of development and civic activity
- [Meetings](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings): All meetings with transcripts, summaries, video
- [Civic issues](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues): Tracked issues with priority and trend
- [Development](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development): Development applications and impact summaries
- [Community](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community): Public-comment topics and sentiment
- [Officials](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials): Elected officials and city staff
- [Search](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/search): Full-text and semantic search across transcripts
- [Brief](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/brief): Weekly civic brief
- [Methodology](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/methodology): How transcripts and AI summaries are produced
- [About](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/about): About this site
- [FAQ](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/faq): Frequently asked questions


## Recent meetings (9)

- [2026-09-21 — County moves forward on up to $70M for new jail, elects new leaders, and OKs two commercial rezonings](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/82c2439e-8606-4c37-ab22-a4112a330216): CLB
- [2026-08-17 — Outgoing commission kills $70M jail bond notice, keeps $5M disaster note alive — new board inherits the rest](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/8007db7b-bdfa-4faa-b11f-2f0794539e20): CLB
- [2026-07-20 — Commissioners spare Meat Jack for now, send zoning changes back for rework, and pass a $1.499 tax rate budget — with two 'no' votes](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/c7ef9568-cb47-4261-ad07-a48310352dc9): CLB
- [2026-06-15 — Cocke County OKs $50 property tax match for low-income seniors and a 1-year data center moratorium](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/9c89e740-5b54-4e75-beec-2caa3694e2ac): CLB
- [2026-05-18 — Commission extends county attorney contract — but caps it at two years instead of four after public pushback](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/cfbe4377-082e-4997-ad90-8dc80d26c61c): Cocke County CLB
- [2026-04-20 — Cocke County's grant machine tops $42 million as commission OKs opioid funds, food truck and fire engine donations](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/bcf1aa65-28b0-47dc-8a45-d4558e7f7f60): CLB
- [2026-03-16 — Cocke County leaders back a safe haven baby box, new lease deals, and a grant to boost water capacity at Exit 432](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/ca06b7c6-8225-45e3-b44d-e2fc7cc08305): CLB
- [2026-02-17 — County signs off on two rezonings, a new fire-truck grant application, and a penny-rounding policy](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/8ca6c2e1-eec9-43b6-9b74-b524207b77dc): CLB
- [2026-01-20 — County approves budget transfers, bridge-naming policy, leases, and board appointments](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/meetings/6b68a368-b604-4cde-ab44-4ccebfced30c): CLB


## Civic issues (45)

- [Jail financing and the $70 million bond question](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/new-jail-and-justice-center-financing): public-safety · priority: critical
- [Hurricane recovery and bridge repairs](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/hurricane-recovery-and-bridge-repairs): roads · priority: high
- [Zoning amendments threatening Meat Jack and small businesses](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/zoning-amendments-threatening-meat-jack-and-small-businesses): zoning · priority: critical
- [Economic development and tourism](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/downtown-improvement-grants): general · priority: high
- [Countywide zoning controversy](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/countywide-zoning-controversy): zoning · priority: high
- [Smoky Mountain Innovation Park and economic development](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/smoky-mountain-innovation-park-and-economic-development): business-jobs · priority: high
- [Wastewater service for Cosby, Hartford and Wilton Springs](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/wastewater-service-for-cosby-hartford-and-wilton-springs): water-utilities · priority: high
- [Contaminated well water on Sparks and Good Hope Roads](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/contaminated-well-water-on-sparks-and-good-hope-roads): water-utilities · priority: critical
- [Commercial rezonings in Cosby and Parrottsville](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/commercial-rezonings-in-cosby-and-parrottsville): zoning · priority: medium
- [election certification](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/election-certification): governance · priority: medium
- [election tie](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/election-tie): governance · priority: medium
- [county election results](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-election-results): governance · priority: high
- [Donated police SUVs for sheriff's office](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/donated-police-suvs-for-sheriffs-office): public-safety · priority: low
- [Pigeon River rafting threatened by I-40 construction](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/pigeon-river-rafting-threatened-by-i-40-construction): business-jobs · priority: medium
- [Bike trails and Innovation Park development](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/bike-trails-and-innovation-park-development): business-jobs · priority: medium
- [Federal appropriations and FEMA flood recovery](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/federal-appropriations-and-fema-flood-recovery): taxes-budget · priority: critical
- [Speeding and cut-through traffic in Cosby](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/speeding-and-cut-through-traffic-in-cosby): public-safety · priority: medium
- [Lithium battery disposal](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/lithium-battery-disposal): public-safety · priority: medium
- [Highway department temporary offices](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/highway-department-temporary-offices): roads · priority: medium
- [Lithium-ion battery fire safety](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/lithium-ion-battery-fire-safety): public-safety · priority: medium
- [One-year moratorium on data center facilities](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/one-year-moratorium-on-data-center-facilities): zoning · priority: high
- [County Elderly Tax Match Program](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-elderly-tax-match-program): taxes-budget · priority: high
- [Rezoning 1692 Deerwood Road to commercial](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/rezoning-1692-deerwood-road-to-commercial): zoning · priority: low
- [Proposed French Broad River boat ramp and park](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/proposed-french-broad-river-boat-ramp-and-park): parks-rec · priority: medium
- [County attorney contract length](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-attorney-contract-length): taxes-budget · priority: high
- [Landfill-adjacent property timber](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/landfill-adjacent-property-timber): taxes-budget · priority: low
- [FY2026-27 budget and flat tax rate](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/fy2026-27-budget-and-flat-tax-rate): taxes-budget · priority: high
- [Veterans flag salute project](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/veterans-flag-salute-project): parks-rec · priority: low
- [County printers contract](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-printers-contract): taxes-budget · priority: low
- [Bridge-naming procedure](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/bridge-naming-procedure): infrastructure · priority: low
- [Convenience center phones, cameras, and compactor upgrades](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/convenience-center-phones-cameras-and-compactor-upgrades): water-utilities · priority: medium
- [Landfill/sanitation contract proposal](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/landfillsanitation-contract): environment · priority: medium
- [Facility leases](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/facility-leases): taxes-budget · priority: low
- [County audit findings and Comptroller investigation question](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-audit-findings-and-comptroller-investigation-question): taxes-budget · priority: high
- [Second new fire engine sought through CDBG grant](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/second-new-fire-engine-sought-through-cdbg-grant): public-safety · priority: medium
- [Safe haven baby box proposal](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/safe-haven-baby-box): public-safety · priority: medium
- [EMA report release controversy at Freeman Park](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/ema-report-release-controversy-at-freeman-park): public-safety · priority: high
- [Opioid abatement funding](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/opioid-abatement-funding): public-safety · priority: high
- [Pigeon River economic restoration grant](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/pigeon-river-economic-restoration-grant): environment · priority: high
- [First responder wellness program (Hope Nation)](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/first-responder-wellness-program): public-safety · priority: high
- [County budget transfers and school amendments](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-budget-transfers-and-school-amendments): taxes-budget · priority: medium
- [CDBG food insecurity grant closeout](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/cdbg-food-insecurity-grant-closeout): public-safety · priority: medium
- [County grants program](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/county-grants-program): taxes-budget · priority: high
- [Workforce development programs](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/workforce-development-programs): business-jobs · priority: medium
- [Exit 432 water capacity grant](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/issues/exit-432-water-capacity-grant): water-utilities · priority: medium


## Development applications (5)

- [Rezone 2331 Happy Hollow Road, Parrottsville](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development/rezone-2331-happy-hollow-road-parrottsville): rezone · approved
- [Rezone 1880 Hartford Road, Cosby](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development/rezone-1880-hartford-road-cosby): rezone · approved
- [Rezoning of 1692 Deerwood Road, Newport, TN](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development/rezoning-of-1692-deerwood-road-newport-tn): rezone · approved
- [Rezone — 157 & 159 Highway 25 East, Newport](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development/rezone-157-159-highway-25-east-newport): rezone · approved
- [Rezone — 122 Quail Roost Drive, Cosby](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/development/rezone-122-quail-roost-drive-cosby): rezone · approved


## Community topics (22)

- [County attorney contract](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/county-attorney-contract): taxes-budget
- [Countywide zoning controversy](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/countywide-zoning-controversy): zoning
- [Contaminated well water on Sparks and Good Hope Roads](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/contaminated-well-water-on-sparks-and-good-hope-roads): water-utilities
- [Zoning and board of appeals](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/zoning-and-board-of-appeals): zoning
- [Board appointments](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/board-appointments): appointments
- [Mining removal from zoning amendment](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/mining-removal-from-zoning-amendment): zoning
- [Small business treatment](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/small-business-treatment): zoning
- [Appointments and zoning](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/appointments-and-zoning): appointments
- [Meat Jack zoning threat](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/meat-jack-zoning-threat): zoning
- [Rezone request (his property)](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/rezone-request-his-property): zoning
- [Emergency medical services](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/emergency-medical-services): public-safety
- [Deferred action to new administration](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/deferred-action-to-new-administration): governance
- [Timberline Lawns temporary use](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/timberline-lawns-temporary-use): zoning
- [Campground development near Spring's hunting farm in Bel Rio](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/campground-development-near-springs-hunting-farm-in-bel-rio): development
- [Sanitation board appointment](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/sanitation-board-appointment): appointment
- [Planning commission zoning amendments](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/planning-commission-zoning-amendments): zoning
- [Meat Jack support](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/meat-jack-support): zoning
- [Veterans flag salute project](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/veterans-flag-salute-project): parks-rec
- [Opioid abatement grant awards](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/opioid-abatement-grant-awards): public-safety
- [Workforce development programs](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/workforce-development-programs): business-jobs
- [First responder wellness (Hope Nation)](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/first-responder-wellness-hope-nation): public-safety
- [Rezone — 157 & 159 Highway 25 East, Newport](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/community/rezone-157-159-highway-25-east-newport): zoning


## Officials (17)

- [Joe E. Shults](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/joe-e-shults): County Mayor
- [Tim Grigsby](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/tim-grigsby): Commissioner District 1 Post 1
- [Bill Miller](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/bill-miller): Commissioner District 1 Post 2
- [Judy Hensley](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/judy-hensley): Commissioner District 2 Post 1
- [Kenneth Norton](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/kenneth-norton): Commissioner District 2 Post 2
- [Norman Smith](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/norman-smith): Commissioner District 3 Post 1
- [Sid Mason](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/sid-mason): Commissioner District 3 Post 2
- [Jonathan Templin](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/jonathan-templin): Commissioner District 4 Post 1
- [Donnie Raines](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/donnie-raines): Commissioner District 4 Post 2
- [Dan Bright](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/dan-bright): Commissioner District 5 Post 1
- [Daniel Reece](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/daniel-reece): Commissioner District 5 Post 2
- [Casey Reed](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/casey-reed): Commissioner District 6 Post 1
- [Jeff Eslinger](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/jeff-eslinger): Commissioner District 6 Post 2
- [Tim Layman](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/tim-layman): Commissioner District 7 Post 1
- [Clayton Ellison](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/clayton-ellison): Commissioner District 7 Post 2
- [Melissa Gossman](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/melissa-gossman): County Attorney — Administration
- [Shalee' McClure](https://tennesseerecord.org/cockecounty/officials/shalee-mcclure): County Clerk — Administration