Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dickson County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
30 issues with medium priority
Irregular lot shapes in new subdivisions
Commission members pushed back on approving oddly shaped lots that meet only minimum requirements. A subcommittee is studying how to make lots more uniform in future subdivisions.
Local Election Results
Dickson County voters turned out at just over 42% on Nov. 3 and decided local races that will shape county government. The winners will help set the direction on county spending, services, and priorities—so the results matter for daily life even if you didn’t vote.
Road Sight Distance Improvement
Dickson County cut down a dirt bank at Steel Road and Hwy. 48 so drivers pulling out can finally see oncoming traffic. It’s a small road project with a very practical payoff: fewer blind merges and less white-knuckle turning.
East Piney Road Speed Study
Commissioners advanced two road safety measures: a three-way stop at Cowan and Murrell Roads and a speed limit study on Three Island Ford Road. The Sheriff said both traffic studies should be done by the August 17 regular session.
West Dry Hollow Road Name Change
Duplicate addresses between the new development and old West Dry Hollow have caused misdelivered packages and 911 confusion. Renaming a portion to just 'Dry Hollow' should fix it.
County financial condition and heightened risk debt
The commission signed off on up to $1.25 million in highway notes and $272,288 in ambulance notes — money already budgeted this fiscal year, but the paperwork had to be done tonight to meet a state deadline.
East Piney Bridge federal grant
The county received a $3 million FEMA grant through the CDBG process to replace the East Piney Bridge, with construction expected within 18 to 24 months.
Fire Hall ISO Ratings and Homeowner Insurance
Even after the county built new fire halls that lowered ISO ratings, insurance companies aren't passing savings to homeowners. Commissioner Buckner asked what the county can do; the answer is largely that homeowners must shop their own insurance.
Hiring a Full-Time Planner
With the county growing fast, the Mayor says the planning and zoning office is understaffed and wants to add a full-time planner — it will take a budget amendment to fund.
Future of the $10 Trash Fee
Dickson Electric collects solid waste fees but has no policy for writing off debts it can't collect. The solid waste board will draft a charge-off policy to clean up the books while continuing collection efforts.
Regulation of Sober Living Homes
Fair Housing and disability laws currently block the county and cities from regulating sober living homes. The Mayor proposes asking state and federal lawmakers to change the law so local governments can set rules.
Old Number One Estates subdivision
A revised subdivision plat at Yellow Creek Road and Old Number One Highway finally cleared the commission after soil problems forced changes back in April. The new owner even added an easement so people can visit the historic marker on the land.
Flock License Plate Camera Use Policy
The Sheriff presented a resolution putting the Flock camera system's use into enforceable policy — hot-list checks only, 90-day data deletion, restricted access, and an annual report to commissioners. Commissioners probed privacy concerns and recent litigation questions before advancing it.
Ambulance Grant
Two 100% reimbursement grants — $16,339 from Homeland Security and $11,130 from the Fire Marshal's Office — will replace a search-and-rescue UTV and buy three sets of firefighter turnout gear at no cost to the county.
Montgomery Bell Pointe Road Dedication
A subdivision that's been around 20-plus years never had its roads formally dedicated to the county, so residents paid road taxes without county maintenance. The commission recommended fixing that long-running paperwork failure.
Three-Way Stop at Murrell and Cowen Roads
Since the East Biney bridge closed, traffic has shifted to Murrell Road, where a high bank blocks the view when turning onto Cowen Road. Commissioners want the Highway Department to look at making it a three-way stop before it lands on the August agenda.
Rural Road Speed Limits
Old Stage Road now has a 30 mph limit per the sheriff's recommendation. The Murrell Road speed study got pushed to May because it's not done.
$12.50 court cost to fund the District Attorney's office
Funding the District Attorney's office through the $12.50 court cost is on hold until May because a related bill is stalled in the legislature.
Hunter Trail added to county road system
Hunter Trail off Burrow Road looks like a county road but was never formally dedicated. Seven of nine lots are built out and some residents have lived there 30 years. Acceptance by the county commission would let it be repaved at county expense.
Cell tower placement and community health concerns
A new cell tower is coming to Jocelyn Branch Road in White Bluff, improving service in an area where coverage is lacking. One commissioner voted no over health concerns about tower emissions, but studies raised weren't enough to stop the 6-1 approval.
County Jail Maintenance Problems
Sheriff Eads reported the jail runs at about 260 of 397 beds, but the 15-year-old building is starting to show its age — fire alarms require a fire watch and air systems are failing. Next year's budget will shift more money toward capital repairs.
Broadband and Telephone Service Transition to Ignite
The county plans to drop Comcast and move its internet and phone service to Ignite Broadband, part of Dickson Electric, with grant funds covering some equipment upgrades. Officials expect meaningful cost savings.
Old Stage Road and Murrell Road Speed Management
Old Stage Road's limit drops to 30 mph after a study found over 800 of 2,299 vehicles speeding under the old 35 mph limit. A separate speed study is coming for Murrell Road.
Rezoning on Eno Road and Highway 46 South
Two property rezonings were approved: 2.2 acres on Eno Road can now be developed as residential, and a 19,400-square-foot lot on Highway 46 South can go commercial.
Penny rounding policy for cash payments
With pennies in short supply, the county adopted a resolution letting cash transactions round to the nearest penny — one to four cents rounds down, six to nine rounds up.
2026 Road List
The commission accepted the 2026 road list, setting the county highway department's road projects for the year.
Historic Courthouse and America 250 Grants
Economic development staff won a $500,000 grant to renovate the historic courthouse interior — fully funding the project and freeing up $500,000 of county money for other uses — plus $8,800 for the county's America 250 celebration in July.
Federal Road and Safety Grants
Highway Superintendent Jackie Hodges landed two big federal grants: $135,000 for streambank stabilization on three roads and $406,000 under Safe Streets for All for safety equipment and demonstrations at dangerous intersections, with the county's matches covered by its own crews and equipment.
SWIG Water Line Extensions
State grant money is finishing long-stalled water projects: an extension down Yellow Creek Road for Tennessee City and a backup water connection for Vanleer on Highway 49, with the county covering the small utilities' matches.
Parks and Recreation Development
Dickson’s mayor wants a new rec center and upgrades at J. Dan Buckner Park, so expect more places to work out, play, and gather. The details aren’t out yet—cost, timeline, and funding will determine whether it’s a straightforward win or a budget debate.