Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Dickson County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
20 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
$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.
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.