Will Baneberry Be Around to Turn 30?
Jefferson County
It may seem like only yesterday to some long time residents of Jefferson County, but, in fact, it was almost three decades ago that Baneberry became a municipality in its own right. November will mark Baneberry’s 30th birthday but it may not see that landmark date. A recent movement to unincorporated the city has been gathering steam and was the topic of conversation at a recent meeting. Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri stated that he and other Jefferson County elected officials attended a meeting, at the request of officials and citizens of Baneberry, where the issue of unincorporating was brought forth for discussion. Though unincorporating is not a common occurrence, it does happen occasionally. However, Palmieri stated that the decision is not one that should be taken lightly, as it comes with serious financial ramifications for the residents and property owners.
Mayor Palmieri said that there was not a quorum present for the meeting but the elected officials in attendance did answers as many questions for the residents of Baneberry as they could. As for the process of unincorporating, the Mayor said that it would be in the hands of the people, as the item would have to go to referendum. Should it pass, a Board of Trustees, which generally consists of the elected officials of the unincorporated city, would have 36 months to pay the debts of the city. The current debt of the city would be the responsibility of the residents of Baneberry. Jefferson County Highway Superintendent Tipton would inspect the city roads and any that are not up to Jefferson County specs would have to be brought up to specs, at the expense of Baneberry, before they would be accepted by Jefferson County. If they are not brought up to County standards, the County could refuse to accept them and they would become the responsibility of the residents that live on those roads. According to Palmieri, Baneberry residents that currently have street lights would be responsible for paying for those lights. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office would take on the area, as the Baneberry Police Department would cease to exist. After 36 months, any assets of Baneberry would go to the County and any further outstanding bills could be passed to the Baneberry residents in the form of a tax, should the Jefferson County Commission deem it necessary.
As for impact to Jefferson County,Mayor Palmieri stated that there is little impact other than the same costs incurred by other parts of the County. Baneberry residents would be responsible for any outstanding bills or debt and roads would have to be brought up to par at the expense of Baneberry.
According to the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office, the 2015 tax rate for Baneberry was 82 cents, which is the lowest property tax rate for any municipality in Jefferson County. The most recent US Census places the population of Baneberry at a little more than 500 and it enjoys an average household income $61,250. Only 7.3% of the population are below the poverty level and 88% of the population have a high school degree or higher. Around 10% are uninsured and the median house value is $235,800 compared to the median home value in the County of $122,700.
While much of the population of the small city appear to be at odds over the issue, interest is high in making a decision to move forward as is or to dissolve their charter. The remainder of Jefferson County, including the Jefferson County County Commission, will watch from the sidelines while Baneberry residents debate the fate of the tiny city by the lake.
