County Commission First Meeting of 2026

The Jefferson County Commission held their first meeting of 2026 on January 20th in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Lowe, Norton and Patterson. Public hearings were held on three zoning issues with only Resolution 2026-01 garnering public comment. This resolution concerned property on Harrison Road in White Pine which was requested to move from A-1 zone to C-2 zone. Ten citizens spoke in opposition to the requested change and three spoke in favor.

Following the end of the Public Hearing section of the Agenda, one citizen spoke in favor of Resolution 2026-6 which recommends the State General Assembly enact legislation to enable citizens to recall local elected officials. Under New Business, the Resolution was approved 15-3 following a failed attempt to table by Commissioner Thomas and 2nd by Commissioner Johnson.

Also finding favor in Tuesday night’s meeting were a handful of budget amendments for both the County and Department of Education, generally with low or no fiscal impact regarding the general fund.

Several Resolutions were approved which included two zoning resolutions that had no public input during the Public Hearing portion of the agenda. Three surplus resolutions were approved, as well as an increase in tipping fees for Commercial Solid Waste Hauling over one thousand pounds (brought by the Sanitation Board) was approved. One interlocal agreement with Jefferson City concerning the Mossy Creek Wildlife Viewing Area also found favor with the full body.

Resolution 2026-01 was denied by the Commission and will remain zoned A-1.