City council approves package of contracts and a DOJ grant for ICAC; police report surge in tips

Knoxville City Council on Jan. 6 approved a series of resolutions authorizing city contracts and accepted a federal grant to continue funding the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Resolutions approved on voice votes included: a VOIP agreement with Link Live Incorporated (initial cost $31,000; annual cost $24,000); an amendment to Progression Electric LLC’s traffic‑signal maintenance contract increasing annual payment by $25,000 to a new total of $150,000; a roofing contract with Henley Roofing Company Inc. not to exceed $779,200 for the L.T. Ross building; a three‑year financial‑advisor retainer with PFM Financial Advisors LLC with a proposed not‑to‑exceed amount of $375,000 for the term; and a three‑year e‑permitting agreement with Event Approvals Incorporated with annual cost not to exceed $50,000.

Council also authorized the mayor to apply for and accept a $631,577 grant (no local match) from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention to fund the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. During discussion on that item, Councilmember Parker asked the Police Chief about caseload and types of online threats. The chief said the ICAC task force has been active in Knoxville since 2001 and described a notable increase in tips: "In 2025 alone, we received over 38,000 tips," he said, adding that locally the department investigated about 450 tips and prosecuted 41 individuals in 2025.

On the PFM financial‑advisor item, Councilmember Parker asked whether the $375,000 is primarily transaction‑based or planning‑based. Mr. Evans replied that the $375,000 is a not‑to‑exceed amount for the full contract term and covers a combination of transaction and planning services; a precise breakdown of transaction versus planning fees was not provided during the meeting.

All items were approved on voice votes as part of the regular consent and business agenda.