Cookeville schedules public hearing and May referendum for Dodson Branch Road annexation

City planning staff told the Cookeville City Council on Feb. 5 that a property owner requested annexation of about 65 acres near Branch Road and that the city added additional territory to reach roughly 280 acres within the urban growth boundary. Staff said the Planning Commission has held multiple hearings in 2025 and advised the council on the steps to comply with Tennessee notice requirements.

Staff recommended and the council approved scheduling a public hearing on the proposed plan of services for the Dodson Branch Road annexation at the March 19, 2026 council meeting. Staff said public notice will be published on Feb. 21, signs will be posted in the territory, and letters to affected property owners will be sent on or before Feb. 21 to satisfy a 21‑day notice requirement under Tennessee law.

If council approves the plan of services and calls the referendum, staff said the referendum would be held with the Putnam County primary election on May 5, 2026. Staff also noted that one roughly 22‑acre tract is assessed for agricultural and commercial purposes due to a cell‑phone tower and may be omitted from annexation if the owner does not consent.

Council approved the resolution to set the hearing date and the timeline. Staff said they will continue required notices and follow the election commission guidance to minimize referendum costs.