Votes at a glance: Bradley County passes zoning change on data centers; approves opioid funds letter, TIF policies and sheriff training amendment

The Bradley County Commission recorded a series of actions on April 20, 2026: the most consequential was a zoning amendment restricting cryptocurrency mining and data centers to the I-2 special impact industrial district and prohibiting them within 3,000 feet of FAR, R-1 or R-2 zones or any residence, school or church. That substitute motion passed 14–0 following an extended public hearing.

Other votes taken during the session included:

- A motion to submit a letter to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury requesting guidance on the use of opioid funds (moved by Commissioner Rogers). Vote: 14–0 in favor.

- Adoption of tax-increment financing (TIF) program policies and procedures for the Industrial Development Board of the County of Bradley and the City of Cleveland (moved by Commissioner Collins). Vote: 13–1 in favor; Commissioner Gilbert recorded the lone "no." The policies are in the agenda packet (pages 50–69) and were recommended by the legal and legislative committee.

- A budget amendment for the Bradley County Sheriff's Office to increase revenue and expenses by $83,200 for reimbursement of post-certified training (moved by Commissioner Blake). The motion carried with 12 recorded "yes" votes and two commissioners recorded as "pass." The sheriff's office clarified the training is state-reimbursed in-service training for deputies.

- A rezoning resolution for a parcel on Jensen Avenue SE from FAR to R-2 (high-density residential) was presented for public hearing and then approved 14–0 after the public hearing closed.

These actions were recorded by roll-call votes and the clerk reported tallies as the meeting proceeded. The zoning amendment on data centers becomes effective upon adoption; other items (TIF policies, rezoning and budget amendment) were entered in the official minutes and will be reflected in county records.