Commission approves wheel tax, rescinds burn restrictions and OKs rezoning; several other votes passed

The county commission approved multiple ordinances and votes during its May session, including a new wheel tax, repeal of county burn restrictions in favor of state guidelines, and a rezoning request.

Ordinance 344-2026 (wheel tax) passed on second reading in an electronic vote recorded as 16 yes, 2 no and 2 absent. The ordinance sets rates at $80 for most vehicles and $50 for antiques and special designations, and designates proceeds for capital projects restricted to the jail project.

Ordinance 345-2026 to rescind local burn restrictions and instead rely on the Tennessee Division of Forestry passed 18-0 with 2 absent; the item was recommended by Chief Buckmaster, the First Response Committee and Codes & Zoning. "This ordinance has been recommended by Chief Buckmaster," the presiding officer said when introducing the measure.

Ordinance 346-2026, rezoning Parcel 02902101 on Highway 25 from A1 to TC1, passed on second reading by electronic vote: 17 yes, 1 abstention and 2 absent.

Separately, the commission approved the 2026 general tax rate (no increase) and voted in favor of the FY2027 urban services appropriations. The general tax-rate ordinance carried with a recorded vote of 14 yes, 4 no and 2 absent; the urban services appropriations passed 15-3 with 2 absent. The commission also approved urban services tax-rate items relevant to the urban council.

Budget-related amendments were bundled for a single electronic vote and approved 18-0 (2 absent). These amendments provide state funding adjustments for law enforcement staff completing required post-training.

In other business, the county clerk's recommended notary applications for Marybeth Valentine (Gentiva Hospice) and Sarah Page (Charles Del Turner Correction Center) were approved by motion.