Colleen Lawlor

The council meeting included an update from the Decatur County Chamber/Economic Development, project updates on the ARP Sewer and Water Plant Projects, TAM Grant, TDOT Grant, CDBG, PHMSA Gas Grant, SRF - 4th St Lift Station, FEMA Generator Grant, and USDA Truck grant. The council discussed a sewer manhole overflow on Bible Hill and a blocked public alley. A budget planning update for FY2025-2026 was presented. The council approved the appointment of Lucinda Carrington to the Parsons Library Board. The Blight Program was discussed, including the demolition of a house on East Second/Old Perryville Rd. The council discussed the Grice Property and approved the bid from Gwen Dale Moody for the sale of old City Hall. The council approved the purchase of equipment for the Parsons Fire Department using funds from the TN State Fire Marshall Grant.

The council reviewed visual materials for a proposed park project funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield. The Library Board Chairperson provided a recap of the 2025 Summer Reading Program and introduced the new Library Director. Project updates were given on the ARP Sewer Project, ARP Water Plant Project, TDOT Multimodal Grant, 2024 CDBG Passive Park, PHMSA Gas Grant, SRF - 4th St Lift Station, FEMA Generator Grant, and USDA Truck grant. The council approved resolutions for the BlueCross Healthy Place Park application, funding for the Tennessee Arts Commission Grant Project, and a Tourism Enhancement Grant. Library Board appointments were approved, and a new council member was appointed to fill a vacant seat. The second reading of Budget Ordinance 430 was approved, concerning the sale of property to Jerry Harper.

The council meeting addressed online bill pay options for utilities and property taxes, handled by England Law Offices. Project updates included the Blighted Home Project, ARP Sewer and Water Plant Projects, Municipal Building Roof Replacement, Multimodal Grant, Passive Park, PHMSA Gas Grant, 4th St Lift Station, FEMA Generator Grant, and USDA Truck grant. The council approved a resolution authorizing revenue from the Natural Gas Utility System to fund Industrial Development. They also approved the first reading of an ordinance approving the sale of property to Chase Vise. A decision on another property sale was delayed. The council approved bid specifications for the sale of timber at the Sanders Property.

The council observed a moment of silence for Council Member Jimmy Lynn Walker. The possibility of leasing out the Hanger for Performing Arts to the Chamber of Commerce was discussed. Updates were provided on various projects, including the Blighted Home Project, ARP Sewer and Water Plant Projects, TAM Grant for the Municipal Building Roof Replacement, TDOT Multimodal Grant, 2024 CDBG Passive Park, PHMSA Gas Grant, SRF - 4th St Lift Station, FEMA Generator Grant, and USDA Truck grant. The council approved a timber bid on the Sanders Property, discussed the FY2026 Tennessee Arts Commission Grant Project, and approved a quote to repair a police truck. They also approved the first reading of Ordinance 430 for the sale of property to Jerry Harper, the second reading of Budget Ordinance 428, and Ordinance 429 for the sale of property to Chase Vise. Finally, they requested approval to advertise for bids to outfit two new police vehicles.

The council meeting included discussions regarding a gymnastics studio potentially purchasing city-owned property on Georgia Ave, South. The city will advertise to have the timber cut at the Sanders Property. Updates were provided on various projects, including the ARP Sewer and Water Plant Projects, the TAM Grant for Municipal Building Roof Replacement, the TDOT Multimodal Grant, the 2024 CDBG Passive Park, the PHMSA Gas Grant, the SRF - 4th St Lift Station, the FEMA Generator Grant, and the USDA Truck grant. The council approved the first reading of Ordinance 428, adopting the annual budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2026, and establishing a new tax rate for fiscal year 2025/2026. The council approved annexation (Sanders Property) second reading. There were no new updates on Grice Property.