Gatlinburg, City of

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. Key agenda items included the approval of minutes from the January 13, 2026, regular meeting, and a report from the Gallatin Convention and Visitors Bureau (GCVB) regarding its fourth-quarter performance, noting decreased website visitation but increased engagement through the Gatlinburg gap, strong social media reach, positive public relations coverage in various markets, and significant future bookings for the convention center. The Police Department received its sixth consecutive accreditation award, a first for an agency in Tennessee. Additionally, two officers/detectives, Josh Cole and Cindy Myers, were recognized by the East Tennessee Elder Justice Coalition for their outstanding service in investigating an investment scam targeting an older adult. Employee recognition followed for Philip Gentilli.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and a prayer. Key discussions involved the approval of previous meeting minutes from December 16, 2025. The commission received reports on Environmental Design Review Board (EDRB) awards for sign design excellence (winner: Goo Goo Clusters) and new building/renovation design excellence (winner: Hotel Indigo). The City Manager's report commended staff for the New Year's Eve celebration success and noted the Gatlinburg Golf Course being named 2025 public course of the year. The report also announced office closures for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Old business focused on Ordinance No. 2645 regarding amendments to the zoning ordinance sections, which passed its second reading after a public hearing. Ordinance No. 2646 concerning amendments for outdoor dining and cafes also passed its second reading following public hearing. Ordinance No. 2647, addressing off-street parking amendments, passed its second reading following public comment. Ordinance No. 2648, which replaced the building inspection fee schedule, also passed its second reading. New business included appointments to the EDRB board (reappointing Randy Watson, nominating Brent Wyley), retention of Matt Zoder on the Municipal Board of Zoning Appeals, and the retention of Jan Leis and Dennis Malcolm on the Gatlinburg Tree Board. The commission then addressed resolutions related to the water treatment plant expansion project, approving initial bond authorizations (Resolution No. 1036) and subsequent bond resolutions (Resolution No. 1037) for up to $3 million to cover increased costs associated with design detailing, contractor pricing, and the addition of high service pumps to accommodate increased water flow capacity. Unscheduled items included commendations for city employees, particularly the street department, and congratulations for the new Chief Gray and Kendra McCarter.

The City Manager commended the Gatlinburg Police Department for achieving reaccreditation and recognized the Gatlinburg-Pittman High School football team for an outstanding season culminating in a state runner-up finish. Key actions included the adoption on second reading of an ordinance changing parking rates for the Aquarium and McMahan/Parkway Parking Facilities. New business addressed several items, including the approval of a Consulting and Brokerage Agreement with Barnes Insurance Agency, Inc. for 2026, the acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2025 (noting a clean audit with no findings), the approval of matching funds for the EDA Fiscal Year 2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant related to the Water Transmission Line Project, and the approval of the 5311 Rural Transportation Operating Assistance Grant Contract with the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The Commission also conducted first readings for several ordinances related to zoning amendments, building inspection fees, and approved additional funds for the Sevier County Food Ministry and Rocky Top Sports World. Finally, certain City items were declared surplus.

The meeting began with the pledge of allegiance and an invocation. Key discussions included the successful reaccreditation of the Police Department through the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. The City Manager reported on the recent blessing and dedication ceremony for the Safe Haven Baby Box located at Fire Department Station Number Two, and announced upcoming holiday closures for City Hall and other offices for Christmas and New Year's. The commission also discussed the annual New Year's Eve celebration plans, including road closures. Old business involved the second reading and approval of an ordinance to change parking rates for the aquarium facilities. New business included the approval of a consulting agreement with Barnes Insurance Agency for 2026, acceptance of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2025 (noted as a clean audit with no findings), approval of matching funds for an EDA disaster supplemental grant for a water transmission line project, approval of the 5311 rural transportation operating assistance grant contract, and initial readings of three ordinances concerning amendments to the Gatlinburg Zoning Ordinance related to outdoor dining and off-street parking, and adopting a new building inspection fee schedule. The commission also approved requests for additional funds for the Sevier County Food Ministry and Rocketub Sports World, and declared certain city items as surplus.

The City Commission Workshop Meeting was held to review the preliminary audit report for fiscal year 2024-2025 with the auditors. Key discussion points included the auditor's required communications, confirming independence, and noting that the audit resulted in an unmodified or clean opinion with no findings or material weaknesses. Financial highlights covered the city's net position, which showed an increase of $13.6 million, with $108.8 million being unrestricted. Governmental funds reported a combined ending fund balance of $95.5 million. The discussion also touched upon revenue sources, noting that sales tax (24%) and gross receipts tax (18%) form a significant portion of revenues. The impact of non-typical state funding on transit grants was mentioned as a reason for a decrease in operating grants. Other topics included an analysis of changes in net position driven by increased charges for services and overall expense increases related to compensation and capital expenditures. The report detailed capital asset additions, long-term debt outstanding of approximately $67.2 million, and upcoming accounting pronouncements (GASB 103 and 104). Finally, budgetary highlights for fiscal year 2026 were reviewed, noting that projected tax revenues were 5% less than prior year collections, though early quarter collections were better than projected. The budget includes funding for capital projects and the vehicle replacement program, and the parking department's operations will be moved into the general fund for FY26.