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CLB appoints IDB members
The Cocke County Legislative Body, meeting Monday gave it's approval to a slate of members who will serve on the newly revamped Industrial Development Board. Partnership President Lucas Graham explained that the IDB is the only entity which can recommend tax abatements for firms looking to locate in Cocke County or those firms already here who are looking to expand. He said there are three local firms considering an expansion, and are awaiting a decision on their requested tax break. The body approved members who will join city appointees. Attorney Carty McSween will serve as the Board's legal adviser, and others appointed are; Robert Green, representing the CLB, Kyle Shute, Kathy Brooks, Dr. John Chambers, Michael Vick and Linda Wester. Mayor Crystal Ottinger said the community currently is finding it difficult to be competitive in recruiting businesses. "The matrix we currently use is the same as surrounding counties and we are loosing prospective businesses to those counties. We must be more aggressive than those counties to attract businesses because they have more things to offer than we do, such as restaurants and schools." She suggested the tax abatement must be greater than the surrounding communities if new businesses are to be attracted to Cocke County. The body agreed to apply for a new Litter Grant from TDOT. The body was encouraged by Chair Clay Blazer to get involved in the budgeting process, and Mayor Ottinger explained that county funds were used for EMA Director Kevin Benton to attend the Leadership program. The response came after concerns were expressed by a concerned citizen. The mayor pointed out that program allows for important networking and provides points for communities who apply for state grants. There also was discussion about First Call EMS. The mayor said the current contract will expire in July, 2017, and another firm is interested in bidding for the contract, so the CLB should consider how to address that issue. The county has the option to extend the contract by five years.
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Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
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Mill Creek Wildfire Update
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Wednesday, April 28, 2021
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