Bradley County Commission meeting recap

The Bradley County Commission met Monday afternoon for a work session.

Bradley County Mayor, Gary D. Davis, introduced representatives from the Southeast Tennessee Development District to hold a public hearing and explain the process for applying for Community Development Block Grants. These grants, funded through the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development, provide up to $1 million for construction or non-construction projects but require a 17% local match of the total project cost. The county could receive up to $1 million to help turf local baseball fields, with a required 17% local match.

The county is also considering pursuing a 50/50 matching grant through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for future phases of the turf project.

The commission reviewed a proposed Tax Increment Financing policy. The policy would outline how future TIF projects will be evaluated and aims to support mixed-use and retail developments. Commissioners raised questions about oversight, fiscal risks, and comparisons to PILOT programs. The policy will now go to the Finance Committee for review.

A rezoning request for property on Burris Lane from agricultural to high-density residential will be considered at the next voting session.

Commissioner Alford introduced a resolution to award Captain Jon Collins his service weapon upon retirement on January 15.

County offices will be closed Monday, January 19, for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The next voting session will be held on Tuesday, January 20, at noon.