Sullivan County hears update on new jail: contractors cite smoke‑evac issues, contingency spending and phased warranties Contractors told the Sullivan County Commission on Feb. 19 that the jail project contract stands at $104,787,000, that smoke‑exhaust testing failed and required added detectors and change orders, and that phased occupancy raises warranty and handoff questions for county leaders.

Sullivan County's new jail project faces significant hurdles as contractors reveal costly smoke-exhaust failures and critical warranty concerns that could impact taxpayers.

Get the details!

#SullivanCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #TaxpayerAccountability #PublicSafety #SullivanCountyJail

Residents oppose ICE partnerships as Sullivan County Commission approves consent calendar, opioid‑fund appropriation and vehicle bond Large public comment turnout urged commissioners to reject ICE/Homeland Security partnerships and grant money; the commission nevertheless approved the consent calendar and adopted resolutions including an opioid‑settlement appropriation to Families Free and a capital outlay note to buy sheriff vehicles.

Residents of Sullivan County rallied against ICE funding, fearing it could lead to racial profiling and civil rights violations, yet the commission approved several resolutions regardless.

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN #CivicAccountability #CommunityEngagement #CitizenPortal

Commission debates use of opioid-abatement funds to buy women's recovery home; vote deferred Commissioners discussed proposals to spend opioid-abatement funds on a women's recovery residence and program services. Families Free presented program outcomes and operations; commissioners raised concerns about the proposed site in the county-seat historic district and asked for neighbor outreach and an appraisal. Items 12 and 13 were rolled to next week for further vetting.

The Sullivan County Commission is at a crossroads, debating the use of opioid settlement funds for a women's recovery home amid concerns over its location and community impact.

Read the full story

#SullivanCounty #TN #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #SullivanCountyRecovery

Wayne Saward Monument Maker | The Woodstock Whisperer/Jim Shelley Wayne Saward Monument Maker SE corner the Hurd Road/West Shore Road intersection sits the concrete monument that Wayne Saward designed and built in 1984.

Remembering and appreciating Wayne Saward, Monument Maker. #February9, 1957 – March 23, 2009 #Woodstock #BethelWoods #SullivanCounty woodstockwhisperer.info/wayne-saward...

Schools director outlines CTE gains, grants and employer partnerships Sullivan County Schools Director Chuck Carter reported growth in career and technical education: 306 students earning dual‑enrollment credits, 434 industry certifications, 251 students placed in work‑based learning with roughly 189 employer partners, and several grants—including a Perkins Reserve award and other federal/state funds—supporting new STEM and CTE facilities.

Sullivan County Schools are paving the way for future careers, with over 300 students earning college credits and hundreds more gaining vital industry certifications!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN #WorkforceDevelopment #STEMInitiatives #CitizenPortal #SullivanCountySchools

Commission funds regional tourism association after quarterly tourism report After hearing a quarterly tourism and marketing report from Northeast Tennessee Tourism, the Sullivan County Commission approved a $129,021.57 appropriation from occupancy‑tax collections to the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association; the presentation highlighted multi‑market digital campaigns and campaign metrics.

Sullivan County just approved over $129,000 to boost tourism efforts, with campaigns reaching millions across major cities!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #EconomicDevelopment #TourismPromotion #DigitalMarketing #SullivanCountyTourism

Commissioners hear pleas over steep mobile‑home reappraisals and tax impacts Commissioners discussed multiple constituent reports of large appraisal increases on mobile homes—one example rose from roughly $42,500 to $107,700—prompting calls to consult the state equalization board and explore tax‑relief options to prevent homeowner loss.

Commissioners are facing mounting pressure as mobile home appraisals skyrocket, leaving residents to question how their taxes could double overnight!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN #SullivanCountyMobileHomes #PropertyAppraisalReform #TaxReliefOptions #CitizenPortal

Commission appoints members, adopts veteran-support resolution and advances several items to first reading The commission confirmed appointments to local boards, approved a veterans-support resolution, and moved multiple resolutions (small-business incubator, school reallocation, data center moratorium, juvenile interlocal) to first reading; several routine items and notaries were approved by vote.

Sullivan County's latest commissioner meeting saw key appointments, a powerful resolution supporting veterans, and several important initiatives placed on the table for future discussion.

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #TN #SullivanCountyVeterans #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance

Sullivan County Commission approves TIF for Dobyns-Taylor hotel redevelopment in Kingsport The commission voted to adopt a tax-increment financing request to support converting the Dobyns-Taylor warehouse in downtown Kingsport into a boutique hotel and restaurant; the proposal includes a $1.3 million TIF over 25 years with a 5% holdback and an estimated $10 million-plus private investment.

Sullivan County is breathing new life into downtown Kingsport with a $1.3 million TIF package aimed at transforming the historic Dobyns-Taylor warehouse into a chic boutique hotel and restaurant, projected to bring over $10 million in private investment!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN

Downtown Kingsport TIF request for Dobbins Taylor warehouse presented to Sullivan County commission A presenter asked the commission to support a tax-increment financing package of $1.3 million over 25 years (5% holdback) to help convert the Dobbins Taylor warehouse into a 60-room boutique hotel and mixed-use space; the commission deferred detailed review until next week.

A bold new proposal could transform the historic Dobbins Taylor warehouse into a chic boutique hotel, but will the Sullivan County Commission give it the green light?

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #TN #TaxIncrementFinancing #CitizenPortal #CommunityInvestment #KingsportEconomicDevelopment

Sullivan County outlines SNAP resumption, expected HEAP start, and countywide QRT expansion County commissioner reported SNAP payments resumed after the federal shutdown, HEAP authorization is in place with an expected local opening around Nov. 24, and the DA-led Quick Response Team (QRT) that operated in Liberty and Fallsburg will be expanded countywide under COSUP grant funding.

Sullivan County is making significant strides in social services with the resumption of SNAP benefits, a new HEAP opening soon, and the expansion of the Quick Response Team to enhance community support.

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #CommunityHealth

1477: #JoeEvansCarr is the #SullivanCounty #Tennessee #Commissioner. He was arrested in #Asheville, #NorthCarolina after an incident where he allegedly groped a woman who told her boyfriend.goppredators.wordpress.com/2025/11/12/1477-joe-evan...

Sullivan County discusses special zoning and possible moratorium for data centers amid energy and infrastructure concerns Commissioners heard an informational briefing that data centers can be energy- and water-intensive and that the planning department is drafting a P&D-3 (plant/manufacturing) district; staff and commissioners favored a time-limited moratorium while zoning and infrastructure requirements are written.

Sullivan County is taking significant steps to shape the future of data centers, balancing energy demands with community needs—could a temporary moratorium be the key to effective zoning?

Learn more here!

#SullivanCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #SullivanCountyDataCenters #InfrastructurePlanning

Legislature debates whether to budget $5.4M for county nursing home; Chair warns of tax impact A prolonged debate focused on the county nursing home’s costs and whether to budget an estimated $5.4 million; the Chair said the cost could push the county tax increase from the current 9.1% toward about 16% if added to the budget. The body approved a contract with Thompson Sanitation and voted down a motion to return a nursing-home-related item '

Sullivan County legislators are grappling with a $5.4 million decision that could skyrocket taxes from 9.1% to nearly 16%—will they finally tackle the nursing home costs head-on?

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #HealthcareAccess #TaxPolicy

Sullivan County readies snow fleet, flags 39 'critical' bridges under new state rule County public works officials said crews staged snow trucks and prepared supervisors for winter while detailing a new state 'critical bridges' inspection requirement that lists 39 county bridges and will add monitoring and reporting duties. Officials also outlined multiple bridge projects through 2027 and a roughly $800,000 HVAC replacement at the​

Sullivan County is gearing up for winter with a busy schedule and a new mandate to monitor 39 critical bridges—find out how they're preparing for the challenges ahead!

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #WinterReadiness #InfrastructureSafety #BridgeMaintenance

Sullivan County committee reviews tentative 2026 budget; proposes 9.12% property tax increase County budget staff presented a tentative 2026 budget that uses $5.5 million of fund balance and would result in a proposed 9.12% property tax increase (about $114 annually per $100,000 assessed value); two public hearings are scheduled for Dec. 2 and Dec. 4.

Sullivan County's tentative 2026 budget proposes a staggering 9.12% property tax increase, raising concerns among residents about the impact on their wallets.

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #SullivanCountyBudget #FiscalTransparency #CommunityEngagement #TaxationPolicy

Sullivan County says broadband construction underway under $30M state grant; plans to reach 22,480 locations County IT lead Lauren said construction began Oct. 23 after a 13-month effort to finalize a 578-page grant disbursement agreement; the plan seeks to serve 22,480 locations with a $30 million maximum grant, at least 51% via fiber at a 100 Mbps symmetric minimum and an overall county coverage of roughly 55% in this phase.

Sullivan County's long-awaited broadband construction is finally underway, aiming to connect over 22,000 locations with high-speed internet after a challenging 13-month wait.

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #SullivanCountyBroadband #CitizenPortal #DigitalInclusion #PublicSafetyAccess

County reports CNA program growth, teacher residency and hiring events as employers seek workers Officials said 13 of 14 electrical program graduates have jobs, CNA and carpentry classes will restart in March, BOCES and Mount Saint Mary will pilot a teacher residency backed by up to $30,000 in grant support, and a careers fair will feature multiple employers recruiting locally.

Exciting job opportunities are blooming in Sullivan County, with nearly all electrical class graduates landing jobs and new training programs set to launch for certified nursing assistants and teachers!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #InclusiveHiring #CareerDevelopment

Sullivan County previewing major projects as power and utility constraints shape site readiness County economic development officials outlined a pipeline of projects — including Groesinger’s due diligence, two prospects for the former PepsiCo site, and the FIMPO Environmental Impact Statement — and warned that power, water and sewer needs remain major barriers to bringing preapproved sites online.

Sullivan County is on the brink of transformative economic growth, but utility constraints could hold back ambitious projects set for 2026.

Learn more here!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #UtilityChallenges #EconomicGrowth #SullivanCountyEconomy #InfrastructureDevelopment

County staff report grant training, broadband fiber work and NYSEG rate-case advocacy; milfoil removal at training pond underway Planning and grants staff reported training for project planning and grant management, noted visible broadband fiber installation in parts of Fremont, and described continued county review and advocacy related to the NYSEG rate case. Staff also described work to address Eurasian milfoil at the county emergency services training center pond.

Sullivan County is making strides in grant readiness, broadband expansion, and tackling invasive species, all while advocating for fair utility rates—discover how these efforts are shaping the future!

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #GrantManagement

Office for the Aging reports food assistance metrics and proposed reallocations; Legislature approves a block vote of routine resolutions Office for the Aging reported September service metrics, described a proposal to increase a 2026 budget line for the Community Assistance Center from $10,000 to $40,000, and outlined youth-bureau reallocations of library contracts to other community organizations. Later in the meeting the Legislature approved a block vote of three items that were 1

Sullivan County's Office for the Aging has unveiled impressive metrics for September, revealing a surge in food assistance and proposed budget boosts to support local community initiatives.

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #FoodSecurity #YouthFunding

Sullivan County issues RFP for countywide groundwater study; staff say findings will be shared with local planners County staff presented an RFP for a hydrogeological study of Sullivan County’s aquifers, with proposals due Nov. 21 and a steering-committee kickoff set for Nov. 13. Staff emphasized the study will be a public planning tool and include training for local boards; some members raised concern about publicly identifying sensitive aquifer locations.

Sullivan County is gearing up for a vital hydrogeological study that could reshape our understanding of groundwater resources—are we ready to protect our precious aquifers?

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #WaterResourceManagement #SullivanCountyGroundwater

SUNY Sullivan outlines strategic plan, enrollment shifts and workforce training; county Sullivan Promise cost estimated at $264,700 SUNY Sullivan presented a draft strategic-plan process, reported mixed enrollment signals with head count at 1,533 and higher FTEs, and detailed workforce training cohorts. The college said the county’s cost for the Sullivan Promise program is about $264,700 for 102 active recipients.

SUNY Sullivan is reshaping its future with a strategic plan that not only tackles enrollment challenges but also expands workforce training and supports student well-being.

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #SullivanCountyEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #CommunityResources

Sullivan County warns of imminent forensic pathologist shortage after Dr. Ashers retirement County officials told the meeting that Dr. Asher, the countys primary forensic pathologist, is retiring Nov. 15, leaving only one part-time pathologist and prompting negotiations over higher autopsy fees, an extended RFP and contingency plans including transporting decedents out of county.

Sullivan County is facing a forensic pathologist crisis with Dr. Asher's retirement, leaving only one part-time pathologist and rising autopsy fees that could force families to transport loved ones out of county for examinations.

Click to read more!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal

Family council praises staffing changes at Sunset Lake as legislature authorizes elevator repairs; members debate nursing‑home finances and LDC deed transfer A family‑council leader at the Care Center at Sunset Lake thanked the county for newly hired facility staff and supported an elevator‑refurbishment contract; legislators debated how to fund the repairs amid wider questions about the nursing home’s costs and the Local Development Corporation deed transfer.

Positive changes at Sunset Lake are being celebrated, but looming financial concerns and a $8 million debt raise questions about the facility's future.

Get the details!

#SullivanCounty #NY #PublicFinance #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #HealthcareReform #SullivanCountyNursingHomes

Kingsport presents Justice Center expansion and security upgrades; county and city describe multi-year project Kingsport city officials updated the commission on the Kingsport Justice Center expansion, an ongoing joint project that includes a new foyer/security screening area, added courtrooms and renovations to existing court spaces; the project is budgeted and under construction in phases.

The Kingsport Justice Center is set for a major expansion and renovation, enhancing security and accessibility with a stunning new design and a $19 million investment!

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #TN #CommunityAccessibility #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #SullivanCountyJustice #JudicialReform

Votes at a glance: Sullivan County Commission actions — October meeting Summary of formal votes and outcomes from the Sullivan County Commission meeting, including acceptance of a donated property for EMS Station 2, three zoning amendments, a real-estate transfer tax resolution, Operation Green Light proclamation, occupancy-tax appropriation to NEDA, and approval of the consent calendar and related routine items.

Sullivan County Commission made significant strides in their October meeting, including the acceptance of a vital EMS property and multiple zoning amendments that could reshape the community!

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #CommunityVeterans #LandUseReform

Public commenters raise concerns about committee procedures, regionalized health care and a possible reentry housing site During public comment at the Sullivan County Legislature meeting, speakers urged clearer committee procedures to comply with the Open Meetings Law, voiced concern about regionalization of hospital services and confirmed interest in a reentry/transitional housing project in Monticello.

Public commenters in Sullivan County are demanding clearer legislative procedures to protect local health services and support a vital reentry housing project in Monticello.

Get the details!

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability #HealthCareReform #CommunityTransitionalHousing

Sullivan County legislators press for local NYSEG hearing, urge PSC to limit delivery-rate increase At an Executive Committee meeting, legislators and staff discussed NYSEG's pending rate case and urged the New York State Public Service Commission to hold an in-person hearing in Sullivan County, to allow hedging for time‑of‑use customers and to consider local grid investments without shifting immediate cost burdens onto residents.

Sullivan County leaders are demanding local hearings on NYSEG's proposed rate hikes after residents face staggering winter bills—will their voices be heard?

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #SullivanCountyUtility #EnergyBills #PublicService

Sullivan County Legislature approves blocks of resolutions, waives rules to back Evergreen Meadows NYSERDA application The Sullivan County Legislature passed multiple grouped resolutions, amended an IT staffing resolution, and unanimously approved a handout resolution endorsing Evergreen Meadows Services’ NYSERDA Building Cleaner Communities application after waiving the rules.

Sullivan County Legislature just made a huge move by supporting Evergreen Meadows' innovative project aimed at transforming lives and creating jobs—find out what this means for the community!

Learn more here

#SullivanCounty #NY #CitizenPortal #MentalHealthSupport #JobCreation