Paris, Tenn.—Meeting in regular session Thursday night, the Paris City Commission heard a report on the MyRide TN program and what it could mean for the local community.
Rob Goad, Executive Director of the Paris-Henry County Industrial Committee, presented information on the program which is a senior volunteer transportation service. Volunteer drivers use their personal vehicles to carry older Tennesseans to a variety of destinations, including medical appointments and grocery stores.
Goad said volunteer drivers are needed, noting that reimbursement for mileage is available and liability insurance is provided.
Under the program, rides are provided Monday through Friday and priority is given to doctor appointments.
Finance Director Traci Shannon reported that retail sales tax revenue reflected a surge of spending during the month of May compared to May of last year. “We had a 9.89% increase for the month and are now ahead 2.00% for fiscal year-to-date,” Shannon said.
General Fund revenues were ahead of expenditures for the month of June and for the fiscal year-to-date. Shannon said, “We finished our fiscal year on a high note with FY20 expenditures below revenues and below budget by almost 7%. This has provided us with more to cushion our fund balance for the upcoming unpredictable year.”
Six new business licenses were issued: Back Door Deli, JoJo’s Detail Shop, American Medical Response, Heads Up Barber & Beauty Shop, E&H Refrigeration
The commission heard a request from Jim Robertson with Habitat for Humanity to acquire a city-owned lot at 306 Irvine St. Habitat would like to use the property to build their next house. The commission referred the request to the planning commission.
Also referred to the planning commission:
–A request from Jane Overton to acquire city-owned property at the corner of Lone Oak Rd. and Volunteer Drive. The parcel is not large enough for development and has no value to the city of Paris, according to City Community Development Director Jennifer Morris.
–A request by Mike Dorris to acquire the city-owned lot at 309 N. Porter St.
–A request by owners of property at Hwy. 641S and Skyview Dr. to rezone the property from P-B (Planned business) to allow them to build multiple duplexes at the location.
–A request from Tim Boyd (PMB Rentals) and Harlan Crawford (NAPA Auto Store) to acquire property that is currently a part of property owned by the City of Paris and acquired through an LPRF grant provided by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conversation. In addition to referral to the planning commission, the city commission asked that more study be done by staff.
In other business:
–The commission approved appointment of Patrick Smith on the Heritage Center board to replace the late Barton Robison and reappointed Terry Fuller and George Bass Jr. to the Paris Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals.