By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Paris City Commission reviewed the latest plans for the new city Fire Station, which will be located at the intersection between Hwy. 79 S and Spruce St.
City Manager Kim Foster distributed drawings to commission members and the media showing how the space will be utilized.
The TLM Engineering Firm met with Fire Chief Jamie Hinson to ensure they are on track for all required space. A few modifications were made to the station to accommodate all equipment and circulation of space.
Foster said TLM has met with all the city departments to make sure they are on track with all the requirements for spaces in the planned new facility for the police department and municipal offices (which will still be downtown).
In a related action, the commission approved a resolution to incur indebtedness with USDA for the new municipal building.
In June of 2023, Foster said, “We passed a resolution which made known the City’s desire to apply for federal assistance, administered by USDA Rural Development, to build a new municipal facility. The following resolution, presented for your consideration, is to make known our desire to move forward with our application and incur indebtedness by issuing bonds”, which amount to $24M.
In other business:
Foster said, “Once again, building strong relationships with partners like USDA RD is reaping benefits. USDA RD Area Director Brandon Orr contacted” her recently to see if the City intends to purchase any emergency response vehicles this year because ‘they have $40,000 in Community Facility Grant Funds that could be ours if we have qualifying planned expenditures. We do plan to purchase two police vehicles which will qualify” and the commission approved the resolution.
–City Attorney James Smith reviewed the results of a performance review of City Manager Kim Foster and her employment contract.
Mayor Kathy Ray said, “Kim helped me when I was a new commissioner and she has helped others. And networking—she has benefited us greatly with that.”
Commissioner Jackie Jones said, “Kim’s reputation statewide is impeccable” and Vickey Roberts said, “She is always there, always available. She is a forward-thinker, both she and her team here.”
–James P. Williams of 1315 E. Blythe St. has submitted a rezoning request for property he owns at the corner of East Blythe Street and Volunteer Drive. There are four parcels for which he is requesting the rezoning. Currently the property is zoned R-1L (Low Density Single Family Residential). He is requesting a rezoning to B-1 (highway commercial) to allow commercial uses at this location.
The request was forwarded to the planning commission for its recommendation.
–In the financial report, Tammie Hopper said, “Retail sales tax revenue was up almost one percent with an overall fiscal year-to-date collection increase of 4.84% through the month of May.
The purchase of the Tyson Property for the new Fire Department was completed which resulted in a deficit for the month of June. Please remember the fiscal year-end numbers are unaudited and will change when our audit has been completed. The monthly operating statement annual budget totals reflect the recent approved budget amendments.
The City issued 3 new minimal (under $100K) business licenses to: Paris Pro Properties, Kayla Glover (Photography and Crafts) and From The Hive LLC.
The Emergency Communications Department hired one new Full-time Dispatcher, the City Garage hired one Full-time Mechanic, the Fire Department hired two Full-time Firefighters and Public Works hired one Full-time Street Laborer. Congratulations to Jr. Webb and Mark Mead on their retirement.