A $1 million Community Development Block Grant awarded to the City of Ducktown on behalf of Copper Basin Utility District has been awarded.
Ducktown Mayor Doug Collins made the announcement at the council’s Thursday, November 7, meeting–stating that it will be used to improve water lines but did not indicate where the improvements would be made.
The fund amount is the maximum that could be given and was awarded “based on priorities set through the public meeting process at the local community level,” according to the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).
The grant is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered through the TNECD.
Collins also told that the hospital’s license is officially in the city’s name and has been renewed for two years.
As a result of the names being switched over, commercial leases between the city and doctor’s offices were approved with the same conditions made between the offices’ and the county.
The council also agreed to approve up to $10,000 to purchase a trailer for their dozer and other equipment.
During public comment, debate was had again between city resident Chris Higdon and council members regarding building permits. Josh Holder, the city’s building inspector, was in attendance to help answer questions.
Higdon expressed that he was not satisfied with how the city has been handling building permits, stating that many builds and remodels were being made without acquiring a permit.
The council agreed to come up with a plan to better address those concerns and enforce the permits.