Flood Mitigation Hot Topic for Council

McKENZIE (April 10) — Concerns over the continued flooding and sewer issues along South Main Street were addressed during the April meeting of the McKenzie City Council. Block City owner Matt Lane questioned the board for an update on future plans to ease the flooding low point in front of his business.

Mayor Ryan Griffin stated the City of McKenzie had renewed a 2019 Transportation Alternatives Program grant through the Tennessee Department of Transportation. The grant was renewed in December 2024. The grant was awarded to the city but had to go through various phases including environmental impact. The alternative grant will not only work to improve drainage along Main Street, ease issues with the sewer and build sidewalks connecting the downtown area.

Late 2026 is the estimated timeline for completion. The cost since 2019 has nearly doubled from $400,000 to $800,000 due to the deals. The City of McKenzie will pay less than a 10% share of the cost.

In other business, the Council approved the bond funding (Resolution 25-003) for the soccer complex at Mulberry Park. The total bond issuance is $206,000 with a 5% interest rate to be paid within a three-year period.

During the McKenzie Alcohol Board meeting conducted before the regular Council meeting, the Dollar General Store located at 24845 Highway 22 was issued an off-premises beer permit. Questions were raised during the meeting as to whom the permit should be issued in regards to the actual store or the store manager, Jessica Allston. City Attorney Beau Pemberton stated the permit should be issued in the name of the store in case the store manager were to no longer be at that location.

McKenzie resident Adam Czhakowski of the Linden subdivision thanked the Police Department and Animal Control for working to enforce the local leash ordinance. He stated dog owners have been building fences and walking dogs with leashes. It was stated that no decision had been made at the time if the Police were going to take over Animal Control. The decision would be made during budget discussions for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year.

During department reports, Street Supervisor Johnny Mercer stated they were working to repair ditches and culverts damaged during the storms and flooding. It was added that with the help of Carroll County EMA, the City would apply for funding from TEMA and FEMA to help offset the costs.

Parks and Recreation are busy with prep work as league spring and summer ball is underway. It was noted that with the help of the Street Department, Mulberry Park has undergone several renovations including gravel parking lots and fence removal.

The Fire Department received 50 calls for March. 26 of the calls were medical-based. One structure fire was reported. Four first responders completed the Emergency Medical Responder training with two passing the exam on the first try.

The Police Department received 1805 calls in March. Two officers have completed the academy and one officer is currently in the academy. Police Chief Ryan White stated an individual who fired a shotgun near Walnut Avenue was taken into custody.

In general reports, Mayor Ryan Griffin stated the City will have a strategic planning session on Thursday, April 17 at 9 p.m. in the Depot. Mayor Griffin also thanked Elliot Designs and The McKenzie Banner for their work on the new banners in town. The banners advertise McKenzie and support the local schools.

The next regular meeting of the McKenzie City Council is May 8 at 6 p.m.