Tag: Lewisburg

The Tennessee Department of Environment Announces over $34 Million for Infrastructure Grants

Kaitlyn Osteen

The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced on Tuesday that 12 grants totaling $34,585,121 from Tennessee’s American Rescue Plan, will be administered in the form of water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure grants.

“These grants will address important water infrastructure needs across our state, especially in disadvantaged communities. We commend communities who have gone through the application process, and we look forward to the substantial improvements the grant will bring,” said Governor Bill Lee.

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Sources: State Rep. Rick Tillis to Step Down as Whip After No Confidence Vote

Chris Butler

  State Rep. Rick Tillis (R-Lewisburg) has agreed to step down from his majority whip position, according to an email Majority Caucus Chairman and State Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby) sent to his fellow legislators last week. That’s all top officials at the state capitol seem to say publicly. But there is more to the story, at least according to various sources. Those sources told The Tennessee Star two weeks ago that Tillis only stepped down after a vote of no confidence among his colleagues. Sources, who requested anonymity, said Tillis stepped down after members of one internal Republican caucus held a closed-door meeting and said they doubted Tillis’ abilities as majority whip. As reported, Tillis denied posting anonymous and derogatory tweets disparaging Tennessee state house members and their staff under the name @CHBmole. But Tillis’ colleague, State Rep. Andy Holt (R-Dresden) said at the time that Tillis indeed took up that persona and said Tillis already confessed to him. Holt already used his personal Twitter to out Tillis. CHP is short for the Cordell Hull Building, where legislators have offices. Sources said Tillis admitted to his colleagues he was indeed involved with the CHBmole account — but he said he shared that account with…

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Lewisburg Officials Reportedly Might Lay Off Employees After $100,000 Overdraft

Chris Butler

  Members of the Lewisburg City Council reportedly adopted a policy this week that may lead to the city laying off employees seven months after the city’s bank account was overdrawn by $100,000. This, according to the Lewisburg-based Marshall County Tribune this week. But, as the paper quoted Councilman Jerry Gordon as saying, no one has made any decisions as they pertain to layoffs. Department heads believed the city would cut employees from the police, fire, and parks departments, The Marshall County Tribune reported. “In December, the city’s bank account was $100,000 overdrawn, forcing the city to borrow money on future tax revenues in order to make payroll. Ultimately, the city drew $700,000 in tax anticipation notes to keep operating, which have been repaid. The council has already authorized up to $1 million in notes to be issued this fiscal year. By their own resolution, the city should maintain a minimum of 30 percent of the operating budget in the fund balance at the start of a fiscal year,” the paper reported. “That equates to roughly $3.5 million, based on the operating budget. On July 1 this year the city had approximately $300,000 on hand. While sales tax revenues come in…

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