by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“I’m working on a three penny sales tax on gasoline,” said Alderman Dan Sargent at the Oct. 28 Monteagle Council meeting, reporting on his efforts on the town’s behalf to allow Monteagle to tax vehicle fuel sold at the pump. “It [the revenue] could build roads, we need a new lake. It would take a couple million for that. Monteagle has a water problem.” In regular business, the council approved purchase of a new one-ton dump truck and accepted the donation of a snowplow attachment for the truck. Beautification and Tree Committee Chair Martha Ann Pilcher updated the council and residents on Monteagle’s holiday plans.

Sargent explained levying a gasoline sales tax would require state and possibly federal approval. He has contacted Senator Bill Hagerty for assistance. “The revenue from the Pilot alone could yield $2 million annually,” Sargent said. “The revenue would come primarily from tourists.” The tax would be added to the fuel price at the pump.

Commenting on Monteagle’s water supply, Mayor Greg Maloof said Laurel Lake had dropped to seven feet, and Monteagle was buying water from Tracy City. During the upcoming repair to the basin at the water plant, Tracy City would supply all Monteagle’s water. Tracy City should be able to accommodate Monteagle’s needs, according to Maloof, allowing Monteagle to keep the water in Laurel Lake on reserve for fire protection. Maloof urged conservation even though the town was not under a drought mandate at the present.

The new dump truck for the Street Department would cost $58,000, Maloof said. The budget allocated $90,000 for the purchase. Sargent observed purchasing the truck from Gov Deals saved the town money, as much as 15-20 percent. The new truck will replace two beyond-repair vehicles. Alderman Nate Wilson speculated the two retired vehicles might bring as much as $5,000 when sold, making the new truck expenditure half the budgeted amount. Commenting on the donated snowplow, Maloof pointed out, “The state plows Main Street, but we have a lot of side roads.”

Monteagle’s Christmas parade is scheduled for 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7. The town received a $35,000 grant to repair the electrical outlets used to illuminate holiday decorations downtown. Pilcher hopes the lighting of the Christmas trees on Main Street can be coordinated with Santa passing in the parade. Monteagle is hosting a scavenger hunt where participants are challenged to find ornaments on the Main Street trees. Winners will be announced at the Hannah Pickett Park festivities following the parade. Under the direction of City Recorder Debbie Taylor, the staff at city hall is conducting a Toys for Tots campaign and welcomes cash donations for purchasing Christmas morning gifts for children from needy families.

Pilcher also updated the council and residents on other Beautification Committee projects. The committee has applied for a $1 million grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield for new playground equipment for Hannah Pickett Park. The committee received $10,000 from the South Cumberland Community Fund for a sign for Monteagle Elementary School. The sign stand will be constructed of mountain stone.

Reporting on plans to hire a consultant to assist Monteagle with zoning definitions and mapping, Wilson said he would submit the Request for Proposals to the council and planning commission for review. On Monteagle’s behalf, Wilson has applied for a $65,000 grant to help offset the cost of the consultant.

Police Chief William Raline brought two issues to the community’s attention. The Police Department had received complaints about issuing too many traffic violations. In October, the department issued significantly fewer citations. Vehicle crashes increased from six to 16 in one month’s time. “You have to ask yourself would you rather have more citations, or would you rather have more crashes?” Raline said. He also reported on five Identity Theft incidents, mail and phone scams where the contacting party claimed to be the IRS and threatened arrest to gain credit card and bank account information. The scammers typically targeted the elderly, according to Raline. He advised residents victimized by scammers to contact the Police Department.

The council approved combining the 2021 zoning ordinance and all subsequent amendments in a single document.

The council meets next Nov. 18, rather than the last Monday, to avoid conflict with the Thanksgiving holiday.