A public hearing and referendum timeline set for Cookeville’s proposed annexation of the Dodson Branch Road area.
Community Development Director Jon Ward said the annexation process began with a property owner request. He said the city later expanded the proposal to include surrounding properties to allow for efficient delivery of city services.
“Upon studying the annexation request, the city included additional territory, which resulted in approximately 280 total acres in the proposed annexation,” Ward said.
Council previously directed staff to begin the steps necessary to place the referendum on the May 5, 2026, Putnam County primary election ballot. Ward said that action set the current timeline now moving forward.
“The resolution tonight schedules a public hearing on the proposed plan of services and annexation referendum for the March 19, 2026, council meeting,” Ward said. “If approved at that meeting, the referendum would be held during the May 5 election.”
Ward said public notices will be published, signs will be posted in the proposed annexation area, and letters will be mailed to affected property owners to meet state notice requirements. He said the Planning Commission will also hold a final public hearing on the plan of services later in February.
Ward told council that one tract within the proposed annexation area may be excluded because it is assessed primarily for agricultural use. He said state law requires owner consent for annexation of agricultural property, and the city is awaiting a response from that landowner.
Council members voted unanimously to approve the resolution, allowing the annexation process to move forward toward the March public hearing and the May referendum.