Cookeville Mayor Laurin Wheaton said city officials are now working on plans for the Dodson Branch annexed area.
Wheaton said the plans focus on services to outline how utilities and emergency protection will be delivered to the newly annexed area.
“We’re excited to bring another area into Cookeville that we can you know work on the growth that’s happening in Cookeville,” Wheaton said. “Again, I know the benefit of providing police, fire protection to our citizens, the utilities and you know with the way Cookeville is growing, it gives an opportunity for something new to happen out in that area and for it to be a part of the actual city of Cookeville.”
Wheaton said the annexation was requested by property owners who wanted access to city-managed utilities like water and sewer. Wheaton said while property owners will now be responsible for both city and county taxes, they will also see a significant reduction in their electric rates compared to local cooperatives.
“That’s one of the benefits of the city of Cookeville having our own electric, water, sewer, gas, that kind of stuff is that we’re the ones that run it,” Wheaton said. “So if there are any troubles or you know anything happens we can get out there and fix it as soon as possible.”
Wheaton said the city plans to improve infrastructure in the area by installing larger water and sewer lines to increase capacity. Wheaton said these utility improvements are necessary to ensure that future growth in the area is sustainable and planned with foresight.
“So, we were excited that the annexation passed by vote,” Wheaton said. “That’s actually something that changed within the past few years is that we have to put that annexation up to referendum and that did pass so we’re excited about that.”
Wheaton said the inclusion of city fire protection provides a financial benefit to homeowners because a high Insurance Services Office rating often resulting in lower homeowner’s insurance premiums for residents within the city limits. Additionally, Wheaton said annexed residents who are registered will be able to vote in general elections
“So they’re going to get those benefits as well as the benefits of you know being able to vote in (city) elections now if they’re a registered voter,” Wheaton said.
Wheaton said it is important for the public to distinguish between the Dodson Branch Road area being annexed and the Dodson Branch community located closer to Jackson County. Wheaton said the city has no plans to annex the separate Dodson Branch community and wanted to clear up confusion regarding the similar names.
“So just making sure people understand what area is actually being annexed because I’ve had some people reach out and say, hey, is this is my address, you know, in part of the annexation?” Wheaton said. “And making sure people know it’s Dodson Branch Road, not Dodson Branch community, because those are two separate places.”
Wheaton said the annexation will officially take effect shortly after the election results are certified.