31-01-2025
Mayors return from Nashville as Helene relief bill passes
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)—Mayors from the region traveled to Nashville earlier this week for Governor Bill Lee's special session to advocate for East Tennesseeans. They returned home on Thursday feeling hopeful for their counties after the passage of the Hurricane Helene relief bill.
One of them was Unicoi County Mayor Bubba Evely, who was emotional when speaking about the devastation his county had experienced.
Tennessee General Assembly passes Helene recovery bill
'Just to the industrial park devastation, we've lost about 15% of our gross revenues,' Evely said. 'And until that's rebuilt, you know, we lose property tax. We lose personal property tax. Our sales tax will probably be lower. And so the governor's pledge that this wasn't the end of what the state would do in our meeting yesterday, I was really excited about that. He said he would continue to be here for the counties that were hit hardest.'
Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby told News Channel 11 she was frustrated that it took so long for the session to be held and funds awarded, but she's focused on the future.
'There has been a level of frustration, and we've been saying what we said to the committee for several months now,' Woodby said. 'Whether it be at the local level, the state level and the federal level, all of the northeast, northeast Tennessee mayors have been preaching their concerns to every level of government that we could possibly get in touch with.'
'I cannot speak, and I still don't have an answer as to why it took four months to get us there. But what I can say is that we are truly grateful [for] the bill that passed last night. The main goal now is to not look at the past and what has happened. The main goal now is to see that this bill is passed and that we're accessing the funds to build our communities back.'
Woodby said her priority is ensuring that the community, which has already endured a lot, does not bear the financial burden.
'Everything revolves around money,' Woodby said. 'And we're a small rural county with a small tax base, and our only stream of revenue is our taxpayers. And we do not, and I will not support putting that burden on our taxpayers. That's one reason why we're looking at every option to offset even having to discuss anything about a tax increase on our citizens. It's just not in the cards.'
Evely and Woodby emphasized their gratitude for funding but agreed that this would not cover the total loss – expecting future bills and additional funding.
'I think this is a step forward to kind of give guidance on what's going to be needed and just get us some money moving into our communities,' Woodby said. 'But I do not for a minute think that this will be enough. They will have to look at passing future bills as they get into session next week for their full session, and myself and my colleagues, other mayors will continue to let them know the needs and concerns and the dollar amounts needed here.'
The bills will now go to Gov. Lee's desk for him to sign.
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