The Greene County Commission had an almost four hour meeting yesterday to discuss various topics including a six month moratorium for RV Parks/Campgrounds, revising regulations for short terms rentals including Airbnb’s, and budgets for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year.
With 14 commissioners voting yes and only 7 voting no, the six-month moratorium was approved last night. Several citizens had concerns regarding the zoning ordinance with many of them attending every meeting they could. The temporary moratorium will allow the planning commission time to study and do further research for uses permitted in the county.
The commission also approved a resolution to amend the Greene County Zoning Resolution to regulate short-term rentals within the unincorporated territory. The proposal approved can be found here: County Commission Resolution C. Short term rentals will be subject to hotel/mote tax. Commissioner Brad Peters made a motion to request changing language pertaining to the Enforcement Officer, who will perform inspections to ensure compliance. The amendment was approved to state “Code Enforcement Officer”.
The Election Commission was approved to add another position to the department. The Budget and Finance committee heard budget presentations from several departments and originally included the position for the department for the upcoming fiscal year. After a budget workshop was held, the committee denied the position due to the understanding commission members wanted to keep the budget the same as last year, meaning no tax increase and no new hires, except to the EMS Department.
But after back and forth discussions, an explanation of the lack of staff and legitimate need for help, and the amount of funds ranging from $70,000 to $100,000 that the Election Commission sends back to the Budget and Finance Department every year, Commissioner Chase Murray made a motion to add the position back into the budget. 19 commissioners voted yes and two voted no.
Moreover, the 2024-25 Fiscal Year budget effective July 1st was officially approved. There is no tax increase. The property tax rate remains the same; $1.64 for residents inside the Greeneville City limits and $1.65 for residents outside of Greeneville on each $100 of taxable property.
