The Townsend Chamber of Commerce Townsend, Tennessee Chartered 1992

Schools/Government/Services

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City of Townsend Government and Services

The City of Townsend was chartered in 1921 by folks who were involved with the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company. Those folks saw the benefit to the citizens with a collective voice representing the needs and desires of the people. The City operates under a charter by which the parameters of its boundaries and codes are defined.

The main source of revenue is the state sales tax. A portion of the local tax is returned to the city that collected the tax. The City of Townsend has no property tax. Some of the other sources of revenue to the City are: in lieu of taxes, franchise taxes, beer taxes, and road taxes.

The City provides services to the people. Some are police protection; street maintenance; street lighting; fire protection through paid subscriptions for City residents to the Townsend Volunteer Fire Department; planning; zoning and recreation.

The City of Townsend holds to the commission form of government. The Commission is made up of 5 commissioners elected to 4 year terms. Seats are staggered so 3 are elected and then two years later 2 are elected.

The 5 elected commissioners then elect one of their number to be Mayor. The Mayor serves for one year. In the same manner the elected Commissioners then elect one of their number to serve their City in the capacity of Police Commissioner, Planning Commissioner, Maintenance Commissioner, and Recreation Commissioner.

The Current commission is made up of the following elected public officials:

• Mayor: Pat Jenkins
• Vice-Mayor Ron Palewski
• Commissioner: David Wietlisbach
• Commissioner: Shannon Skidmore
• Commissioner: Charles Tippitts

The City of Townsend holds it regular monthly meeting the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Sometimes that has to change for reasons not predicted by the staff and Commission so please check the local paper to see if we have had to re-schedule a meeting.

The Townsend Police Department currently employs two full time officers. Ron Suttles is Chief.

City Offices are in the former Townsend High School Building. City Office hours are Mondays - Thursdays. 8:30am - 4:30pm and Fridays. 8:30am - 12:00 noon

If you would like to speak with someone about the city, a new permit, or any issue pertaining to the city please call 865-448-6886. The police department number is 448-6875.

The City of Townsend also has a Municipal Planning Commission that meets the second Thursday of every month at the City office. These people have the responsibility to follow the guidelines of the Zoning and Sub-division laws of the City and to review and approve site plans and sub divisions.

The Members of the Planning Commission are : Ed Stuckey, Chairman; Pat Jenkins; Michael Talley; Karen Vanada; Meghann Byrd Erhart; Bob Presley

Both the City Commission and the Planning Commission are striving to keep this valley the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies". The City wants to grow reasonably so we will not lose our "charm" and will be able to be the "Peaceful Side of the Smokies", for years to come.

Please direct any comments to P.O. Box 307, Townsend, TN 37882.

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Schools and Other Services

Blount County operates twelve elementary schools, one middle school, and two comprehensive secondary schools. One of the elementary schools is located in Townsend - and the middle school is located a few miles away at Walland. Both high schools are located in Maryville.

On February 21, 2001 the Townsend Elementary School was honored by a visit by the President of the United States - accompanied by the Governor of Tennessee and the two U.S Senators from Tennessee plus several other government officials. President George W. Bush used the occasion to announce new education initiatives. He concluded his remarks with, "It's a thrill to be here in Townsend. You're the heartbeat of America. And you're the future of America ..."

   

The Mission Statement of the Blount County Schools is stated to be:
"The primary mission of Blount County Schools, in partnership with its communities, is to graduate 21st century citizens who will be value-oriented, career-directed, competent in communications and problem-solving, skillful in creative and critical thinking, and knowledgeable of technology and interdependence in a global and multicultural society."

  

Within a short distance of Townsend nearly any type of service is available. The Blount Memorial Hospital at Maryville is a large modern facility. In addition to The Mary E. Tippitt Memorial Library located in Townsend, the services of the Blount County Library are available in Maryville. Maryville College is a distinguished liberal arts college - and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville is also within easy driving distance from Townsend. The Smoky Mountain Visitors Bureau, a part of the Blount County Partnership, operates an extensive Tourist Information Center in Townsend.