At last night’s City of LaFollette monthly workshop, money seemed to be the topic of discussion for the agenda for next month’s council meeting.

Julie Ault with the Campbell Culture Coalition requested the city increase its sponsorship for the Louie Bluie Festival from $2,000 to $3,500. Extra festival funding will help to increase the kids’ zone, stages and other items.

Logan Hammons and his father, Michael, were present to ask council to consider donating funds from their discretionary funds to help pay competition costs. Hammons has been selected to attend the World Judo Competition at a cost of $4,000. City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries requested Hammons bring in the information and council would assist as they could from their discretionary funds.

The Corner Market drainage project has been on hold until the property owner could remove the concrete slab. The property owner has removed the slab and is ready for work to begin. The council discussed the cost of the project and a possible timeline. Lafollette Public Works Director Jim Mullens said the cost to the city would be $15,000-$20,000, using in-house labor.

Police Chief Bill Rhoel has requested to move Darryl Chapman from part- time to full- time. Fire Chief Charles Eldridge would like to move Eric Sowanick from part- time to full- time. The council will discuss the financing of the new fire truck at next month’s meeting.  The amount to be financed is $40,000.

John Carroll spoke to the council about appointing him to the LaFollette Utilities Board. Carroll said his education and experience would be beneficial to the board. He currently works for Hallsdale Powell Utility.

City Administrator Jimmy Jeffries requested council’s permission to begin discussion about increasing the ATV festival in October from one day to two days. Jeffries said he would like to speak with the county and the towns of Jacksboro and Caryville about the expansion.

Jeffries announced that Art in the Park will be held Sat., May 18 at Freeman Park.

In the final business of the evening, Councilmember Ann Thompson questioned whether there was a quorum at last month’s council meeting. She and Councilman Mark Hoskins were absent, leaving Councilman Lonnie “Hotrod” Wilson, Councilman Bill Archer and Mayor Mike Stanfield in attendance. Jeffries said he and City Recorder Stan Foust would call MTAS on Tuesday morning to have the quorum question answered. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/30/2019-6AM)