Source: The Herald-News
Despite a small population of 1,541 and an annual budget of $1 million, things are moving right along in Graysville.
Improvements at the town's police and fire departments are only the beginning. The town is relocating its water treatment plant and is exploring future opportunities in renewable energy along with increasing the quality of recreational facilities and activities for its citizens.
The Tennessee Municipal League will recognize Graysville's progressive efforts with a 2010 Small Town Progress Award, which will be presented on Tuesday, June 15, at 8 a.m. during TML's 71st annual conference at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
Graysville citizens can count on renewable energy opportunities in the future, thanks to the town's position as a founding member of the Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council.
The council's goal is to provide rural economic development opportunities using renewable energy as a catalyst.
In the area of public safety, two new grants have helped the Graysville Police Department to purchase two patrol cars along with two in-car cameras. The cameras were purchased with proceeds from the department's drug fund. This is the first time the department will be equipped to supply a vehicle for each officer.
The Graysville Volunteer Fire Department is growing in number and experience, recruiting 10 new additional volunteers. Ninety-two percent of the department has at least a Firefighter 1 certification. The department has also lowered its ISO score from a 7 to a 5. The new score will save thousands of dollars in insurance premiums for residences and businesses. The fire department hosts various fundraisers throughout the year and is proud to have provided Christmas presents for 83 children this year.
With the town's water treatment plant located in a flood zone, town leaders knew it was time for a change. A grant has enabled them to relocate the facility to a more centralized location and add a drive thru window to better assist senior citizens and new mothers.
Graysville's neighbors are enjoying new opportunities to socialize at the many dances, fall festivals, block parties and events hosted by the town's park and recreation board. The town's library has had to hire a part-time assistant just to assist with its many special events and projects. The new beautification and historical committees have also given citizens the opportunity to get involved.
And for Graysville's youngest citizens, upgrades to their favorite playground and new equipment have been funded through a 50/50 matching grant.
"The major changes in Graysville during this past year are remarkable considering the difficult times in our economy," said Warren Nevad, municipal management consultant with
the University of Tennessee Municipal Technical Advisory Service. "Graysville is most deserving of a Small City Progress award."
Nevad, who works with cities in the Middle Tennessee region, nominated Graysville for the award.
Each year the Tennessee Municipal League honors cities throughout the state for overall excellence, improvement, specific out standing programs, or department accomplishments.
Other award winners for 2010 include: Athens, for Excellence in Public Works; Dayton, for Excellence in Fire Services; Franklin, for Excellence in Green Leadership; Kingston; for Excellence in Community Service; Knoxville, for Excellence in Police Services; Pittman Center, for Excellence in Governance and Unicoi, for Small City Progress.
The Tennessee Municipal League is a voluntary, cooperative organization established by the cities and towns of the state for mutual assistance and improvements. The League's primary function is to advocate on behalf of city governments. TML works with the Tennessee General Assembly promoting legislation helpful to cities and opposing legislation harmful to cities.
The City of Graysville is happy to provide the Graysville Website to better serve the community.
You will find a calendar of events and a listing of meetings and activities.
The website will give you information about your Parks, Library, the Neighborhood Watch and the City Departments.
You will be able to see the Agenda and Meeting Minutes of your Board of Commissioners and see the City Charter and Ordinances.
You can see the volunteers that protect you from fires and aid you in accidents and follow some of the emergency calls they respond on with photos posted on the website.
You can provide tips to the Police Department to help the officers better protect you by using the Tips-On-Line form. Your information will be sent anonymously.
You can even learn about Building Codes, Building Permits and Burning Permits.
As the website grows the information will be updated regularly and additional information will be added.
We hope this website will help you to enjoy and to be part of the Graysville Community.
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