By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The city of Paris has received good news on two economic fronts.
City Manager Kim Manager informed the City Commission at its regular meeting Thursday evening that the city stands to receive from $1.8M to $2.6M from the federal government’s American Rescue Plan stimulus package.
And meanwhile, City Finance Director Traci Shannon reported the city’s retail sales tax revenue for January increased a whopping 18.34 percent from January 2020.
On the stimulus package, Foster reported that the Tennessee Municipal League has estimated that the city’s share will be $2,695,774. However, the State Comptroller’s estimate is somewhere between
$1,858,513 – $2,324,020 depending on how ‘overlap’ between governments is calculated, she said.
Foster said when she heard the amount the city may be receiving, she “about fell on the floor.”
Preliminary information indicates there are three ways the funds can be spent:
o To replace revenues lost due to COVID. Under this scenario we could only claim lost
revenue for the Civic Center and KPAC.
o To replace revenue lost due to paying overtime to our first responders.
o Capital projects for water, sewer or broadband.
Foster said she is waiting for more definitive information.
On her financial update, Shannon reported, “Our retail sales tax revenue was up an incredible 18.34 percent for the month of January compared to last January. This is the tenth month in a row to reflect an increase. We are also ahead fiscal year-to-date by 12.11 percent.”
In other business:
–In the absence of both Mayor Carlton Gerrell and Vice Mayor Jackie Jones, Commissioner John Etheridge chaired the meeting.
–On second reading and upon public hearing, the city approved amendments to the city ordinance governing minimum site areas for public and private schools.
Foster reminded the commission that the city was contacted in March by the Weston Classical private school which sought to relocate to another location which did not currently meet zoning requirements for a school. The school presently is located in the Paris Academy for the Arts.
After review of the current zoning ordinance, it was determined that a minimum five acres, which was not present at the desired location, along with only allowing schools in residential zones might be too prohibitive in today’s environment, she said.
The issue was referred to the planning committee which recommended the minimum five acres be deleted from the ordinance and that the Table of Uses be amended to allow for schools in B-1 and P-B zones.
Officials of Weston School said after the meeting they will announce their new location upon closing for the property.
–Commission approved several updates to job descriptions including Assistant Chief of Police, Splash Park attendant, Eiffel Tower Park concessions attendant, etc.
–Foster reported on opening date and rental plans for Splash Pad facilities and that will be covered in a separate article Friday.
Photo: City commissioners (from left): John Etheridge, Sam Tharpe and Gayle Griffith. with Administrative Assistant Jessica Bannister and Finance Director Traci Shannon seated across from them. (Shannon McFarlin photo).