By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–Paris City Manager Kim Foster had disappointing news about the planned downtown intersection upgrades at Thursday’s City Commission meeting.
At the pre-construction meeting with TLM & Associates July 29, it was learned there is an 8-11 month delay in receipt of traffic signal equipment. “So we won’t be starting construction in the fall like we thought we would be,” Foster said.
The project will involve major traffic signal upgrades at three intersections downtown. The project was outlined in two community information sessions that were held in June. At those sessions, TLM and city officials walked everyone through the project scope, timeline and how it will impact drivers and pedestrians alike.
At that time, it was thought the project might begin in September and be completed by February 2026.
With the bad news on when the traffic signal equipment will arrive Foster said the city officials will have to hold another pre-construction meeting with TLM “when the parts come in”.
At the community info sessions, officials displayed drawings of what the project will look like, with safety features such as “bump outs” or curb extensions, which will extend the curb and sidewalks, creating more pedestrian space.
As happens at every meeting, Foster provided updates on each project the city has ongoing, including:
Bid opening for the new Fire Station on Tyson Ave. will be held at 10 a.m. August 12 at City Hall. TLM is working with the city on items that can be omitted if the bids come in over budget.
Preliminary work continues on the CDBG Boardwalk project at Eiffel Tower Park. TLM started discussions with the state regarding permitting for dredging to expand the trout pond’s surface. TLM is adjusting the layout and grading to minimize grading impacts and tree removal.
Back Alley Paris received a 100 percent grant with no required match for a new mural to be painted on the side of the new restroom building planned at the Levi Miles Foundation playground.
In other business during the meeting:
–City Commissioners congratulated Foster on being named City Manager of the Year this week. Mayor Kathy Ray said, “This is a great honor for her but it’s also a great honor for our city.”
Commissioner Jackie Jones said, “We knew how good a job she does, but now everybody knows it, too.”
–After a public hearing session at the meeting’s outset, the commission approved second and final reading on the 2025-2026 Property Tax Rate of $0.90 per $100 of assessed value. The ordinance presented showed no increase from the certified rate of $0.5703 per $100 of assessed value.
The commission approved a second and final reading of an ordinance to amend fees charged at Municipal Court.
–The commission approved a quit claim deed accepting the donation of city sidewalk from Jared Spears and Jesco Homes at Warren and S. Market Streets.
Photo: City commissioners listen as Foster provides project updates. Shannon McFarlin photo.