Macon County Commission Prepares for Oct. 20 Collaboration Session with Board of Education
Macon County commissioners prepare for a pivotal October 20 collaboration session with the Board of Education, where school funding and the fallout from the failed wheel tax referendum are expected to dominate discussions. (Photo By Misty Green)
By Misty Green
During the October 6, 2025, Macon County Committee of the Whole meeting, County Mayor Steve Jones opened the floor to Director of Schools Shawn Carter for updates. While Carter stated he had no new items to present, he reminded commissioners of the upcoming collaboration session between the Macon County Board of Education and County Commission, scheduled for October 20 at 5 p.m.
This joint session is expected to focus on ongoing discussions about school funding and county-wide priorities, including topics that remain contentious within the community.
Wheel Tax Debate Resurfaces Ahead of Collaboration Meeting
District 5 Commissioner Dan Hill addressed the results of the November 2024 Wheel Tax Referendum, which proposed a $36 tax increase to help fund a new vocational school. Voters rejected the measure with 68.62% voting against and 31.38% in favor.
“If the county moves forward with something the people clearly voted against, we’re going to get sued,” Hill warned.
The defeated referendum drew 10,067 total voters:
3,159 voted in favor of the tax increase
6,908 voted against
While the referendum sent a strong signal of public opposition, questions remain about whether the vote was binding or advisory. As of press time, Macon County’s Election Administrator was unavailable to confirm the legal status of the referendum.
However, Tennessee law grants county commissions broad authority to levy taxes. Legally, commissioners could enact a wheel tax or property tax increase for education—even after a failed referendum. But politically, such a move could spark significant backlash, including public protests, legal challenges, or efforts to repeal the tax or recall officials.
Local feedback indicates taxpayers remain concerned about additional financial burdens, especially following other recent tax increases. Whether or not the vocational school project returns to the table may depend on the tone and outcome of the October 20 collaboration meeting.
Sheriff Requests Vehicle Sale and Animal Control Oversight
In other business, commissioners approved a motion to advance to the full legislative body a request from Sheriff Joey Wilburn to sell five junk vehicles currently owned by the department.
Sheriff Wilburn also expressed interest in taking over oversight of Animal Control, citing inefficiencies in the current arrangement.
“The current Animal Control officer can’t write citations,” Wilburn explained. “So we end up responding to most of the calls ourselves.”
After discussion, it was determined that Robby McCoy would retain his position as kennel technician, while the structure and authority of Animal Control will be further evaluated.
Subdivision Mailbox Issue Sent to Legislative Body
Another topic raised—though by an absent member—was a request from District 7 Commissioner Barry King to address mailbox issues in older subdivisions. The concern stems from developments constructed prior to changes under the Obama administration, which did not require centralized mailbox portals. As a result, some residents must use P.O. boxes rather than having mail delivered to their homes.
Mayor Jones explained that new subdivisions are now required to include centralized mailbox units, but existing ones were grandfathered in under old regulations.
There was also discussion about developers not placing visible house numbers in some of these subdivisions, complicating mail and emergency services. Though Commissioner King was not present, the issue was advanced to the October 20 Legislative Body meeting for further review.
