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Knox County is taking a bold step by acquiring all tax certificates at the Treasurer's sale, reshaping the future of property tax equity for residents!

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Knox County to acquire all tax certificates at treasurer’s sale after legal changes
The board unanimously approved a resolution directing the county to acquire all tax certificates at tax sale; counsel explained a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision and changes to the Illinois Property Tax Code that affect surplus equity distribution to property owners.
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October 31, 2026 at 5:14 AM
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Knox County's procurement card program is performing well, but auditors uncovered critical areas for improvement that could enhance transparency and efficiency in handling over $36 million in purchases.

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Knox County auditors: P-card program works but policy and vendor coding need updates
An internal audit of Knox County's procurement card program found the system generally effective—$36.6M in purchases and about $2.7M in rebates over five years—but identified two findings (outdated policy, generic vendor coding amounting to about $161,000) and two opportunities for improvement.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 4:12 AM
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Residents in Knox County are demanding accountability after witnessing chaotic confrontations and inflammatory remarks during a controversial October 10 event.

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Residents press commission over October 10 event, call for accountability and censure
Multiple residents criticized inflammatory rhetoric tied to an October 10 event and urged the commission to hold elected officials accountable; speakers described confrontations outside the event, alleged hateful language, and urged enforcement of civility rules.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 5:04 AM
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Big changes are coming to the Knox County airport, from a major terminal renovation to a new landing-fee program that's already raked in $66,000!

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Airport apron rehab, landing fees and new revenues highlighted in county budget presentation
Airport staff said reconstructing the terminal apron (phase 2), crack sealing and easement acquisitions are planned; staff expect grant coverage for most capital cost and said new landing-fee billing has already generated roughly $66,000 since June.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 12:59 AM
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Knox County's Emergency Management Agency has been busy, hosting nine community events and securing vital grants while preparing for potential disaster loans—are we ready for what’s next?

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Emergency management director reports exercises, grants and SBA loan eligibility after neighboring disaster
Annie Seward said Knox County ran nine community engagement events, held a school reunification exercise with about 100 participants, closed a HazMat grant (about $4,250), and is awaiting an EMPG award while exploring SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan eligibility tied to a Licking County disaster.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 12:41 PM
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In a surprising turn of events, the Knox County Commission has rescinded a contentious appointment to the Board of Zoning Appeals, sparking heated debates on due process and public accountability.

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Commission rescinds controversial BZA appointment, will reopen nominations
After weeks of debate and a public outcry tied to an October incident, the Knox County Commission voted to rescind the recent Board of Zoning Appeals appointment and said it will reopen nominations at the November meeting.
citizenportal.ai
October 28, 2026 at 4:58 AM
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Knox County has just approved a plan to finance a used Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle to enhance safety during high-risk law enforcement incidents, but concerns about grant funding linger.

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Knox County approves plan to finance Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle amid grant reliance
The board approved a financing plan to acquire a used Lenco Bearcat for high‑risk law enforcement responses, with presenters saying grant awards and town contract revenue will cover most costs; some members warned grants are not guaranteed and worried about long‑term taxpayer exposure.
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November 1, 2026 at 12:09 PM
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The Knox County Board just approved a controversial plan to relocate the Coroner’s Office to a garage, sparking debate over liability and the handling of unclaimed remains.

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Board approves plan to move coroner’s office into Mary Davis Home garage after statutory and liability questions
After discussion of statutory duties, insurance and logistics, the board approved a plan to house the coroner’s office and cooler in the Mary Davis Home garage area; Coroner Jacque Dare provided a packet with layout, bids and contingency plans and the motion passed 13–1.
citizenportal.ai
November 1, 2026 at 11:59 AM
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Tennessee is facing a staggering $1 billion annual shortfall in transportation funding, with experts exploring multiple solutions to bridge the gap!

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#KnoxCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernmentAccountability #TransportationFunding #InfrastructureNeeds
State study flags $1 billion annual gap and multiple paths to close it, TPO told
A state-commissioned study found current recurring revenues fall about $1 billion short of annual highway needs in Tennessee; presenters outlined scenarios including revenue changes, general fund transfers and borrowing to close gaps and emphasized the need to balance local shares.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 6:13 PM
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Tennessee is staring down a staggering $1 billion transportation funding shortfall, with options on the table that could reshape how we pay for our roads.

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#KnoxCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #TransportationFunding #UserFees
TASER study: Tennessee faces roughly $1 billion annual shortfall now; multiple options proposed
TASER’s study presented to the TPO shows a current recurring revenue shortfall of about $1 billion for Tennessee transportation (TDOT receipts ≈ $2.6B; identified needs ≈ $3.6B). The study presents three scenarios—new/user-indexed fees, general fund transfers, and front-loaded borrowing—and recommends a mix of approaches.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 6:11 PM
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The City Council's recent $3.4 million investment in energy upgrades promises not just savings, but a greener future for Knox County!

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Council approves $3.4M energy-performance contract, says it will pay for itself in about 12 years
City Council adopted a budget amendment that includes a $3.4 million energy savings performance contract to upgrade lighting at 75 facilities and add solar arrays at several stations; the mayor said the investment should pay for itself in savings in about 12 years.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 1:46 PM
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An internal audit reveals that while Knox County's $96 million grants administration is mostly on track, crucial clerical errors and unclear monitoring roles could jeopardize future funding.

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Audit finds Knox County grants mostly compliant but flags late reimbursements and unclear monitoring roles
An internal audit of the grants and community development function found program administration largely correct for a $96M portfolio but identified a timeliness finding (two reimbursements outside MOU timeframes due to a clerical error) and recommended clarifying monitoring responsibilities for recipients, including Zoo Knoxville.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 7:46 AM
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McGhee Tyson Airport is set to undergo major upgrades, including a new Security Screening Checkpoint and concourse expansion, to keep pace with its rapid growth and enhance your travel experience!

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McGhee Tyson outlines SSCP, gate and terminal expansion plans; SSCP due mid‑2028
McGhee Tyson Airport authority told the TPO it is constructing a new Security Screening Checkpoint (SSCP) and expanding concourse capacity to handle rapid growth; SSCP construction is slated to begin January with opening around July–August 2028 and a temporary 13th gate will preserve throughput during work.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 6:29 PM
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McGhee Tyson Airport is gearing up for a major transformation with a new 20,000-square-foot Security Screening Checkpoint and exciting expansion plans set to enhance your travel experience by 2028!

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#KnoxCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #AirportDevelopment #PublicSafety
McGhee Tyson Airport lays out Security Screening Checkpoint expansion, runway rehab and parking plans
Airport Authority executive Brian White told the TPO executive committee the McGhee Tyson program includes a new security screening checkpoint (SSCP) with phased construction starting January and projected opening July–August 2028, ongoing runway rehabilitation, a July 2027 parking garage opening, and temporary gate changes to limit passenger disruption.
citizenportal.ai
October 29, 2026 at 6:13 PM
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Knox County residents can breathe easier knowing that developers will pay for independent engineers to ensure road safety and compliance during solar project construction.

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County says developers will fund third‑party engineers and road inspections for solar projects
Commissioners and staff said EDAs require developers to fund project‑specific engineers to inspect roads and monitor compliance; staff agreed to publish contact details for hired engineers and described complaint‑based enforcement by area planning.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 8:09 PM
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The Knox County Board of Commissioners has approved a major solar project that promises economic growth but has sparked concern among residents about safety and environmental impacts.

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Knox County approves economic‑development, road‑use and decommissioning agreements for major Edwardsport solar project
The Knox County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve economic development, road‑use and decommissioning agreements for a proposed roughly 200‑megawatt solar project after staff outlined mitigation measures and residents urged stricter rules and safety protections for nearby schools and roads.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 8:07 PM
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Get ready, Knoxville! A public forum is coming soon where you can learn all about the proposed Real Time Information Center and ask your burning questions directly to the police.

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PAR to host public forum on proposed Real Time Information Center with KPD
The Police Advisory Review Committee said it will convene a public forum with the Knoxville Police Department to explain a proposed Real Time Information Center and solicit community questions about surveillance and data use.
citizenportal.ai
October 24, 2026 at 7:48 AM
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Northern Knox County residents are raising urgent concerns over proposed solar projects, fearing for their safety and property values as construction traffic looms near local schools.

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#KnoxCounty #MO #CitizenPortal #EnvironmentalImpact #PublicSafety #CommunityTransparency
Residents urge Knox County to pause solar approvals, citing school‑zone safety and property impacts
Multiple residents told commissioners the county should slow approvals for industrial solar projects near North Knox High School, raising traffic, school‑zone safety, property‑value and drainage concerns and asking that pending projects be held to any future ordinance changes.
citizenportal.ai
October 25, 2026 at 8:08 PM
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Knoxville is gearing up to make its entire bus system FREE on the first Friday of every month for six months, aiming to boost downtown fun and ridership!

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Transit board announces pilot to make system free on First Friday of each month
Board members announced a proposed six‑month pilot to make all bus service free on the first Friday of each month starting in January, aiming to boost ridership and tie trips to downtown First Friday events; staff will bring a formal resolution for board consideration next month or in December.
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October 25, 2026 at 1:32 AM
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In a heated debate, Knox County council is torn over whether to shield pension provisions from scrutiny, with concerns that exclusion could backfire and draw unwanted attention.

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Council debates whether to shield pension provisions from charter review
Staff proposed language to shield Article 13 (pensions) from the charter review committee's remit unless council directs otherwise; councilmembers and task-force members expressed concern that permanently excluding the pension section could draw undue attention or prevent legitimate housekeeping fixes.
citizenportal.ai
October 24, 2026 at 9:08 AM
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Knoxville is taking a bold step toward revitalizing its governance with a new charter review committee that promises public input and a fresh look every eight years.

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#KnoxCounty #TN #CitizenPortal #GovernmentTransparency #CivicEngagement #CharterReview
Council workshop outlines standing charter review committee plan, eight-year cycle
Council members and task-force participants described a proposed 13-member advisory committee to review Knoxville's charter every eight years, with four citywide hearings, a 12-month reporting requirement and council control over whether recommendations reach the ballot.
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October 24, 2026 at 7:50 AM
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Michael Goins shares a harrowing encounter with police after photographing a shooting, revealing deep mistrust in the department's accountability.

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Public commenter alleges he was arrested and injured after photographing December shooting; says video review was unsatisfactory
A public commenter, identified in the meeting as Michael Goins, said he photographed evidence at a Dec. 21, 2025 shooting, was later arrested and injured, and said he was dissatisfied with KPD's review and the footage made available to him, expressing broader distrust in the department.
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October 24, 2026 at 7:52 AM
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Commissioner Russell is pushing for stricter transparency rules for nonprofits funded by Knox County, sparking a heated debate over audit thresholds and salary disclosures.

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Commissioners weigh stricter audit and salary-disclosure rules for nonprofits that receive county funds
Commissioner Russell proposed lowering the audit threshold and requiring nonprofits that receive county funding to disclose top-paid employees; staff said many funded organizations already undergo audits but members raised concerns that a $10,000 audit threshold could unduly burden small nonprofits. Discussion focused on transparency, costs, and alignment with IRS reporting.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 2:56 PM
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Knox County commissioners are debating whether to tie their pay raises to state increases to eliminate political influence and ensure fairness—will they choose transparency over politics?

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Knox County commissioners consider tying elected-official pay to state raises to remove politics from raises
In a nonvoting Oct. 19 workshop commissioners discussed an ordinance proposed by Commissioner Huckabee to tie commissioner pay to the state's annual elected-official increase (the state letter was 2.63% this year). Finance staff recommended several options, including using the state's figure or the lesser of state vs. county raises; commissioners split over optics and impact on county employees.
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October 21, 2026 at 2:30 AM
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In a heated meeting, the Knox County Zoning Commission voted 7–4 to deny a controversial residential rezoning request, citing serious concerns from local residents about environmental impacts and infrastructure strain.

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Knox County zoning commission denies planned-residential rezoning after residents raise environmental and infrastructure concerns
After extended public comment citing streams, sinkholes and school-traffic worries, the Knox County Zoning Commission voted 7–4 to deny a request to rezone land near Straw Plains Pike to a planned-residential district.
citizenportal.ai
October 21, 2026 at 2:24 AM