2026 8 10 Work Session Packet Council

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RESOLUTION NO. 2026-23 
 
Page 1 of 1 
 
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF ATHENS, TENNESSEE, TO APPLY 
FOR THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT FY27 
TOURISM ENHANCEMENT GRANT AND TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED LOCAL 
MATCH. 
 
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development administers the Tourism 
Enhancement Grant Program to support eligible tourism development projects that create or 
expand public attractions, facilities, or events, improve the appeal of destinations to tourists, and 
enhance visitor experiences; and 
 
WHEREAS, the City of Athens is an eligible local governmental entity and desires to seek 
funding through the FY27 Tourism Enhancement Grant Program for an eligible tourism 
development project within the City of Athens; and 
 
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Jobs Tax Credit Enhancement Counties Incentive Tiers map, 
updated July 1, 2026, designates McMinn County as a Tier 3 county, and under the FY27 Tourism 
Enhancement Grant Program a Tier 3 county is eligible for a 90/10 grant-to-local match; and 
 
WHEREAS, no other state or federal funds or in-kind contributions may be used to satisfy 
the required match; and 
 
WHEREAS, the grant application is due August 28, 2026, and the grant program requires 
approval of any matching- fund commitment by the applicable legislative body prior to the 
application deadline; and 
 
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that pursuing this grant opportunity is in the best 
interest of the City  and supports efforts to strengthen tourism, enhance visitor experiences, and 
increase the economic impact of tourism in Athens and McMinn County. 
 
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY 
OF ATHENS, TENNESSEE, AS FOLLOWS: 
 
SECTION 1. The City of Athens is hereby authorized to apply to the Tennessee 
Department of Tourist Development for funding through the FY27 Tourism Enhancement Grant 
Program in an amount not to exceed $100,000. 
 
SECTION 2. The City Council hereby authorizes and commits the required local matching 
funds for the grant application, in an amount determined by the applicable county tier designation 
and the final grant amount requested, subject to the grant program requirements and the City’s 
adopted budget and applicable financial policies. 
 
SECTION 3. The Mayor, City Manager, or their designee is authorized to prepare, execute, 
and submit the grant application and all certifications, assurances, agreements, and other 
documents necessary to complete the application process and, if awarded, to accept and administer 
the grant in accordance with applicable grant requirements, City policies, and state law. 
 
SECTION 4. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption, the public 
welfare requiring it. 
 
ON MOTION BY  
  
SECONDED BY  
 
said Resolution was approved by roll call vote on the 18th day of August, 2026.  
 
ATTEST:   Larry Eaton, Mayor 
    
    
Bridget Roberts, Interim City Manager    
    
APPROVED AS TO FORM:    
    
    
Christopher M. Caldwell, City Attorney    
 
10
Work Session 
August 10, 2026