TennesseeHB 2661114th General Assembly (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

AN ACT to amend Chapter 48 of the Private Acts of 1919; as amended and rewritten by Chapter 15 of the Private Acts of 2013; Chapter 25 of the Private Acts of 2016; Chapter 18 of the Private Acts of 2023; and any other acts amendatory thereto, relative to the city of Niota.

Sponsored By: Mark Cochran, Mark (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Niota

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

17 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 11 mixed.

Property inspections, liens, and takings

Niota can inspect buildings and land for safety and order repairs or changes. If an owner does not comply, the city can do the work, place a lien on the property, and collect the cost like property taxes. The city also has eminent domain power to take property for public use under state law, with compensation. The city may buy, sell, lease, or manage property for city needs. These property powers require a two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board.

City taxes, deadlines, and collections

Niota can assess and collect local taxes. Property taxes are due October 1 each year. If unpaid, a penalty is added on March 1, then 1.5% more on the first of each month after March. The city follows state and county assessment rules and can set tax classes by ordinance. Unpaid taxes can be collected by the Recorder or City Attorney, and suit must be filed within 18 months if still unpaid. The city may contract with the county to handle tax billing and payments. These authorities require a two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board under the charter.

New property and development charges

Niota can charge property owners for local improvements. The city may levy special assessments for streets, sewers, and sidewalks. Owners next to a project can be billed for part of the cost and for services like snow clearing, lighting, and weed removal. New developments can face impact fees that match the public costs they create, consistent with state law. Using these charges requires a two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board.

City control of utilities and rates

Niota can build and run utilities like water or sewer. The city can grant utility franchises, even exclusive ones, for up to 25 years. It can set service rules, require reasonable extensions, and set or approve rates and user fees within the law. These powers require a two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board.

Trash, sewers, and facility fees

Niota can collect or regulate trash, sewage, and other waste. It can pay for these services with taxes, property assessments, user fees, or other charges. The city can build and maintain streets, sidewalks, parks, sewers, and other public facilities, and charge fees for use or impact. A two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board is required to use these powers.

City borrowing and long‑term debt

Niota can borrow money and issue bonds, notes, or other debt under state law. These investments can improve services now but may raise future taxes or fees to repay the debt. A two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board is required.

Licenses, inspections, and city contracts

Businesses in Niota must follow city licensing rules and may owe license taxes. The city can inspect and test goods and charge reasonable fees. Local firms can also compete for city service contracts approved by the Board. Using these powers requires a two‑thirds vote by the Mayor and Board.

Board meetings and lawmaking rules

A quorum is the Mayor or Vice‑Mayor plus three Commissioners. The Board meets the second Monday each month; special meetings need 24‑hour public notice with topics listed. Ordinances must be read and passed on two different days, with the text available to the public. Taxes, fees, utility rates, borrowing, franchises, penalties, and creating or ending departments must be set by ordinance. The Board can investigate city affairs and subpoena witnesses and records.

City elections and voter rules

If you live in Niota and are qualified to vote in McMinn County, you can vote for Mayor and Commissioners. City elections are in November of even‑numbered years. McMinn County election officials run the city elections under state law. City terms stay staggered, and new officials take office after the election is certified.

Mayor and commissioners: roles and pay

Niota’s government has a Mayor and five Commissioners. After each election, the Board assigns members to finance, public safety, streets, water, and sanitation; changes can happen no more than once every six months. The Mayor leads meetings, can call special meetings, and signs checks and contracts; the Vice‑Mayor fills in and serves out any mayoral vacancy. Officials must live in the city, take an oath, and leave office for loss of qualifications or a felony. The Board sets pay by ordinance, with any change starting next term, and may approve expense reimbursement.

Who can run for office

To run for Mayor or Commissioner, a person must be a registered city voter and must live in Niota for at least one year. While serving, members cannot hold another county, state, or federal office or be a City employee. After leaving office, they cannot take a paid City job or appointment until their elected term ends, except for limited intergovernmental board service.

City court and local fines

Niota has a City Court for ordinance cases. The City Judge is appointed after each even‑year city election and serves until the next appointment. The judge can impose fines and costs and issue orders. Fines are capped at $50 per violation or the higher state‑allowed maximum.

New city limits set

The charter sets Niota’s city limits by metes and bounds and includes areas annexed under the 1919 act. If your property lies inside these limits, you are subject to city laws and taxes and can receive city services.

Budget, audits, and spending controls

The fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30. A budget and capital plan are due at least 60 days before the year starts, and a budget must be adopted before the city spends money or levies property taxes. The Board can amend the budget but cannot cut legally required debt payments. Extra spending is allowed only up to revenues the Recorder certifies as above estimates; the Recorder must report deficits, and the Board may reduce appropriations. The Board may move unspent funds; unspent, unencumbered appropriations lapse at year‑end. The Recorder must certify funds exist before obligations (with exceptions for bond‑financed capital projects). The city keeps GAAP records and gets an annual audit; any taxpayer can ask a court to force an audit if none is started within one month after year‑end.

City administration, attorney, and recorder

The Board may hire a City Administrator to run daily operations and prepare the budget; if not, the Board performs those duties. The Administrator recommends hires and removals for Board approval; individual Commissioners cannot order personnel actions. The City Attorney, a Tennessee‑licensed lawyer, represents the city, handles lawsuits and city court prosecutions, and approves legal forms. The City Recorder, appointed by the Administrator, serves as Treasurer, keeps records, and must post a surety bond set by the Board. The city can set personnel rules and must bond employees who handle money; the city pays bond costs.

Niota city charter and powers

This law adopts Niota’s city charter and creates the city as a municipal corporation. The city can sue and be sued, own property, and act with all powers a charter can grant, as if each were listed. The charter took effect only after a two‑thirds vote of the Board and certification to the state.

Nuisance and animal control rules

The city can stop activities and property uses that harm health, safety, or welfare. It can require animal licenses, impound animals, and sell or euthanize unredeemed animals. Pet owners may face fees and risk losing unclaimed animals.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Mark Cochran, Mark
Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 181 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/22/2026

FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Adopt 4/22/2026

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 4/20/2026

FLOOR VOTE: CONSENT CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/20/2026

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote • 4/20/2026

HOUSE CALENDAR & RULES COMMITTEE

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote • 4/15/2026

HOUSE STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote • 4/8/2026