August’s Liaison Reports

Loudon Utility Board (LUB) Liaison Report – Denis Olsen

On June 22, 2026, the Loudon Utility Board (LUB) approved a 2% residential electric rate increase effective October 1, 2026. The increase includes a $2.50 increase to the monthly base charge and a $0.00045 per kWh increase to the usage rate. Customers will first see the new rates on their November utility bill for October usage.

LUB stated its long-term goal is to structure utility rates so that the base charge covers the cost of providing and delivering utility services (electricity, gas, water, and sewer), while the usage charge more closely reflects the actual cost of purchasing, producing, processing, and delivering the utility consumed.

Loudon County Commissioners / Committee of 100 Liaison Report – Doug Schetzel

At its July meeting, the Loudon County Commission approved the FY2027 budget, funding most departmental requests while maintaining a property tax rate slightly below the revenue-neutral rate. Commissioners also approved a six-month moratorium on approving new data center developments.

At the July 9 Committee of 100 meeting, Lenoir City Mayor Tony Aikens announced that the Lenoir City Planning Commission approved the site plan for a new Lowe’s Home Improvement store near Aubrey’s Restaurant. Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris reported that the Loudon City Planning Commission approved the annexation of 73 homes as part of a new Clayton Homes development at the intersection of Matlock Bend Road and River Road near I-75.

Monroe County Board Report – Tom Mullen

During the last Monroe County Board meeting, the Board of commissioners approved the following tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

1.5228 per $100.00 of taxable property countywide.  This would make the 4th consecutive year with no property tax increase for the county.