20/20 Vision

Introduction

In 2012 the Town of Greeneville implemented a historic amendment to the Town Charter changing the form of government to an administrator/aldermen form. The amended charter creates a professional business-like approach in executing the day to day activities of the Town.

Growing out of the Charter change was the Board of Mayor and Aldermen’s (BMA) desire to conduct a strategic planning retreat to begin charting a path to realize Greeneville’s potential. The retreat was held on September 12 at the Clyde Austin 4H center in Greene County. Tennessee Valley Authority Community Development Consultant Millie Callaway facilitated the day long session. Senior Town staff also attended to provide feedback and answer questions. The outcome of the session included developing a mission statement, identifying strengths/weaknesses/opportunities/threats, and identifying strategies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Town of Greeneville is to enhance our vibrant community by delivering high quality public services and effective communication to citizens and visitors

Strategies

Downtown Revitalization

Enhance retail, residential, and entrepreneurial opportunities downtown
Support the Walters State expansion project downtown
Identify events that bring customers downtown on a periodic basis
Develop long range land use plans maximizing the business, residential, and educational potential downtown

Maximize Organizational Effectiveness

Revise Town ordinances and Charter to allow for improved efficiencies
Ensure the Town maintains an effective website and other communication tools
Develop budget strategies that anticipates future challenges and opportunities to include capital projects
Look at the structure of Town departments, joint ventures, and utility partners to strengthen service delivery and reduce costs
Focus on customer service
Identify a process to capture additional grant opportunities

Promote a Healthy Greeneville

Complete a community health assessment
Work with healthcare providers to maximize the delivery of health services, and identify gaps in the existing services provided in Greeneville
Develop a plan to enhance sports/outdoor activities in Greeneville

Prepare Greeneville’s infrastructure for tomorrow’s development

Identify long range capital infrastructure needs – develop capital budget
Identify potential revenue options for capital improvements
Develop a replacement plan for existing utility infrastructure
Create a plan to bridge technology infrastructure gap

Keep Greeneville’s educational system at the fore-front

Secure a long range facilities plan to include funding options
Identify industry needs for technical workforce skills – work with Walters State, Tusculum College, and the Greene Center for Technology to meet industry needs

Next Steps

The next steps in realizing these opportunities should include:

Conduct a public workshop on the strategies (1-2 weeks)

Get public input on additional strategies/action items
Split the 5 strategies into working groups
Identify a group leader
Identify community volunteers to participate

Develop action plans to implement each strategy (2- 4 months)
Periodically report to the community/BMA on updates (once a quarter)
Implement Strategy – measure success – refine goals (ongoing)

UPDATE:

Report Card - 2019-20

Downtown Revitalization

Enhance retail, residential, and entrepreneurial opportunities downtown

In partnership with Greeneville Federal Bank, Andrew Johnson Bank and First Tennessee Bank and the First Tennessee Development District initiated a downtown loan program to assist start-up and existing business with capital
Implemented a downtown façade grant program for downtown businesses. Approved 5 projects that will leverage over $40,000 in improvements downtown facades, signs, entrances, and windows

Support the Walters State expansion project downtown

Partnered with Walters State in over $2,500,000 of grants or in kind contributions to the development of the expansion that includes infrastructure upgrades, sidewalk connectivity, street crosswalks, and many other improvements
Initiated storm water upgrades to replace aging infrastructure under buildings

Identify events that bring customers downtown on a periodic basis

2013 – Music Off Main
2014 – Thursday night concerts in July, food vendors
In 2013 initiated a return of the Fourth of July festival in downtown Greeneville to include music, parade, and fireworks; held every year since
2014 Conducted New Years Eve bash downtown, spanning three venues and attracted over 500 visitors; held every year since
Added special events ordinance allowing downtown events serving beer/wine. Downtown hosted multiple special events benefiting local non-profit organizations

Develop long range land use plans maximizing the business, residential, and educational potential downtown

Established a downtown tax increment financing district in downtown area
Secured two State façade grant funding at $100,000 each
Hired a planner to begin developing a land use plan
Completed the Toole downtown redevelopment plan highlighting a three-phase approach to investing in downtown
Finalizing the construction documents for phase one of the Toole plan

Maximize Organizational Effectiveness

Revise Town ordinances and Charter to allow for improved efficiencies

Completed charter changes in April 2014 to recognize the City Administrator form of government
In 2018 completed a comprehensive ordinance overhaul revising and or removing archaic Town ordinances

Ensure the Town maintains an effective website and other communication tools

Unveiled new website in 2014 that includes a video introduction to the Town as well as a shared calendar of all town events
Further refreshed the Town’s website in 2018 adding additional user tools
Implemented One Drive share technology internally amongst staff
Created Town accounts on Facebook and Twitter, both of which have thousands of followers
Began publishing monthly Employee Newsletter for effective internal communications
Developed an extensive collection of professional photos used in publications and other projects

Develop budget strategies that anticipates future challenges and opportunities to include capital projects

Currently utilize a capital plan to purchase large items. Purchased 2 fire trucks, multiple solid waste vehicles, annual replacement of police vehicles, police software, and a $1.7 million emergency communications system new software in Building and Finance departments

Look at the structure of Town departments, joint ventures, and utility partners to strengthen service delivery and reduce costs

Restructured 2 personnel in 2014 to increase efficiency
Restructured codes enforcement/environmental position to Building Department; streamlining codes and enforcement under one roof
Added position of Assistant Fire Chief to add leadership continuity within the department
Created an employee suggestion program to allow employees to provide input to reduce costs or increase revenues
Initiated a monthly utility meeting for developers to receive approval for permits, drawings, etc at one location
In 2019 completed an employee pay study
Public Works unveiled a tracking program to identify solid waste demands, street and sidewalk repair issues, and intersection control issues using tablets and 311 software
Reviewed all joint venture agreements; removed the Town from Kinser Park, revised landfill agreement to gain financial reimbursement of tipping fees, restructured 911 Board of Directors

Focus on customer service

Developed a citizens academy to offer citizen’s the chance to learn the ins and outs of municipal government
Initiated community visibility during special events such as Greene County Fair, Parenting Fair, Chamber events, etc
Revamped Town’s website to enhance communications and sharing of information with citizens
Rolled out new Kronos workforce tracking software driving timesheet efficiencies for internal customers
Created social media accounts that offer real-time information to the community

Identify a process to capture additional grant opportunities

Awarded $1.4 million in grants in 2014

Promote a Healthy Greeneville

Complete a community health assessment

Completed by Takoma Hospital and Laughlin Hospital

Work with healthcare providers to maximize the delivery of health services, and identify gaps in the existing services provided in Greeneville

Implemented a wellness program for Town Employees. Developed a framework to market program to private sector businesses in area
In partnership with Ballad Health nearing the implementation of the employee clinic
Greeneville Health/Education Facilities Board facilitated $980 million re-finance for Ballad Health restructuring

Develop a plan to enhance sports/outdoor activities in Greeneville

Opened new softball fields on Hal Henard Road
Constructed new pavilion at skate park at Hardin Park
Upgraded the high school softball field at Hardin Park
Completed the CREATION Health trail that bisects Takoma property and terminates at Veterans Park
Completed a walking path at Hardin Park, working on linking trail through Hardin Park with CREATION Health trail
Offered an array of boot camp, yoga, healthy cooking and other wellness classes to Town employees
Awarded grant for all-access playground at Hardin Park
Identified disc golf/dog park at former landfill at Whirlwind Road

Prepare Greeneville’s infrastructure for tomorrow’s development

Identify long range capital infrastructure needs – develop capital budget

Currently working off capital plan for large purchases
Executing annual street repaving and sidewalk repair plan
Completed final phase of Fairgrounds Connector Road

Identify potential revenue options for capital improvements

BMA approved fund balance plan to provide for a rainy day fund
Developed capital funding plan using Town fund balance to pay for large capital projects
Fund balance remains at a level within our fund balance plan

Develop a replacement plan for existing utility infrastructure
Create a plan to bridge technology infrastructure gaps

Signed a MOU with the City School system for IT needs to include future IT planning
GLP deployed fiber throughout the Town to connect GLP structures and key municipal buildings
New fiber is allowing direct dispatch capabilities between the 911 Call Center and the police department reducing the response time with police
Worked with the Partnership and Connected Tennessee to identify broadband needs and develop a strategy to meet those needs

Keep Greeneville’s educational system at the fore-front

Secure a long range facilities plan to include funding options

Developed through the school system

Identify industry needs for technical workforce skills – work with Walters State, Tusculum College, and the Greene Center for Technology to meet industry needs

Signed an MOU between City Schools and TCAT for an on-site TCAT program at Greene Technology

Finished paved parking lot at GHS
Walters State Community College project complete

Provided grant administration for multiple State grant awards
Funded storm water improvements for project
Partnered with School system to provide off-site parking options for Walters State students/staff

UPDATE:

Report Card - March 2015

Downtown Revitalization

Enhance retail, residential, and entrepreneurial opportunities downtown

In partnership with Greeneville Federal Bank, Andrew Johnson Bank and First Tennessee Bank and the First Tennessee Development District initiated a downtown loan program to assist start-up and existing business with capital
Implemented a downtown façade grant program for downtown businesses. Approved 5 projects that will leverage over $40,000 in improvements downtown facades, signs, entrances, and windows

Support the Walters State expansion project downtown

Partnered with Walters State in over $2,500,000 of grants or in kind contributions to the development of the expansion that includes infrastructure upgrades, sidewalk connectivity, street crosswalks, and many other improvements
Initiated storm water upgrades to replace aging infrastructure under buildings

Identify events that bring customers downtown on a periodic basis

2013 – Music Off Main
2014 – Lyrics on the Lawn - Thursday night concerts in July, food vendors
In 2013 initiated a return of the Fourth of July festival in downtown Greeneville to include music, parade, and fireworks
2014 Conducted New Years Eve bash downtown, spanning three venues and attracted over 500 visitors

Develop long range land use plans maximizing the business, residential, and educational potential downtown

Exploring opportunities to use tax increment financing to enhance business and residential downtown
Hired a planner to begin developing a land use plan

Maximize Organizational Effectiveness

Revise Town ordinances and Charter to allow for improved efficiencies

Completed charter changes in April 2014

Ensure the Town maintains an effective website and other communication tools

Unveiled new website in 2014 that includes a video introduction to the Town as well as a shared calendar of all town events

Develop budget strategies that anticipates future challenges and opportunities to include capital projects

Currently utilize a capital plan to purchase large items. Purchased fire truck, 3 solid waste vehicles, and police software

Look at the structure of Town departments, joint ventures, and utility partners to strengthen service delivery and reduce costs

Restructured 2 personnel in 2014 to increase efficiency
Created an employee suggestion program to allow employees to provide input to reduce costs or increase revenues
Initiated a monthly utility meeting for developers to receive approval for permits, drawings, etc at one location
Public Works unveiled a tracking program to identify solid waste demands, street and sidewalk repair issues, and intersection control issues using tablets and 311 software
Restructured Kinser Park management to privatize operations

Focus on customer service

Developed a citizens academy to offer citizen’s the chance to learn the ins and outs of municipal government

Identify a process to capture additional grant opportunities

Awarded $1.4 million in grants in 2014

Promote a Healthy Greeneville

Complete a community health assessment

Completed by Takoma Regional Hospital and Laughlin Memorial Hospital

Work with healthcare providers to maximize the delivery of health services, and identify gaps in the existing services provided in Greeneville

Implemented a wellness program for Town Employees. Developed a framework to market program to private sector businesses in area

Develop a plan to enhance sports/outdoor activities in Greeneville

Opened new softball fields on Hal Henard Road
Constructed new pavilion at skate park at Hardin Park
Upgraded the high school softball field at Hardin Park
Completed the CREATION Health trail that bisects Takoma property and terminates at Veterans Park
Completed a walking path at Hardin Park, working on linking trail through Hardin Park with CREATION Health trail
Offered an array of boot camp, yoga, healthy cooking and other wellness classes to Town employees

Prepare Greeneville’s infrastructure for tomorrow’s development

Identify long range capital infrastructure needs – develop capital budget

Currently working off capital plan for large purchases
Executing annual street repaving and sidewalk repair plan
Approved construction of final phase of Fairgrounds Connector Road

Identify potential revenue options for capital improvements

Will contribute over $250,000 to fund balance at the end of FY 14
Fund balance remains at a level within our fund balance plan

Develop a replacement plan for existing utility infrastructure
Create a plan to bridge technology infrastructure gaps

Signed a MOU with the City School system for IT needs to include future IT planning
GLP is deploying fiber throughout the Town to connect GLP structures and key municipal buildings
New fiber is allowing direct dispatch capabilities between the 911 Call Center and the police department reducing the response time with police
Working with the Partnership and Connected Tennessee to identify broadband needs and develop a strategy to meet those needs

Keep Greeneville’s educational system at the fore-front

Secure a long range facilities plan to include funding options

Developed through the school system

Identify industry needs for technical workforce skills – work with Walters State, Tusculum College, and the Greene Center for Technology to meet industry needs
Initiating efforts to develop a yearlong entrepreneurship program for Greeneville and Greene County high school seniors