Sullivan County Mayor looks to make county seat a state entity

Sullivan County Mayor Richard Venable said he is looking to begin the process of changing Blountville from unincorporated to an entity recognized by the State of Tennessee. Blountville currently is the only county seat in the state that is not incorporated as a city or town. Venable said that because of that, they are not eligible for state grants. Venable also said he does not think residents would want Blountville to change into a city, which would require taxes and city services. Venable said that because of this, he is aiming for a different title, such as village or township, that would get recognition at the state level. Currently, a group made up of private citizens and commissioners called Build a Better Blountville is working on writing a proposal for the Sullivan County Commission. Then the commission would have to approve the proposal and send it to the Tennessee General Assembly, which would vote on changing the status of Blountville. Venable said he anticipates having the status grant proposal for Blountville ready in March.