NEW INTERIM FIRE MARSHAL
Join us in welcoming Interim Fire Marshal Steven Alexander. He accepted the new position on Sept. 2and has been working out of the Fire Prevention Division to get acclimated. He will officially assume the post on Sept. 20.
A proud member of the Johnson City Fire Department since August 2003, he has served our community as a firefighter, driver/engineer, lieutenant, and most recently, district chief.
“I am honored to begin this next chapter of my career as interim fire marshal , ” Alexander said. “Fire prevention looks very different from fire suppression, but both are essential to keeping Johnson City safe. I am excited to take on the challenges of this role and the opportunity to continue serving our community.”
JC BUILDS WEBSITE
One of the main goals of JCBuilds is to establish consistent communication with local builders. To support that goal, JCBuilds will be added as a page on the City website.
The page will include:
Information about roundtable dates
An overview of what JCBuilds does
Past meeting information
Additional resources
WATER/SEWER CONNECTION FEES INFORMATION
Capital needs for the Water & Sewer Services Department as identified in various master plans required funding over a four-year period though fee adjustments (FY 2026 to FY 2029). A portion of these improvements are growth related. A national firm that the City of Johnson City has utilized since 2004 (Raftelis Financial Consultants) was engaged to develop rate recommendations and had done similar work for our connection fees previously.
The City Commission heard various presentations from our consultants on capital needs, priorities, and costs along with the necessary fee adjustments to support those investments. Four years’ of modest user rate increases through three ordinance readings were approved in the Spring of 2025 by the City Commission with the first coming into effect July of this year. In addition, changes to the connection fee structure and levels were made and approved as part of this process.
Connection fee adjustments include the deletion of the Boones Creek sewer drainage connection fee area as well as modifications to the inside city and outside city connection fee structure over the four-year period. Connection fee adjustments are scheduled to be implemented over the same four-year period (FY 2026 to FY 2029) with the first being scheduled for Oct. 1, 2025. Water & Sewer Services staff are meeting with stakeholders to provide detailed information on these scheduled connection fee changes over the next few weeks.
Our Objectives
CONSISTENCY
• Conducted 2 CityView software reviews and surveys
• Created 4 building process maps
• Developing discrepancy processes to ensure fair and equitable inspections
• Streamlining processes to be comparable with surrounding areas
CUSTOMER SERVICE
• Hired a new planning manager and created the role of director of Building Services
• Initiated an online feedback system for customers through permit desk survey
• Educating community on processes, fee structures, and long-range planning topics
• Inviting citizens to speak directly with city management and staff at Roundtables
CULTURE
• Restructured City departments, divisions, and staff roles
• Worked with builders and developers, directly, to draft input and priorities early on
• Cultivating a judgement-free atmosphere to allow honest and constructive dialogue
• Listening and learning what the issues, successes, and needs are
Agenda items for the next roundtable:
Water/Sewer connection fees
JCBuilds website
JCBuilds newsletter
Year in review
Other updates
ROUNDTABLE DETAILS
Date: Oct. 17th
Time: 8 a.m.
Location: Langston Centre
315 Elm Street
For questions or to RSVP, email
JCBuilds@johnsoncitytn.org
The overall goal of JC Builds is to identify and correct obstacles to successful development in Johnson City. JC Builds is a coordinated initiative built around three key efforts: JC Builds Task Force, Roundtables, and internal process improvements.
