TN SJR0808

Honors Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell upon his retirement after four consecutive terms (2010-2026), following 32 years of prior public service including 27 years with the Maryville Fire Department

Recognizes financial achievements during his tenure: reduced county debt from $238 million to $87 million, increased fund balance from $9 million to $63 million, and improved net assets from negative $75 million to $154 million

Credits Mitchell with achieving a AAA credit rating for Blount County, maintaining balanced budgets, and incurring no new debt while keeping tax rates below the certified rate

Highlights major capital projects including construction of a new high school, over $80 million in improvements to other high schools, and a $21 million renovation of Eagleton Ballpark

Acknowledges public safety initiatives including an emergency medical responder certification program that certified more than 80 sheriff's deputies