LaFollette council discusses regulating data centers and bit coin mining

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The LaFollette City Council met on Monday afternoon for the monthly workshop.

Several promotions were discussed as well as administrative matters. Promotions to be voted on at next week’s regular monthly meeting begin with the fire department for Joey Gilbert to become a full time lieutenant effective July 11, 2026, and Ernie Ivey hired as full time codes officer effective July 11, 2026. Promotions for the police department are James Matthew Blake Douglas to a full time patrolman effective July 11, 2026, promoting Kayla Satkowski to a full-time dispatcher effective July 11, 2026, promoting Alisha Bowlin to a full-time police clerk effective July 11, 2026, promoting Dillion Alan Marney to a full time sergeant effective July 11, 2026, and Joseph Aaron Hicks to a full time sergeant effective July 11, 2026. The final promotion discussed was for the street department promoting Steve Goins to a full time operator effective July 11, 2026, and Ethan Metcalf to a full time operator effective July 11, 2026.

Administrative matters discussed were the equipment surplus list. City Attorney Karen Crutchfield updated the council about the zoning ordinance regulating data centers and bit coin mining. Crutchfield reported to the council surrounding counties are doing moratoriums to look at the impact of the centers and mining. One county has passed a one year moratorium while another has passed a two year moratorium. The council will vote on putting a moratorium in place at next week’s meeting. Crutchfield is also working on a resolution for the Jackson Law.

The council discussed how it would like to move forward with the appointment of planning commission members. Councilman Wayne Kitts told the council he would like to do a request for qualifications moving forward with the appointment.

In final business of the night, the council discussed the Juneteenth holiday, which is a federal holiday. Currently the City of LaFollette works this holiday, however this could change. This item will be on the agenda next week for a vote.

Resolution 2026-08 providing for in lieu of tax payments from The LaFollette Utilities will be on the agenda next week for approval. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-06/30/2026-6AM)