County Commission Approves Expansion Land Purchase For Agriculture Center, Emphasizes Schools, Growth, And No Tax Increase

Charlotte, TN — At their meeting on January 20th, 2025 the Dickson County Commission approved the purchase of additional property adjacent to the county’s Agriculture Center, clearing the way for future expansion tied closely to school-based agricultural programs and livestock activities.

The decision came in two votes during the regular session: first, to approve the land purchase itself, and second, to authorize a financing mechanism to complete the transaction. County leaders stressed that the move will not require a tax increase and will instead rely on existing funds and a short-term borrowing structure that will be paid back before the end of the fiscal year.

Schools Voice Support During Public Comment

The only public comment on the issue came from the Career and Technical (CT) Director for Dickson County Schools, who spoke in support of the purchase on behalf of the district’s agriculture departments.

He told commissioners that expanding available property would directly support the growth of agricultural education, particularly livestock showing opportunities. He noted that agriculture has been a central part of his professional background and said local ag teachers have been challenged to think bigger about how to involve more students.

Among the goals he highlighted was expanding livestock showings, hosting larger regional events, and eventually building interest at younger grade levels. Norman said the availability of adequate land is often the determining factor in whether programs grow or shrink, citing examples from West Tennessee where facilities expanded—or declined—based on space and infrastructure.

He also pointed to recent events, such as Farm to Table, where FFA students from Creek Wood and Dickson County High School played a key role, saying students are enthusiastic about the possibility of expanded facilities.

How the County is Paying for It

County officials took time during the meeting to explain how the purchase will be financed, emphasizing transparency and no new taxes.

According to county leadership, the funding will come from excess fund balance within the county’s debt service account after the books were closed. Because state law restricts transferring money directly out of debt service once a budget is adopted, the county will use a legal workaround: borrowing the funds and repaying them within the same fiscal year.

To accomplish that, the commission approved a resolution authorizing an interest-bearing general obligation note in the amount of $775,000. Officials said the note allows the county to access the funds now and repay the debt service account before June 30, effectively returning the balance to zero.

Commissioners were told the process requires no additional county revenue and no tax increase.

Commission Decision

During discussion, commissioners thanked the CT Director for appearing and for demonstrating the schools’ interest in the project. Several members noted that expanded property could allow the Agriculture Center to serve multiple purposes beyond a single use, increasing community involvement and flexibility as the facility develops.

The land purchase resolution passed unanimously, followed by approval of the borrowing resolution.