Update:
3:50 p.m.
Old Niles Ferry Rd has been reopened.
​
3:00 p.m.
The final feeder on the McCammon line was restored. This completes restoration of 1,800 customers. There are approximately 300 customers remaining without power. Crews are still working to restore those.
2:20 p.m.
Southwood Dr. is now open.
2:00 p.m.
The downtown circuit is restored. Crews continue to work on remaining outages.

11:45 a.m.
The following roads are still barricaded:

• Old Niles Ferry Road behind the Co-op
• Southwood behind the fire hall
• Bellwood off of Montvale Rd. are closed due to electrical line entanglement.

These roads will be closed until the lines can be safely removed.
Engineering and Public Works crews have cleared ten trees blocking roads so far, and have 3 remaining to reopen the roads above.

10 a.m.
As a result of the storms and downed trees, several areas and approximately 2,800 homes and businesses are without power. Most of the outages are spread throughout the service area.

The most significant outage is a result of a tree down on a line at McCammon {Ave} which destroyed two circuits that feed a large area of downtown and a large area between U.S. 129 and U.S. 321 - including the Maryville Commons (Target) shopping center and the Home Depot and Foothills Mall Drive. Lines were down and had to be secured and emergency locates have been called in so that new poles can be installed. This is a long process of restoration, and is expected to take until 1 p.m. Sunday to repair. Crews are working as quickly as possible to restore power to all affected customers.

To view our current power outages, visit our outage viewer map here. We will post updates on the McCammon lines and other outages as soon as possible. 

In anticipation of the growing hardship posed by the economic effects of the COVID-19 Coronavirus, city of Alcoa and city of Maryville electric, water and wastewater utilities suspended cut-offs and new late fees from March 25 until April 23.

As the economic impact of this unprecedented event escalates, it is important that utility access remain constant for our families to support their health and well-being. The municipal utilities will assist customers with payment arrangements and connect them to any available resources that may be available. Bills will continue to accrue – and it will be important that customers contact customer service staff to make arrangements for their accounts.

​Visit our websites at City of Alcoa and City of Maryville for more information. City of Alcoa customer service staff are available by phone at (865) 380-4700. City of Maryville customer service staff are available by phone at (865) 273-3456. We have also established this page for intergovernmental resources and information related to COVID-19.


En anticipación a las posibles dificultades que se presentan por los efectos económicos del Coronavirus COVID-19, los departamentos de servicios de electricidad, agua y aguas de desperdicio de la ciudad de Alcoa y la ciudad de Maryville, han suspendido los cortes de servicio y las nuevas tarifas por pagos tardios del 25 de marzo hasta el 23 de abril.
 
A medida que aumenta el impacto económico de este evento sin precedentes, es importante que el acceso a los servicios públicos permanezca constante a nuestras familias en apoyo de su bienestar y su salud. Los servicios públicos municipales ayudarán a los clientes con los arreglos de pago y a conectarse con cualquier recurso disponible que pueda estar disponible. Las facturas continuarán acumulándose, y será importante que los clientes se comuniquen con el personal de servicio al cliente para hacer arreglos para sus cuentas.
 
Visite nuestras paginas en el internet City of Alcoa y City of Maryville para obtener más información. El personal de servicio al cliente de la ciudad de Alcoa está disponible por teléfono al (865) 380-4700. El personal de servicio al cliente de la ciudad de Maryville está disponible por teléfono al (865) 273-3456. También hemos establecido esta página para recursos intergubernamentales e información relacionada con COVID-19.

Maryville, TN – As we anticipated, the COVID-19 situation is rapidly changing. The Governor issued an Executive Order March 22. You can read Blount County’s local government response here.

We have confirmed Blount County is now involved, and the city of Maryville’s Second Phase Response Plan is now in effect. As a government entity providing essential services to citizens, we will strive to preserve some public access. However, our goal is to ensure we are able to continue delivering services throughout this situation and help prevent the virus from spreading. With that in mind, the following are changes to access of facilities and new procedures.
 
Municipal Building (400 W. Broadway Ave) Public Access Restrictions

• Front entrance will be limited to police business and appointments only. Some documents are available in the lobby for pickup. The back entrance of the building will be closed to the public.
• Development Services and Engineering in the Municipal Building will have a drop-off location in the vestibule from the Gary Hensley Drive entrance at the Development Services small door. Applications, permits, plans and other information can be dropped off at this location. No payments will be accepted at this location.
• No utilities, business tax, property tax, development services, engineering and public works transactions or employee applications will be taken in person until further notice. Alternate options are available and can be found here.
• Customers can use the drop box located at the flagpole end of the building to deposit payments.
• Employment applications will be available here. Email, fax, drop off or mail according the instructions on our website.
• For in-person business with the City, individuals should call and, only if urgent, request an in-person meeting. Phone and email correspondence is best.
• A representative will temporarily remain in the lobby area and assist walk-ins with their needs. Visitors will be directed to the appropriate action and individual meetings will be held in the Gary Hensley room.
• A phone will be available at the main desk to reach departments for assistance, however we recommend using your own mobile phone to call.

 
Operation Center (332 Home Avenue) Public Access Restricted

• Drop-offs and pickups can be made at the front office vestibule. Appointments will be required for any other business.

 
Animal Shelter
The shelter will remain open for public adoptions but a limit of two visitors will be allowed inside the building at one time.
 
Recycling Centers
In order to assist citizens with their sanitation and cleaning needs, we will continue to operate recycling centers as long as our staffing levels allow.
 
City-managed Park Facilities

• No public gathering in City-managed facilities of more than ten people is allowed.
• Any reservations for gatherings that have been made for the Pavilion or Amphitheater at Jack Green Park are cancelled effective March 23, 2020.

 
Parks and Rec Managed Park Facilities

• Parks and Recreation is closing all playgrounds and outdoor basketball courts. Signs will be posted with closure information.
• Greenway space and other public space will remain open until further notice.

 
City Manager Greg McClain stated, “We want to assure our citizens and customers that we will continue delivering the services you rely on. These measures are to help ensure the health and well-being of our community and our staff. You should also know we are here for you and will continue to serve throughout this situation.”

Visit our website for more information about services, contact information, and our current procedures and COVID-19 related updates. We have established this page for intergovernmental resources and information.
 

March 22, 2020
Blount County, Tennessee - The governments of Blount County, the cities of Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville and Townsend, and the towns of Rockford and Louisville support and expect compliance with the Governor’s Executive Order issued March 22.

All the leadership of our governments implore our community to stay home, away from crowds, and follow the guidelines of the CDC. We are all responsible to take these actions as citizens, neighbors and friends.

Summary of the Governor’s Executive Order 17

No social gatherings of 10 or more people as well as the following provisions regarding restaurants, bars, and similar food and drink establishments:

• Establishments are to exclusively offer drive-thru, take-out or delivery options to support families, businesses and the food supply chain during this emergency.
• Establishments may sell alcohol by take-out or delivery (with the purchase of food) in closed containers to those who are age 21 and up.
• Gyms and fitness/exercise centers or substantially similar facilities are to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020. In the interim, these businesses are encouraged to pursue digital programming if possible.

The order also pursues additional measures to keep vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions safe.

• Visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes, and long-term care or assisted-living facilities is now limited to visits involving essential care only.
• Businesses are encouraged to enact policies that take extra steps to assist vulnerable populations by considering measures such as shopping hours exclusive from the general public.

The order additionally states that, “Persons and businesses should take particular care to protect the well-being of those populations especially vulnerable to COVID-19, including older adults and persons with compromised immune systems or serious chronic medical conditions, by, among other things, taking care to adhere to all precautions advised by the President and the CDC and refraining to the extent practicable from physical contact and association. Businesses should further consider implementing measures to protect our most vulnerable populations by, for example offering delivery service or special opportunities for members of vulnerable populations to shop in retail establishments exclusive of the general population.”

Local government officials and leaders are strongly advising all residents to stay inside their homes and immediately limit all movement outside of their homes beyond what is absolutely necessary to take care of essential needs. By taking aggressive actions now, we can help limit the effect and duration of the spread of this virus.

In a previous statement, Robert Schmidt with the Blount County Health Department stated, “The most important thing to remember is that this effort will only be effective if every individual in our community does their part. We cannot impede the spread of this disease effectively without each person’s assistance. Individuals should practice everyday prevention measures, which are the best methods to control the spread of the disease.”

To keep our community informed, this site has been established for the public to find contact information for local governments, schools and public facilities. News and information will also be distributed through our local media outlets.

Governor Lee Issued an Executive Order March 22. Effective at midnight on Monday, March 23.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed Executive Order 17 calling for businesses across the state to utilize alternative business models beginning at midnight CDT on Monday, March 23, 2020 until midnight CDT April 6, 2020. The order also outlines ways businesses and citizens should work to protect vulnerable populations.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created both an economic and a health crisis and our response must continue to address both aspects,” said Gov. Lee. “Our goal is to keep the public, especially vulnerable populations, safe while doing everything possible to keep Tennesseans in a financially stable position.”

Executive Order 17 prohibits social gatherings of 10 or more people and also enacts the following provisions regarding restaurants, bars, and similar food and drink establishments:

• Establishments are to exclusively offer drive-thru, take-out or delivery options to support families, businesses and the food supply chain during this emergency.
• Establishments may sell alcohol by take-out or delivery (with the purchase of food) in closed containers to those who are age 21 and up.
• Gyms and fitness/exercise centers or substantially similar facilities are to temporarily close and suspend in-person services until April 6, 2020. In the interim, these businesses are encouraged to pursue digital programming if possible.

The order also pursues additional measures to keep vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with underlying conditions safe.

• Visitation to nursing homes, retirement homes, and long-term care or assisted-living facilities is now limited to visits involving essential care only.
• Businesses are encouraged to enact policies that take extra steps to assist vulnerable populations by considering measures such as shopping hours exclusive from the general public.

“I urge every Tennessean to take these actions seriously - our physical and economic health depend on this as we work to beat COVID-19,” said Lee. More information regarding COVID-19, health resources and support for small business is available HERE. 

There are many questions about quarantine laws and local authority. 
Updated: April 28 - the Attorney General issued an opinion on the Governor's Emergency Management Executive Orders. It also outlines the inability of political subdivisions to take alternative actions.

Original post: 3/21/2020
The laws about who has authority to quarantine and close businesses because of a public health crisis can be confusing since laws are not the same from state to state. For Tennessee, the State Health Department is authorized to take these actions and authorizes its county health officer to take these actions for each county. The local governments cannot make these decisions.
​
The City of Maryville can encourage our citizens to stay home, away from crowds, and follow the guidelines of the CDC. We are all responsible to take these actions as citizens, neighbors and friends.

We will be ready to support and enforce any decisions made by our local health authorities and continue to provide the essential services our citizens need throughout this situation.
 
The following are specific Tennessee Code Annotated locations and their summaries: 
 
Authority
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-201; Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-204
The commissioner of health, appointed by the governor, has the power to declare quarantine whenever he or she determines the welfare of the public requires it. The commissioner has the authority to prescribe rules and regulations deemed proper for the prevention of epidemic diseases in the state. In the event of an emergency or disaster that involves the outbreaks of disease that present a danger of an epidemic, the commissioner shall make appropriate recommendations to the governor for actions under this title and title 58, chapter 2, to allocate all available heath care resources in the affected areas for immediate and long-term health care needs of the affected populations.

Local Authority
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-2-609
The county health officer is empowered to order the quarantine of any place or person if the county health officer finds that such control is necessary to protect the public health from an epidemic.

State & Local Authority
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-9-201 et. seq.
The commissioner and all state, district, county or municipal health officers are authorized, directed and empowered to implement control measures that are reasonable and necessary to prevent the introduction, transmission and spread of tuberculosis in this state.

Penalties
Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-1-203
Any person who willfully disregards or evades quarantine, or violates any rule or regulation made in attempting to prevent the spread of any epidemic disease, commits a Class B misdemeanor.

​As a reaction to the COVID-19 outbreak many people are stocking up on household essentials to the degree that stores are beginning to limit the number of purchases each person can make of certain items. That is, if they are in stock at all. One of those items is toilet paper. Surely, you’ve noticed the empty shelves in the toilet paper aisles all around town. In the absence of this hot commodity, you may be tempted to use an alternative product and also be tempted to dispose of it by flushing it. Please don’t! This can quickly block sewer pipes and cause major plumbing problems to your sewer system in your home.  

The issue is that wipes and other items don't break down in water the same way toilet paper does. That makes them more likely to get stuck somewhere in the pipes and accumulate until water and waste cannot pass through. This becomes much more than just a matter of personal inconvenience when a backup causes raw sewage to flow back into your home causing thousands of dollars in damage.
  
Even if wipes and other flushed debris do manage to make their way through your household plumbing, they can wreak havoc on a city's wastewater system. The fabric in wipes holds together much longer than toilet paper causing the wipes to begin mixing with other particles in your system like dental floss, cotton balls, cigarettes, and grease, fat, and oil. Once the non-flushable items begin meshing and compacting together, they can quickly build in size producing a massive ball of gunk that gets trapped in the wastewater system and the treatment plant’s screens and filters warranting a costly repair.

Trash goes in the trash can… not in the toilet. 
 
The following is a list of things you should never flush:

• diapers
• paper towels
• facial tissue
• cotton swabs
• baby wipes
• adult wipes
• hair
• gum wrappers
• candy wrappers
• facial pads
• dental floss
• cigarettes
• cotton balls
• scoops of kitty litter
• women’s hygiene products
• cleaning wipes
• adhesive bandages
• makeup remover wipes

 
Remember, only flush human waste and toilet paper. No wipes in the pipes!

City Services Updates Related to COVID-19
​Currently, City of Maryville services are on a regular schedule. Any schedule or policy changes will be updated here as needed.

• We are currently encouraging our citizens and utility customers to use alternative methods for payment instead of visiting the building. Those are outlined here.
• Municipal Court is cancelled until April 14.
• All unnecessary meetings, tours, and training is cancelled or postponed until further notice.

Blount Intergovernmental Resource Page
​Community Updates

City Council and I want our community to know that as the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continues to spread throughout the country, the city of Maryville and all its departments are working to ensure we are prepared to keep our services uninterrupted and take extra precautions to reduce the spread of the virus in our community.

Our local governments are working together to minimize the impact of the disease in our community. We are continually evaluating our plans as the situation evolves and will provide updates as information is available. You'll find our joint messages, important links, and community contacts on this site: maryvillegov.com/covid-19-blount-information.

We highly encourage you to visit the CDC sites as well as the Tennessee Department of Health. The measures outlined by these agencies will reduce the disease in our community at any given time and help keep our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.

Most importantly, let us be mindful and cautious, but not fearful. We have so much to be thankful for in our community, and we’ll continue to operate and make decisions based on sound planning, facts and credible information with the health and wellness of our community at the forefront of our minds.

Tom Taylor, Mayor

March 13, 2020 Intergovernmental Community Update
Read the Release