Finance staff excels professionally
The City’s Finance Department is celebrating an accomplishment by three of its staff accountants. Emily Peake, Jessica Bishop, and Tasha Dykes recently passed their Certified Municipal Finance Officer (CMFO) exams, a professional milestone that places them among an elite group of municipal finance professionals.
Emily, Jessica, and Tasha participated in a rigorous program offered by the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), which included monthly classes and exams in Knoxville throughout 2024. The program covered various aspects of government finance, preparing them for
the challenges of municipal financial management.
Before this achievement, Assistant Finance Director Christie Ward was the only CMFO in the department. Now, with the addition of Emily, Jessica, and Tasha, the department boasts four CMFOs, further strengthening its expertise in managing the City’s financial operations.
Finance Director Stephanie Laos commended their achievement: “Emily, Jessica, and Tasha’s hard work and dedication to earning their CMFO certifications is a testament to their commitment to excellence and professional growth. Their success not only elevates our Department but also enhances the financial stewardship we provide to Johnson City.”
This achievement highlights the Department’s commitment to professional development and excellence in public service.
Congratulations to Emily, Jessica, and Tasha.
January 2025
Host of events offered to celebrate MLK Jr.
the guest speaker, reflecting on Dr. King's legacy. Tickets are $15, with proceeds supporting Carver Recreation Center’s youth trip to a Civil Rights Movement historic site. In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Feb. 8.
Regional MLK Event
Johnson City and Washington County will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a series of events leading up to and on MLK Day, observed Monday, Jan. 20. These events aim to celebrate Dr. King’s contributions to civil rights and foster community unity.
Ongoing Food Drive
A countywide food drive supporting Good Samaritan Ministries and Jonesborough Area Ministerial Alliance Food Pantries is underway. Donations can be made at the Carver Recreation Center (322 W. Watauga Ave.) and McKinney Center (103 Franklin Ave.) through Jan. 20.
Prayer Breakfast
Join the annual interfaith Prayer Breakfast at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church (225 Princeton Road) on Saturday, Jan. 18, at 9:30 a.m. Dr. Keith Johnson will be
Northeast State Community College (2425 TN-75, Blountville) will host a lecture by Dr. Lerone Martin titled "Religion and the Civil Rights Movement" on Jan. 18 at 6 p.m.
Storytelling Concert
The Jackson Theatre (121 W. Main St., Jonesborough) will hold a Storytelling Concert on Monday, Jan. 20, at 10 a.m. This annual event uses storytelling and music to educate students (eighth grade and up) about Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. Admission is free.
Unity Program and Peace Walk
A Unity Program and Peace Walk will take place on Feb. 17 at 1 p.m., starting at Carver Recreation Center. This 30-minute ceremony will conclude with a walk of less than two miles.
Community Dinner
Celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a free Community Dinner at Carver Recreation Center on Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. The event will also honor individuals who have made significant contributions to the community.
Vincent Dial Student Art Exhibit
From Jan. 20-23, the McKinney Center will showcase student artwork inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. A public reception will be held on Jan. 23 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit features pieces from Washington County and Johnson City Schools.
For more information, contact Carver Recreation Center at 423-461-8830 or the Langston Centre at 423-434-5785.
City Administrative Offices are closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
January 2025
Successful event boosts local downtown economy
Candy Land Christmas proved to be a major attraction, bringing in 37,800 unique visitors and generating a total of 45,200 visits throughout its duration. On average, visitors spent 35 minutes exploring the enchanting tree displays. The reach of Candy Land Christmas
extended far beyond Tennessee, with visitors from 38 states traveling to experience the festivities.
The expansion of the tree display down Main Street had a significant positive impact on local businesses. Many downtown shops reported an increase in customer traffic, as new visitors took the opportunity to explore what Johnson City has to offer. The event not only highlighted the community’s creativity but also boosted the local economy, showcasing the value of bringing people together for a shared celebration. Candy Land Christmas once again proved to be a joyful and successful event for both the
community and downtown businesses.
City staff are to be commended for their efforts in bringing Candy Land Christmas to life. Thank you to everyone who made this event possible.
Commission Chambers renovations progressing
Renovations to the Commission Chambers are well underway. The project, which began last August, is on track for completion this spring. Facilities Director Brian Ross is leading the effort and notes that significant progress has been
made. Floors, walls, and ceilings are nearly complete. The focus is now on doors, casework, fixtures, and equipment.
Commissioners and City leadership are excited to see the project taking shape and
look forward to unveiling the more accessible, safe and modern space soon.
January 2025
Time entry reminder for nonexempt full time staff
The following is a reminder for hourly nonexempt full time employees and their timekeepers or supervisors.
In Oracle, your time entries are rounded to the nearest 15 minutes. Your absences are not rounded automatically.
When you submit an absence, best practice is to round the start and stop times to the nearest 15 minutes.
The exception is if you are out of leave time and have fewer than 15 minutes available in your balance to use.
Rounding Absence Example: An employee clocks out early for the day at 3:40 p.m. when they would normally work until 5 p.m. They wish to complete their day using sick leave.
• Incorrect: Absence is submitted from 3:40 p.m. to 5 p.m. This results in a 1.33 hour absence, and an 8.08 hour day.
• Correct: Knowing that the 3:40 p.m. clock out time will be rounded to 3:45 p.m., absence is submitted from 3:45 p.m. to 5 p.m. This results in a 1.25 hour absence, and an 8 hour day.
General Rounding Logic Examples:
• 7:52 a.m. becomes 7:45 a.m.
• 7:53 a.m. becomes 8:00 a.m.
• 8:07 a.m. becomes 8:00 a.m.
• 8:08 a.m. becomes 8:15 a.m.
JCFD rescues pets with lifesaving oxygen mask
Did you know that the Johnson City Fire Department is equipped to provide oxygen therapy to animals at fire scenes?
During a fire on Jan. 8, the JCFD rescued a dog and a cat from a structure fire.
Firefighters treated the dog using a pet oxygen mask. Within a few minutes of treatment, the dog was reunited with family.
JCFD, thank you for looking out for our furry friends.
JCPD says farewell to K-9 Pico, welcomes Marsha
The Johnson City Police Department recently celebrated the retirement of K-9 Pico, who served with dedication for seven years. During his career, Pico played a crucial role in community safety, helping to seize significant quantities of illegal drugs, over $1.1 million in cash, and more than 85 firearms. Pico’s efforts led to multiple suspect surrenders and apprehensions, showcasing the vital role of K-9 teams.
On his final day, Pico performed his last free air sniff and was celebrated with his favorite rewards — tennis balls and treats. The JCPD extends its gratitude for his outstanding service.
As Pico retires, the JCPD welcomes K-9 Marsha, a Belgian Malinois specializing in narcotic detection, and her partner, Officer Zach Harris. After completing a rigorous training program, the duo is now ready to contribute to the Department’s efforts in fighting crime.
Chief Billy Church expressed excitement for the new team, emphasizing the importance of K9 units in policing. K-9 Marsha was purchased through the JCPD Drug Fund, which supports the department’s ongoing commitment to community safety.
Pico
Marsha
Photo
January 2025
Investigator receives 400 hours of training
Congratulations to Investigator Bradlee Clark on completing Session 65 of the National Forensic Academy (NFA). The NFA is one of the country’s top forensic training programs. JCPD’s
commitment to solving and preventing crimes will be further enhanced by the 400 hours of training Investigator Clark received during the Academy.
Tannery Knob home to more than bikers
Nature paid a special visit to City Hall last week when an eagle perched in a tree just below Tannery Knob! This unexpected guest turned quite a few heads as staff paused their work to admire the regal bird. It seemed our feathered friend was taking a break from soaring the skies to keep a watchful eye on all the hustle and bustle below.
Whether it was scouting for a tasty snack or simply enjoying the view, the eagle reminded us of the natural beauty that surrounds our city—even right outside our office windows! Keep your eyes peeled; you never know when wildlife will decide to join us at City Hall.
January 2025
Congratulations new hires, promotions, retirements
New Hires - December
Jacob Cole - Public Works
Jimmy Baisden - Risk Management
Matthew Gratigny - Parks and Recreation
Graham Quint - Police
Jedidiah Rope - Police
Emily Whitson - Police
Abdalla Saleh - Police
Logan Harter - Police
Trever Studinger - Police
Daniel Tedford - Public Works
Austin Gibson - Public Works
K-9 Marsha - Police
Promotions - December
Nathan Reece - Water and Sewer Services
Matthew Baines - Fleet Management
Mark Hollis - Police
Lonnie Harding - Fleet Management
Keith Zimmerman - Public Works
Christopher Mannis - Water and Sewer Services
Retirement - December
K-9 Pico (7) - Police
Profile series unveiling the ‘how’ set to launch soon
Every day, thousands of Johnson City residents interact with City employees, whether it’s through paying utility bills, receiving solid waste services, or engaging with our communications team. With over 1,000 dedicated employees working
tirelessly behind the scenes, their contributions are important to the City’s success and progress.
We’re excited to launch “How I Go. All. Out.”, a new video series that shines a spotlight on some of these incredible individuals. Starting this February, get an exclusive look at the daily efforts and dedication of our team members, including Multicultural Engagement Manager
Adam Dickson, Civil Engineer III Tyler Morris, Code Enforcement Supervisor Rex Fink, Planner
I Callie McGrew, and Trails Operations Manager
Josh Collins.
Catch the series on our website, social media platforms, and in the Know. All. Out. newsletter. Join us in celebrating the people who make Johnson City thrive!