McKenzie Council Approves Vehicle Purchases

McKENZIE (July 7) — The McKenzie City Council approved the purchase of three new vehicles for the city’s police and water departments during a special-called meeting on Tuesday, July 7.

The council voted to purchase two 2026 Tahoe trucks for the McKenzie Police Department from Wilson County Motors at approximately $60,125 each. Police Chief Ryan White confirmed the purchases would not use taxpayer funds, noting the expense will be covered by the city’s Safe Street and Drug funds, which are supported by traffic camera revenue and asset seizures, respectively.

Additionally, the council approved the purchase of a 2026 Case 580SN backhoe-loader for the Water Department at a discounted price of $99,426.56. The city will trade in the department's existing 15-year-old backhoe to secure the discount.

During the meeting, Paris Pike resident Scott Kelley addressed the board regarding inactive tornado sirens and drainage issues in his neighborhood. Kelley reported a malfunctioning siren near his residence and noted that drainage culverts at the intersections of Paris Pike and Eastwood, and Paris Pike and Shady Lane, were insufficient. He estimated he had sustained $12,000 in landscape damage due to flooding.

Mayor Ryan Griffin stated the tornado siren issue would be addressed during next month's council meeting. Regarding the drainage concerns, the mayor directed Street Director Johnny Mercer to meet with Kelley to investigate the situation.

During department updates, City Recorder Jennifer Waldrup announced that the city will replace 20 streetlights with new 60-watt bulbs, prioritizing the city's oldest fixtures.

Preceding the special-called meeting, the council, sitting as the beer board, approved new certificates for Type A “off-premise” permits to Aanal Patel, doing business as Valero Foodmart (15300 Highland Drive) and Little General (528 Magnolia Avenue).

The McKenzie Board of Mayor and Council is scheduled to reconvene for a special-called meeting on Friday, July 24, at 10 a.m. The agenda includes opening and approving bids for fencing and gates at the new Mulberry Soccer Complex.