Three and a half years ago, we ran on a simple but powerful belief: if we pull together, Roane County can move forward.
That philosophy became more than a slogan – it became the method of governance. By uniting the Roane County Commission, cities, county departments, regional partners, state agencies, and citizens around shared goals, Roane County has experienced one of the most productive and transformative periods in its history.
This page shows a clear accounting of what was promised, what was delivered, and where we are headed next.
In the last election, we committed to a practical, results-driven vision for Roane County focused on unity, accountability, and service.
We ran on a commitment to:
Economic development that creates high-quality, long-term jobs
Responsible, conservative budgeting that respects taxpayers and plans for the future
Modern, efficient county government that serves people better
Public safety and accountability, particularly within the jail and operations
Transparency and open communication between county government and citizens
Regional collaboration to strengthen Roane County’s long-term prosperity
Compassionate leadership, addressing public health, addiction, and community needs
Faith, integrity, and service as guiding principles in leadership
Roane County’s economic growth during our term has been historic in Tennessee, both in scale and speed.
Seven major economic development announcements
3,030 new jobs created
$8.56 billion in total capital investment
The largest capital investment project in Tennessee history with Orano USA
Recruitment of Malibu Boats/Cobalt (770 jobs) and Protomet (250 jobs)
In partnership with the Roane County Commission, the Oak Ridge Corridor Development Corporation was created to unite Roane County with Anderson County and the City of Oak Ridge in a landmark regional effort
Billions in private investment positioning Roane County as a national energy and advanced manufacturing hub
For perspective:
At the start of this administration, Roane County had roughly 2,000 industrial jobs total
The combined assessed value of all 37,000 county parcels was approximately $2.5 billion
No county in state history has experienced growth of this magnitude in such a short period of time
Strategic investments in facilities and infrastructure have strengthened public services and prepared the county for long-term growth. Major projects completed or underway include:
A brand-new Roane County Health Department
A new centralized Records Storage Facility
A new Ambulance Station on Gallaher Road, the only station east of the Clinch and Emory Rivers
A new Spay/Neuter Facility at the Animal Shelter
A fully redesigned Highway 58 Convenience Center
A new courthouse parking lot and major interior renovations
Cybersecurity upgrades and courthouse security enhancements
Pending major renovations at Riley Creek Campground and Swan Pond Sports Complex
This administration has proven that progress and fiscal conservatism can coexist. All annual budgets were developed collaboratively and adopted by County Commission.
2022–2023 County Budget: $164,307,033 (pre-term)
2025–2026 County Budget: $161,320,611 (Creswell term)
Nearly $3 million less, despite expanded services and new facilities
Added over $2 million in savings to the Capital Fund for future projects
Avoided unnecessary jail expansion costs, saving taxpayers millions
Combining growth and fiscal discipline, Roane County now has the lowest county property tax rate since 1906
Roane County government is now more modern, efficient, and responsive than ever before.
Created a Human Resources Department
Created a Records Management Department
Added a Building Inspector and County Planner
Began migration to a digital time-keeping system
Enabled digital payments for Building & Codes and Parks & Recreation
Launched a new county website and brand
Installed digital communication boards at the Courthouse
Delivered 12.94% total wage increases for county employees over three budget cycles
Increased base pay and benefits for Sheriff’s Office and Jail staff
Contracted with Volunteer Fire Departments and delivered record-high funding
Funded Community Investment Grants for Roane County cities
Public safety and compliance were restored through disciplined leadership and strong partnerships.
Achieved Tennessee Corrections Institute compliance for the Roane County Jail
Ended a 12-year Plan of Action, restoring local control and flexibility
Secured funding for six new School Resource Officers, placing an SRO in all 17 schools for the first time
Increased safety for juvenile detainees through operational improvements
Strengthened courthouse and cybersecurity protections
This administration opened county government to the people it serves.
Began live streaming all County Commission meetings for the first time
Provided weekly video updates to keep citizens informed
Public engagement with county government is at an all-time high
Launched a modern communications platform across web and social media
Addressing community challenges required compassion, collaboration, and leadership.
Formed the award-winning Roane County Opioid Council, working alongside Roane County Commission to guide the responsible use of opioid settlement funds
Earned statewide recognition and contributed to a significant reduction in overdose deaths
Initiated a faith-based initiative connecting churches and nonprofits
Created a Minority Advisory Council to ensure all voices are heard
Opened the county’s first spay/neuter clinic to reduce stray animals
With County Commission approval, Roane County secured the following grants and outside funding (excluding ARPA funds):
$3.3 million combined in NRDA and ARC funds for Riley Creek Campground
$2.5 million federal appropriation for Swan Pond Sports Complex
$1.5 million in state funds for the Health Department
$425,000 CDBG grant for a new fire truck
$250,000 CDBG grant for food security equipment
Secured the Last Mile Grant to bring broadband to every unserved household
Looking forward, we remain committed to:
Continuing responsible economic growth while protecting Roane County’s character
Planning to promote growth in areas that make sense to Roane Countians while
protecting areas for agriculture and heritage preservation
Completing major recreational and quality-of-life projects
Maintaining conservative, balanced budgets
Strengthening public safety and emergency services
Expanding broadband and digital access countywide
Supporting county employees with fair wages and modern tools
Deepening regional partnerships that secure long-term prosperity
Governing with faith, integrity, and a heart for service
The last three and a half years prove what is possible when leadership pulls people together instead of dividing them.
We are proud of what Roane County has accomplished and even more excited about what lies ahead.
The work continues. The future is strong. And together, Roane County will keep moving forward.