Mayor Frank

A note from Terry…

When I was first elected, my first act of office was opening the door to the people of Anderson County. I don’t have political handlers, instead, I have an open door policy and I believe in meeting with people one on one. I answer my own emails and write my own columns and speeches. I believe a top priority in successfully accomplishing the job of mayor is to be in tune and in touch with the citizens.

During my first campaign, I promised to bring my business sense to work in government. I pointed out that one of our obstacles to progress was a high tax rate that gave our neighboring counties a competitive edge for retail and housing. I pledged to work my hardest to keep those taxes down while at the same time offering efficiencies, innovation, and fresh, new ideas.

I kept my word, offering no tax increase budgets, building up our fund balance and though small, successfully passed for the first time anyone can remember, an actual tax cut. Anderson County received a two notch ratings increase, from A+ up to AA from Standard & Poor’s and was removed from high-risk audit status, a level not reached since 2006. In addition, Moody’s took us off negative watch, and while surrounding counties have been raising their taxes, maintaining stability has allowed us to even the playing field with our neighbors.

At the same time, I have offered new ways of structuring government to get more services to the people we serve—with less money. A few successes to share are:

Helped bring the first-ever Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to Anderson County. Worked with the Board of Regents, TCAT, Commission, ECD, industry, and the County Economic Development Board & Chamber to locate a temporary facility and also secure a new TCAT campus.
Through restructuring, outsourcing and new partnerships, reduced spending $298,225 in just 5 small departments while at the same time adding new services for taxpayers like our first-ever Animal Shelter, ankle monitoring program, switchboard service and courtesy booth in those same 5 departments.
Helped establish senior program, expanded programs for seniors and helped establish first-ever senior center.
Working with Finance Director, spearheaded Debt Refinancing effort that saved taxpayers $1,134,928.31

More about Mayor Frank:

Mayor Frank is constantly active and engaged in the community. She formed a Broadband Working Group to pursue broadband expansion in Anderson County; she has worked with the State of Tennessee and the Anderson County Water Authority as well as ARC to obtain over $1.8 million in grants for new water and sewer lines; working with the Tennessee Department of Health and our local health department and community partners, she helped Norwood Elementary School pave a new walking track; she’s rolled up her sleeves to address the opiate addiction epidemic; she’s worked to engage and support our faith community; she works hard to support our military and veterans; she worked closely with Briceville Volunteer Fire Department, USDA and Commissioners to help BVFD obtain much needed turn-out gear. These are just a few of the efforts Mayor Frank has made to make Anderson County a better place to live, work and play.

Mayor Frank works year round to make a difference and lift up our community, not just during election year.