Blount 250 Committee

Established by Resolution No. 25-08-025; amended 25-11-018.

1. Creation of Committee – There is hereby established a Blount County 250th Anniversary Celebration Coordinating Committee (“the Blount 250 Committee” or “the Committee”) for the purpose of planning and coordinating the County’s celebration efforts for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

2. Membership – The Committee shall be composed of:  Four (4) County Commissioners appointed by the Board of County Commissioners; Blount County Mayor or the Mayor’s designee; one (1) representative from each of Maryville, Alcoa, Friendsville, Townsend, Rockford, and Louisville, appointed by their respective legislative bodies; one (1) representative with historical expertise – to be selected by the Committee from among individuals knowledgeable about Blount County and American history; one (1) representative from the Blount County Board of Education; one (1) representative from the Blount County Public Library; up to three (3) additional at-large members representing community organizations, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners; a representative of the Mary Blount Chapter – Daughters of the American Revolution (Mary Blount Chapter – NSDAR); the Chief Executive Officer of the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center; and such additional members as the Committee shall deem appropriate, which members shall be non-voting.

3. Organization – The Committee shall select from its members a Chair and Vice-Chair, and shall also designate a Secretary. The Committee shall meet as often as necessary to fulfill its duties, but not less than monthly.

4. Duties – The Committee shall:  Develop and recommend a calendar of celebratory events and activities for Blount County; Coordinate with municipal governments, schools, civic organizations, and other stakeholders to promote participation; Pursue opportunities for grants, sponsorships, and donations to support the celebrations; Ensure that celebrations reflect historical accuracy, civic pride, and love of country; Report periodically to the Blount County Board of Commissioners on planning progress.

5. Duration – The Committee shall remain in existence through December 31, 2026, unless extended by further action of the Board of County Commissioners.

6. Rules and Procedures – The Committee shall operate under the same rules as the Board of County Commissioners until such time as it has adopted its own rules of procedure.