Last night after nearly 2 hours of deliberation, the Pleasant Hill Town Council voted not to de-annex any portion of the presented areas on the petition received last November.

According to Tennessee law, to move forward with the process to de-annex begins with the approval of the Pleasant Hill Town Council of the area in question. Before the town council met last night, there were months of effort investigating the historical data on the complaints initially presented to the council. Some complaints were from past administrations and some did not fall within the town operational jurisdiction.

The town council made that decision last night after reviewing data and discussed each of the complaints presented to them.

Pleasant Hill officials issued the following statement regarding the town council’s decision last night:

“After discussing each complaint individually, and presenting findings on each issue, the town council concluded:

1) The town is not now, and never was, able to make decisions for complaints not under the control of the town. However, going forward, and if warranted, this administration will consider exhibiting influence in those cases where it is appropriate for the welfare of the town and its citizens.

2) Some complaints did legitimately illustrate where the town was slow to act in the past, or actually failed to take action at all. In addition, there were too many instances where we were told that residents were not heard at all, or not treated with dignity and respect. Some of these scenarios stemmed as far back as 5, 10, 20, and 25 years. Although they are in the past, nevertheless they are regrettable and should never happen again. However, these are not applicable to this administration in cause, only in learning for the future.

3) Unfortunately, this current town government has made some mistakes. But in learning of our error, we have so far, claimed the mistake and made every attempt to correct the wrong, and make it right.

4) Pertinent to today: The fact is, there are some areas recently brought to our attention where we need to improve. Now we are aware, we will attempt to make corrections based on time and money.

5) Final Council Determination: The evidence presented that is pertinent to this administration (regarding the town’s failure to offer services to the town residents), was not sufficient to convince the council that de-annexation was warranted.”