City of Red Bank Vice Mayor Hollie Berry

Vice Mayor Hollie Berry: “Good, Fast, or Cheap. Pick two.”

You may have heard the phrase before, “Good, Fast, or Cheap. Pick two.”

Red Bank is making rapid progress in the last few years in our long-range planning efforts, long overdue technology upgrades, fair and competitive pay for employees, and catching up on decades of deferred maintenance. Investing basic cost-of-living adjustments for employees, keeping up with widespread inflation, creating road repaving schedules, repairing underground stormwater infrastructure, etc., are neither cheap nor the kind of projects that result in flashy ribbon-cutting ceremonies and headlines. However, if you’re a wonk who loves the nuance of city business and would like to learn more about the monumental work happening behind the scenes here in Red Bank, I encourage you to check out the “Budget” section on the city website, where you can find budget memos from each of our wonderful department heads detailing ongoing and new investments and initiatives for each of their respective departments. For those short on time, here are a few highlights new to this year’s budget I’m most excited to share!

Tax Relief: Red Bank is piloting a property tax-relief matching program. If you qualify for property tax relief from Hamilton County (over 65 income-qualified or disabled veteran), Red Bank will match that tax relief for the municipal portion of your bill as well. While we are the first city in Hamilton County to do so, this program is highly endorsed by the assessor's office, and we hope other cities in Hamilton County might follow suit one day! Find out how to qualify here or call (423) 209-7799

Parks & Recreation: Red Bank’s current part-time program assistant is going full-time, bringing our total Parks and Rec Staffing from 1.5 to 2. Thanks to this assistant our Active Older Adults program is thriving! If you or anyone you know over 55 is interested in fitness, music, art, and more tailored to their needs, please check out the events calendar here.

Public Transit: Red Bank is contributing to CARTA for the first time since city buses were once a common sight on Dayton Boulevard back in the 90s. Previously grant-funded, the CARTA Care-a-van paratransit service is now ongoing. This service offers curb to curb transportation for anyone over 65 or with a permanent or temporary disability, and is most frequently utilized by our Red Bank neighbors for dialysis appointments. If you or anyone you know might be eligible and could benefit from this service, please apply here.

Police: One previously grant-funded detective position is being made permanent. This detective was brought on to focus on violent crimes and domestic violence cases in particular.

Stormwater: Red Bank manages exactly one utility: Stormwater. This year, the only new full-time position being added in the entire city is one Stormwater Supervisor. The city recently utilized ARPA (federal COVID relief) funds to initiate the city’s first Stormwater Inventory. Before its completion, we did not even know where all our stormwater system infrastructure was located, its capacity or condition. Inevitably, finally knowing those conditions resulted in a long list of repairs, replacements, and upgrades across the system with varying degrees of urgency. This new supervisor position will help us ramp up our efforts to implement our new stormwater maintenance plan and prevent even more costly “emergency” repairs going forward. Considering 70% of Red Bank’s businesses are at severe risk of flood, with many of them built directly over Stringer’s Branch itself, managing our stormwater is not just a matter of public safety, but an economic imperative.

You may be asking, “What does this budget mean for my tax bill?”

While the tax rate has not been formally set yet, based on the most recent commission discussion over two-thirds of Red Bank homeowners tax bills will likely decrease.

If you’re fortunate enough to be a homeowner, you will have received your notice of property reassessment from the county earlier this year. This year, property values went up an average of about 60%! Even higher than the 40% average increase we saw in the last reassessment four years ago. In assessment years like this one, the State of Tennessee Comptroller issues to each local government a lower “Certified Tax Rate” to keep their revenue flat or “revenue neutral”. For Red Bank, our municipal tax rate has been $1.67 (per $100 of assessed value) since 2023, but due to the huge growth in property values in Red Bank, our new certified rate was assigned at only $0.8968. Of course, since the same inflation affecting all of us as individuals is also affecting the city as a whole, as well as our hardworking city employees, “revenue neutral” and “service neutral” are unfortunately in opposition. Allowing our revenues to completely stagnate would force us to either start cutting services or start eating into our general fund balance, neither of which is sustainable. The commission’s most recent discussion at our June 17th meeting centered around on a modest increase over the certified rate (9%) $0.98, which if adopted would represent the lowest Red Bank property tax rate since 2002. At this 23-year low, 69% of Red Bank residents can expect to see their property tax bill amount decrease (see graph below):

This counterintuitive decrease in the majority of Red Bank tax bills after a 9% tax rate increase is due in part to commercial and utility properties being assessed at higher rates than residential properties. Meanwhile, the additional revenue will allow the city to maintain our current excellent level of service delivery across all departments while actively pursuing our five unanimously adopted commission goals:

Develop a new land conversion agreement with TDEC and NPS (National Park Service)
Create priorities for safe streets: curtail speeding, enhance pedestrian walkability, and protect cycling routes.
Launch strategic economic development efforts to attract investment, support local businesses, and strengthen community prosperity
Implement the Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
Activation of city property through low-cost improvements.

A formal hearing and first vote on a tax rate is scheduled to take place at our next meeting on July 15th, which we welcome the public to attend.

Sincerely,

Vice Mayor Hollie Berry

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Red Bank Fire Department: Firework Safety.

Fireworks are an American tradition, but they are unpredictable, often turning a celebration into a painful memory. The use of backyard fireworks has doubled since 2000 to 255 million pounds nationwide. Just because some fireworks are legal to buy does not mean they are safe to use. Most fireworks-related injuries can be avoided. Many occur when fireworks are being misused. Leave fireworks to the professionals.

Since 1976, when federal standards were set for consumer fireworks and sprinklers, fireworks injuries have decreased by 88%. Though banned since 1966, M-80’s and M-100’s continues to account for one-third of all 4th of July injuries. Over the past 10 years, 30-33% of injuries associated with fireworks have typically been caused by illegal explosives or homemade fireworks. All fireworks must be clearly labeled with the name and address of the manufacturer as well as cautionary information and safety instructions.

Here are some helpful safety tips so you and your family can have a Safe and Happy 4th of July.

Sparklers

Sparklers are not toys. Considered by many as “safe”, sparklers burn at a very high temperatures, can easily ignite clothing, and stay hot long after burning out. Sparklers can reach temperatures of over 1000 degrees. Pieces of sparklers have been known to cause permanent eye damage.

Sparklers account for25% of all firework-related injuries. They are as dangerous as matches or lighters to children. Be sure to collect all burned-out sparkler wire for disposal.

Only use sparklers outdoors, away from buildings and vehicles.
Children under the age of 12 should not handle sparklers.
Even older children should be under close supervision when using sparklers.
Light only one sparkler at a time.
Keep burning sparklers away from clothing and flammable objects.
When finished, place used sparklers in a bucket of water.
If weather conditions have been dry, avoid using sparklers.

Be Smart.

Obey local laws when dealing with fireworks.
Only buy from a reliable, licensed dealer.
Follow label instructions.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never use illegal explosives, alter, or combine fireworks.
Never make your own fireworks.
Never use fireworks around pets or animals.
Fireworks should be handled or used by an adult.
Never use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or while smoking.
Keep fireworks, lighters, and matches away from children.

Protect Yourself.

When shooting off fireworks:

Wear snug clothing to cover arms and legs.
Wear shoes and eye protection & tie hair back.
Do not lean over fireworks when lighting.
Never look over tube to see if a firework is lit.
Never hold a lit firework item in your hand or carry them in your pocket.
Only use fireworks in a safe OUTDOOR condition:
In good weather conditions- NOT WINDY.
In a clear, open area.
On a flat, hard, and level surface (not in grass).
Away from buildings & vehicles.

Beware of a firework that:

Leaks powder.
Appears to be very old.
Has a loose fuse.
Appears to have been wet and then dried.

Prepare the Area.

Allow a minimum clear radius on a hard, flat level surface, (not grass) of 30 ft. for fountains & other ground-based items & 100 yards for aerial products.
Never shoot in metal or glass containers.
Only light with a flare, fireplace match, or an extended butane lighter (child resistant) to keep as far away as possible.
Light one at a time and move away quickly. Clear exit route of debris, hazards, and people.
Never re-light, alter, of fix a “dud”. Wait 15-20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water.
Keep a working fire extinguisher, garden hose, and a bucket of water or sand nearby.
Use a flashlight, never a lantern or other flame producing device to see the fuse while lighting.
Be sure people and pets are out of range.
Never run or horseplay around fireworks.
Never use fireworks as weapons.
Never aim, throw, or point fireworks or sparklers at other people, property, pets, cars, or buildings.

First Aid for Fireworks Injuries.

Keep a first aid kit nearby.
Cool a burn with cool water. Wrap loosely with gauze. If severe, seek medical help immediately.

• For eye injury:

Do NOT rub the eye; rinse the eye; or apply pressure.
Do Not take or apply medicine to the injury. Instead, hold or tape a disposable cup or container over the eye.

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Details & registration here

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Red Bank Police Department: What to Do if You're in a Car Accident. Step-by-Step Guide

Getting into a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. The Red Bank Police Department wants to ensure you know exactly what to do to stay safe and follow the law. Here’s a simple guide to help you through the process.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Stay Safe

Take a deep breath and check for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.

If the accident is minor and your vehicle is drivable, move it to a safe location, like the side of the road or a parking lot.

Step 2: Call the Police

Even for minor accidents, it’s important to report the incident.

Call your Red Bank Police Department Dispatch at 423-877-2481 and wait for an officer to arrive.

A police report can help with insurance claims and protect your rights.

Step 3: Document the Scene

While you wait for the police:

Take photos of the damage to all vehicles, license plates, and the surrounding area.

Write down the date, time, and location of the accident.

If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact information.

Step 4: Exchange Information

Exchange the following with the other driver(s):

Full name and contact information

Insurance company and policy number

Driver’s license number

License plate number

Vehicle make, model, and color

Tip: Do not admit fault at the scene. Just stick to the facts.

Step 5: Talk to the Police

When officers arrive, tell them what happened truthfully and calmly.

The police officer will give you the report number and information on how to obtain your accident report from www.purchasetncrash.gov. You can also call the Red Bank Police Department Records at 423-874-0088 to request a copy of your accident report.

Step 6: Notify Your Insurance Company

Call your insurance provider as soon as possible to report the accident.

Share the information and photos you collected.

Ask your insurance provider if they will be filling out the Owner/Operator Report on your behalf. As set forth under the provisions of 55-12-104, T.C.A., you must file, or have filed in your behalf, a personal report with the Department of Safety and Homeland Security, if you were involved in an automobile crash as an owner or driver involving death or injury, or in which damage to state or local government property in excess of four hundred dollars ($400). This report is required regardless of who was at fault and in addition to any report filed by an investigating officer. Failure to file a personal crash report with the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security may result in the suspension of driver license and registrations or nonresident operating privileges of any person involved in a crash. Your report must be submitted to the Department within 20 days from the crash. https://dl.safety.tn.gov/_/#4

Final Reminders

Even if the damage seems minor, always file a report and get checked by a doctor if needed.

Keep a copy of all documents related to the accident for your records.

Non-Emergency Dispatch Phone (to request an officer): 423-877-2481

Red Bank Police Department Records (M-F 8:30am-4:30pm): 423-874-0088

Emergency: 911

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Join Us in Making a Difference!

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming Food Drive in partnership with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the City of Red Bank! Together, we can help fight hunger and support those in need in our community.

Date: Month of July

Location: City of Red Bank: City Hall

Time: 9 am - 4 pm, Monday through Friday (excludes Holidays)

We kindly request your generous donations of the following items:

Ready-made, shelf stable food, such as: crackers, fruit cups, juice boxes, Individual shelf stable milk, individually sealed plastic utensils, peanut butter, jelly, canned proteins (tuna, chicken, etc.) canned soups, canned corn, canned beans, pasta, rice, and cereal.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a significant impact. Let’s come together to fill the shelves and hearts of our neighbors.

Spread the word and bring your donations to help us make this food drive a success!

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Keeping Red Bank’s Streets—and Streams—Clean: The Role of Street Sweeping in Protecting Stringers Branch

As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and infrastructure care, the City of Red Bank is taking steps—literally—to protect our waterways, and it all begins with our Storm Water Division. This is currently a three-person team funded through the Storm Water Fee and not the general fund. Their mission is to keep the waters of Red Bank Free and Flowing. One of the tools at their disposal is the city’s street sweeper.

Several times a month the street sweeper canvasses drainage basins around the city to remove debris from curbs and gutters before it finds its way into our storm drains and streams. While it may appear routine, street sweeping plays a vital role in preserving the health and water quality of Stringers Branch, our local tributary and one of Red Bank’s most significant natural assets.

Why Street Sweeping Matters

The debris on our roads isn’t just unsightly—it’s a hidden hazard to water quality. Here’s what our sweeper removes and why it makes a difference:

Vehicle residue: Tiny particles from tire rubber accumulate on pavement and wash into storm drains during rainfall, carrying heavy metals and petroleum-based pollutants straight into streams.
Litter from moving vehicles: Fast food wrappers, plastic bottles, and other loose waste often end up roadside. Without regular sweeping, this trash is flushed into Stringers Branch with the next storm.
Spillage from commercial trucks: Garbage trucks servicing private businesses often unintentionally drop loose material—everything from cardboard to food waste. Our sweeper intercepts it before it becomes aquatic pollution.
Natural debris: Fallen leaves, pine needles, and small branches might seem harmless, but once they enter catch basins and decompose, they become organic debris that disrupts aquatic ecosystems and can clog pipes.

Protecting Infrastructure and Nature

Sweeping doesn’t just benefit the environment—it protects our infrastructure too. Clean catch basins reduce the risk of localized flooding and minimize costly maintenance for our stormwater system. And when we keep debris out of the water, we reduce the strain on downstream filtration systems, keeping costs down for everyone.

How You Can Help

Community members play a role in this effort. Here’s how you can contribute:

Avoid sweeping or blowing grass clippings and leaves into the street—collect and compost them instead or bag them and use our Citizen’s Portal on the City of Red Bank website to request a curb-side pickup.
Secure loose trash and recyclables on collection days.
Report significant debris or spillage from commercial trucks to the City’s Public Works Department.

Together, we can ensure that Stringers Branch remains a thriving, healthy part of our community’s natural landscape.

Let’s keep Red Bank beautiful—one sweep at a time.

Learn more at: www.redbanktn.gov

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Click here for the link to wish list:

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"Learn to Ride" Bicycle Rodeo

July 10th 9:30am-11:00am White Oak Bike Coop will be hosting a "Learn to Ride" rodeo specifically geared towards children ages 4-14 who would like to ride a bike without training wheels. We will focus on balance and handling skills. This class is free to attend but registration is required. Helmets required. Please indicate on the registration form if you need to borrow a helmet and bike, as availability is limited. Learn to ride spots limited to 10 participants.

Address is 4839 Dayton Blvd, next to B&B Discount and Fire Hall 2.

Link to sign up: https://redbanktn.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=41

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NHTSA Reminds Drivers That
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

Red Bank, Tennessee — As the nation celebrates Independence Day, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Help NHTSA and the Red Bank Police Department share this message: Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

Every year, the Fourth of July holiday ranks as one of the deadliest periods on the nation’s roads. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 traffic fatalities during the holiday period, 1,679 of whom were the driver. Thirty-eight percent (643) of those drivers were drunk. Of the 1,679 drivers killed, the 21-34 age group had the highest percentage (48%) of drunk drivers.

“Impaired driving is never acceptable. For some people, even one drink is too many to drive safely. While everyone is making plans with friends and family for Fourth of July festivities, it is crucial to also make plans for a sober ride home and completely rule out drinking and driving,” said Sgt. Rusty Aalberg. “We’re partnering with NHTSA to remind drivers that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Celebrating our nation's independence safely is our biggest responsibility.”

Drivers should be safe during this Independence Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. They shouldn’t wait until after drinking to plan how to get somewhere. Impairment clouds a person’s judgment. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home.

If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive — take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If anyone spots a drunk driver, contact local law enforcement.

Drive 100% sober, because Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.

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THE LEARNING GARDENS AT RED BANK ELEMENTARY

The Mission

Red Bank Elementary exists to ensure all students learn at high levels through the provision of high quality instruction and a positive culture where educators model and develop leadership, innovation, ownership, and grit.

The Vision

The Learning Gardens at Red Bank Elementary were created to provide innovative learning opportunities for all students in an accessible outdoor learning environment, as well as establish self sustainable gardening practices to support the Culinary Arts lab.

The Program

Innovative and engaging outdoor learning
Mindfulness activities and sensory stations
Increase the outdoor learning opportunities specifically for the student population with multiple disabilities

Red Bank Elementary / Innovation

Red Bank Elementary eLab

Red Bank Elementary is a proud recipient of a digital fabrication lab, or what we lovingly call our eLab. We were one of the first elementary schools in Hamilton County to earn an eLab in 2021 after earning STEM Designation in 2020. Digital Fabrication is led by MIT and our team has had the opportunity to visit and study these processes with the experts. Students get the opportunity daily to exercise innovation by being problem solvers who make their classroom, school, and world a better place. The eLab is just one innovative space with the tools to help students do this amazing work. We believe that our eLab helps us achieve our mission of preparing our students for the future by growing them as learners, leaders, and innovators each and every day. We do this by aligning eLab work with content knowledge being developed in the classroom and focusing on essential skills (our LION tenets) before supporting students in exploring and learning technical skills.

Red Bank Elementary Forest Program

Red Bank Elementary’s beautiful campus sits beside Mountain Creek and is connected to Mountain Creek Park which organically expands the RBE classroom to learning outdoors. Our Forest Program began in 2016 with a pioneering Forest Kindergarten making our school one of the first public schools in the United States to offer Forest Learning. After five years of growing the program and tracking its success, Forest First Grade was added in 2021. Two short years later, Forest expanded to second grade and beyond. We now have a forest coordinator who works with all students and staff to create learning opportunities in which nature is a co-teacher while we all enjoy the benefits and beauty of the outdoors. Our Forest Program continues to draw people to our school community, and we now have research to show that students who participate in our forest program have lower nurse visits, less disciplinary infractions, and equal or greater academic achievement.

Red Bank Elementary Culinary Arts

Our Culinary Arts Lab opened in August of 2023 with the mission to expand experiential learning for students. Culinary Arts fostered the revitalization of our courtyard garden and provides endless learning connections to real-life application and culture through food. These spaces provide resources for students to enhance the standards-based learning taking place in each grade level across our school. Students visit the Culinary Lab bi-weekly to collaborate, cook, and create!

For more information, please contact Megan Autry at:

Mailing Address: 1100 Mountain Creek Road
Chattanooga, TN, 37405

Email: autry_megan@hcde.org

Phone: 423.645.8060 or 423.874.1917

Fax: 423.874.1918

Website: https://rbe.hcde.org/

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Looking Ahead

July 15th - Regular Commission Work Session - 5 PM

Regular Commission Meeting - 6 PM

July 9th - Planning Commission Work Session - 12 PM

July 23rd - Regular Planning Commission Meeting - 6 PM

*City Offices will be closed Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day.

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Vice Mayor Hollie Berry: “Good, Fast, or Cheap. Pick two.”

Red Bank Fire Department: Firework Safety.

Details & registration here

Red Bank Police Department: What to Do if You're in a Car Accident. Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping Red Bank’s Streets—and Streams—Clean: The Role of Street Sweeping in Protecting Stringers Branch

"Learn to Ride" Bicycle Rodeo

NHTSA Reminds Drivers That Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

THE LEARNING GARDENS AT RED BANK ELEMENTARY

Red Bank Elementary / Innovation

Red Bank Elementary Forest Program

Red Bank Elementary Culinary Arts

NHTSA Reminds Drivers That
Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving