Originally, the project costs were estimated at $898,200.00, the county's share was $89,820.00. Fast forward 10 years later after many, many delays by the city, the project actual costs ballooned to  $2,022,854.00. The county's portion now, $202,285.00.

Project costs increased by $1,124,654.00. County share increased by $112,465.00.

There was never really any doubt the county would pay our portion of the project, unlike the mayor, the county pays it's bills. The problem came up back in March when mayor Aikens sent a letter to the county refusing to pay the city's portion of property reappraisals, performed by the county property assessor, based on some wild notion that it was the county's fault the city let a developer skip town without finishing a development project. Of note, the mayor took it on himself to refuse to pay without a city council vote.

The Monday vote to pay the county portion of the Simpson Road project was contingent on the mayor paying the $47,000.00 owed to the county by the city. I am happy to report the city has finally paid their bill now.

This wasn't the first bungled road project by the city. Back in 2017, they "just didn't realize" about an extra 400K cost to the Harrison Road project. That one cost the county an extra 98k on top of the 178k the county had already committed to the project.

Lesson learned? Never partner with Lenoir City on a road project or at least don't let the city be in charge of it.