The recreation and aquatic center under development in Crossville could very well be the facility that Buc-ee’s built.
“Thanks to Buc-ee’s, we’ve increased our sales tax close to $4 million on top of what we’ve been doing year over year,” said Crossville Mayor RJ Crawford. “So not only are we building a rec center, we’re also going to be building a new fire hall. We’ve also doubled our budget on roads — all from sales tax.”
Crawford made the proclamation last week in answer to a city resident’s query during Crossville City Council’s monthly work session. David Brockway interrupted discussion about the pending bond sale with a question that’s been asked repeatedly in the past few years.
“How are you going to pay for it?” he asked. “You’ve got a bond of $38-$40 million. How are you going to pass it on to the taxpayer?”
Crawford replied, “It’s coming from sales tax,” to which Brockway responded, “You’ve got $40 million in sales tax?”
That’s when Crawford said the Texas-based mega convenience store that opened on Genesis Rd. in the summer of 2022 has added mightily to the city’s sales tax base, with tourists flocking in regularly for gas, food and the overall Buc-ee’s experience.
“And all that’s coming in from outside the county,” he added.
Architects and engineers are finalizing their plans to begin construction on the three-story facility at Livingston Rd. and N. Main St.
Architects with Upland Design Group last month estimated its cost at $38.338 million, down from early projections as high as $60 million.
During its monthly session Tuesday, council will consider adoption of legal documents including the sports authority’s issuance of 2024 bond sale and an intergovernmental agreement.
The documents will also include lease and operating agreements between the city, Crossville Sports Authority and Putnam County YMCA.
The sports authority is overseeing funding and construction of the facility, which will be operated by the YMCA upon completion.
Upon the documents’ approval by the city, Larry Kidwell, bond agent for both the city and its sports authority, recommended the sports authority meet in a special-called session for its adoption of the documents.
That will be followed by submitting a package for the bonds to the rating agency, Kidwell said. He estimated that process, the selection of an underwriter and the closing of the bonds would be completed in about six weeks.
City Manager Valerie Hale said the timeframe puts the groundbreaking for the facility in October.
“That’s exciting to hear,” Crawford said.
Council member Rob Harrison said population growth, in addition to Buc-ee’s, has contributed to additional revenues that are allowing the city to take on new projects, including the recreation center and its indoor pool facility.
“No increase in property tax?” Brockway asked.
“Absolutely not,” replied Harrison.
The mayor explained that he owns a Crossville business, as well as multiple properties.
“I wouldn’t want to shoot myself in the foot,” he told Brockway. “So please, if you’re hearing people say that, it’s not. That’s all I’m saying.”
Crawford said he is grateful to former Mayor James Mayberry and the previous council for “having the foresight to put in a Buc-ee’s.”
“The amount of sales tax and the amount of businesses coming in from that — it’s a game changer,” he said. “It’s a lot for our small community to make substantial investments.”
Tuesday’s council meeting begins at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of Crossville City Hall at 392 N. Main St.
The agenda includes the third reading of an ordinance on water and sewer connections and main line extension; second reading of ordinances regarding chartered transportation, use of fireworks and a budget amendment for police equipment; and first reading of a budget ordinance for mechanical screens.