Illegal Annexation 32
Appeal Denied

In the ongoing saga that is the lawsuit of Loudon County suit against Lenoir City for their two illegal annexations continues. Back in January, Lenoir City's attorney, T Scott Jones, filed an appeal with the Tennessee Court Of Appeals. Jones/Lenoir City's position was that the trial court was wrong not to dismiss the case. Jones/Lenoir City's position was that the county had no standing to bring the lawsuit. Judge Pemberton disagreed with Jones/Lenoir City and agreed with the county that the county did in fact have standing and allowed the case to move forward. The appeals court denied Jones/Lenoir City appeal.

The trial on the two illegal annexations is now set for June 4th.

Jones/Lenoir City has tried every legal trick in the book to delay and drag out the case as long as possible. The case has been ongoing for two years and two months.

A short review, in 2020, the city committed the first illegal annexation. Apparently, feeling they got away with it once, they committed a second illegal annexation in 2022. Both annexations were clear violations of state law. The county tried every way possible to avoid any litigation, but Aikens wouldn't hear it. He is more than happy to spend as much county and city tax payer money as he can to try to cover his illegal actions.

At least two council members have asked for an update on the legal cost to the city for the lawsuit. Thus far, Aikens has refused to allow the council to know how mush T Scott Jones has charged for the 26 month legal actions.  

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4/7/25