COVID-19 Updates
For information about changes to City services, schedules, and facilities, click on the City Service Updates tab below.
Sullivan County Mask Order Currently In Effect
- Sullivan County Executive Order Two was issued on Tuesday, August 11, 2020.
- All businesses, organizations, or venues open to usage by members of the public in Sullivan County, Tennessee shall require the use of face coverings or masks by their employees and members of the public while inside their premises in areas accessible by the public.
- NOTE: Cloth face coverings or masks should not be worn by children under the age of two or anyone who has trouble breathing, is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- Places of worship are exempt from the requirements of this Order, pursuant to Governor Lee’s Executive Orders No. 38 and 50.
- This Order does not require businesses, organizations, or venues to supply face coverings or masks to members of the public.
- Use of face coverings or masks shall not be required by members of the public while seated for the purpose of dining in any restaurant or business that provides food and/or drink for on premises consumption or other business as defined by the Tennessee Pledge.
- Sullivan County, Tennessee continues to be governed in all other aspects by the Executive Orders issued by Governor Lee.
- This order shall remain in effect until 11:59 p.m. on September 12, 2020, unless otherwise modified or withdrawn by future Orders or by the State of Tennessee.
City meetings to be conducted electronically
Meetings of the Bristol, Tennessee City Council and some boards and commissions may be conducted electronically to mitigate the ongoing public health threat posed by COVID-19. Information for how to view these meetings will be posted on the City Service Updates tab below.
Agendas for all upcoming City Council meetings will be posted at least 24 hours in advance and may be found here.
For more information on Governor Bill Lee’s Executive Order permitting government bodies to conduct electronic meetings as a measure to protect the safety and welfare of Tennesseans while ensuring that government business remains open and accessible to the public, please click here.
Burn Permits
City burn permits are being issued by the Bristol Tennessee Fire Department. Please contact Assistant Chief David McGlamery at 423-989-5704.
City Offices
All visitors to city buildings will be subject to a health screening, which includes a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms. This mirrors the same screening process that all city employees have completed daily since facilities first closed in late March. Pursuant to Sullivan County Executive Order 1, visitors are required to wear a face mask when entering city buildings. Members of the public are encouraged to continue utilizing electronic or other alternate methods of conducting business with the city whenever possible.
Development Services
- A number of applications and forms used by the City’s Planning, Zoning, Codes Enforcement, and other divisions may be found online at www.bristoltn.org/development.
- Fees associated with any of these applications may be mailed to 104 8th St, Bristol, TN 37620.
Finance
- Payments for utility bills, citations, and property taxes may be made in several ways:
- In the drive-thru drop box on 8th Street. Checks, cashier’s checks, cash, and money orders will be accepted here.
- By mail to PO Box 1348, Bristol, TN 37621-1348. Please do not place cash in the mail.
- By phone using a debit or credit card. Please have your account number ready when calling. A non-refundable convenience fee will apply to all phone payments.
- Utility bills: (877) 768-5046
- Property taxes: (877) 768-5048
- Online payment options may be found at www.bristoltn.org/paynow. Please note that a non-refundable convenience fee will apply to online payments.
- Customers wishing to set up an automatic bank draft for monthly utility bills may complete the form at www.bristoltn.org/paynow.
- Payments using credit or debit card may be made by phone for utility bills at (877) 768-5046. Property taxes can be paid by phone at (877) 768-5048. Please have your account number ready when calling.
- Online payment options for utility bills, citations, and property taxes may be found at www.bristoltn.org/paynow.
- Please note that a non-refundable convenience fee will apply to all phone and online payments.
Meetings and Presentations
- The following meetings will be conducted either electronically or telephonically in accordance with Executive Order 51issued by Governor Bill Lee.
- July 14 - Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium Board
- Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 AM
- Electronic - Video will be posted to the city’s YouTube channel within 24 hours.
- Agenda
- The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room of the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact Christina Blevins at 423-612-4029 or email cblevins@bristoltn.org.
- July 20 - Planning Commission
- Monday, July 20 at 6:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Individuals wishing to provide public comment should appear at the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St. The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room, and individuals wishing to address the Planning Commission will be able to do so via teleconference.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact the Department of Development Services at 423-989-5518 or email cyoung@bristoltn.org.
- Agenda
- July 23 - Better Property Board
- Thursday, July 23 at 5:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Individuals wishing to provide public comment should appear at the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St. The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room, and individuals wishing to address the board will be able to do so via teleconference.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact the Codes Enforcement Department at 423-989-5711 or email cpowers@bristoltn.org.
- Agenda
- July 27 - Industrial Development Board
- July 28 - City Council Work Session
- July 28 - Community Development Advisory Committee Called Meeting
- Tuesday, July 28 at 5:30 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- For additional information, please contact Christina Blevins at 423-612-4029 or email cblevins@bristoltn.org..
- Agenda
- August 4 - City Council Meeting
- Tuesday, August 4 at 7:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Members of the public wishing to comment during the scheduled Public Hearings or Appearance of Citizens may call 423-217-1510 beginning 15 minutes prior to the meeting. Calls will continue to be accepted until the pertinent item has been heard by City Council. No additional callers will be accepted for each item after the related portion of the agenda has been closed.
When dialing in, callers will be asked for some basic information by an attendant. They will then be placed into a holding queue. When City Council arrives at the appropriate point in the agenda, callers will be connected to the meeting audio one at a time to provide their comment. At the conclusion of each caller’s comment, they will then be disconnected from the meeting audio and the next caller will be brought in. Callers will be asked to state their name and address for the record prior to speaking, and all other rules for comments that normally apply for in-person meetings will remain in effect for this teleconference. - Agenda
- August 6 - Bristol Metropolitan Planning Organization
- Thursday, August 6 at 10:00 AM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Individuals wishing to provide public comment should appear at the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St. The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room, and individuals wishing to address the board will be able to do so via teleconference.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact the MPO at 423-989-5519 or email rmontgomery@bristoltn.org
- Agenda
- August 17 - Planning Commission
- Monday, August 17 at 6:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Individuals wishing to provide public comment should appear at the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St. The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room, and individuals wishing to address the Planning Commission will be able to do so via teleconference.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact the Department of Development Services at 423-989-5518 or email cyoung@bristoltn.org..
- August 24 - Industrial Development Board
- Monday, August 24 at 12:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- August 25 - City Council Work Session
- Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 AM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- August 27 - Better Property Board
- Thursday, August 27 at 5:00 PM
- Live broadcast on BTN-TV and YouTube
- Individuals wishing to provide public comment should appear at the Ewell L. Easley Municipal Annex, 104 8th St. The meeting will be viewable in the main conference room, and individuals wishing to address the board will be able to do so via teleconference.
- To ensure the health and safety of all those in attendance, members of the public are respectfully asked to wear a face covering (one will be provided for those who do not have their own) and will be subject to a health screening including a temperature scan and questions related to potential COVID-19 exposure or symptoms.
- For additional information, please contact the Codes Enforcement Department at 423-989-5711 or email cpowers@bristoltn.org.
- July 14 - Northeast Tennessee/Virginia HOME Consortium Board
- Additional updates regarding meeting schedules will be posted here as they become available.
Parks and Recreation
- City parks remain open during regular hours. Please continue to enjoy them while practicing appropriate social distancing.
- Pursuant to the Tennessee Pledge, all baseball/softball fields, soccer fields, and basketball courts remain closed pending further guidance from Governor Bill Lee and public health officials.
- Picnic shelters are available for rental, however we do ask that renters adhere to the Tennessee Pledge guidelines and limit gatherings to 50 people or fewer and follow all other social distancing and face covering measures.
- The golf course at Steele Creek Park remains open, however cart rentals are suspended, and no more than one guest at a time is permitted inside the pro shop.
- The paddle boats and Steele Creek Express train will not be available to the public for the summer of 2020.
- Administrative offices at the Slater Community Center are open to the public, however all classes and other activities remain suspended pending further guidance from Governor Bill Lee and public health officials.
- Haynesfield Aquatic Center will remain closed for the 2020 season.
Police Department
- Access to the 24-hour Police Department lobby will be available for residents to request an officer’s assistance.
- Driving school classes conducted by the Police Department have been canceled until further notice.
- Camp Challenge will be canceled for the summer of 2020.
State Street Farmer’s Market
- The State Street Farmer’s Market will officially open for the season on Saturday, June 6 from 8:00 AM until noon.
- The Saturday market will be temporarily relocated from the Downtown Center to the Municipal Parking Lot off of Shelby Street to allow for additional spacing between vendors.
Transit
- City fixed route buses, paratransit, and job access services are currently running on regular schedule and all fees have been waived. In order to adhere to CDC guidelines, no more than 10 riders will be permitted on any transit vehicle at one time. Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing procedures are being employed to keep vehicles as safe as possible.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019,” abbreviated COVID-19.
For the latest information about COVID-19, please visit the following resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Tennessee Department of Health
Sullivan County Regional Health Department
Ballad Health
If you are concerned that you may be ill with COVID-19, please call Ballad Health’s Nurse Connect at (833) 822-5523 to be screened. This line is active 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Bristol’s Promise
Bristol’s Promise continues to compile a broad list of resources and information related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes information on feeding programs, resources for individuals and businesses, as well as information related to health and self care.
Bristol Tennessee City Schools
BTCS is providing continuous updates regarding school closures, feeding programs, and at-home learning resources.
United Way of Bristol TN/VA
The United Way of Bristol TN/VA has established a COVID-19 Response Fund to provide flexible resources to organizations in our region working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak. Information is available regarding donating to the fund. Once grants have been awarded, information about agencies receiving funding will be posted on the website. Individuals requiring immediate assistance are encouraged to call 211.
The economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak are undeniably vast and could potentially last for some time to come. This impact has been particularly felt by small businesses. A number of resources at various levels have been made available.
Please refer to Public Health Order No. 3 from the Sullivan County Regional Health Department, as well as Governor Bill Lee’s Tennessee Pledge for guidance and best practices as businesses in our community begin to reopen.
Local
Appalachian Highlands Economic Aid Directory (AHEAD)
This site was created to give small businesses and the community a place to connect and learn how we can support one another during this time of uncertainty.
Believe in Bristol
Believe in Bristol is maintaining an updated list of the modified services such as curbside, to-go, delivery, gift card, and online shopping options being offered by Downtown Bristol merchants. Additional updates regarding downtown arts and entertainment activities are also included.
Bristol Chamber of Commerce - Bristol Stands 2gether
The Bristol Chamber of Commerce has developed the #BristolStands2gether COVID-19 resource hub that features a substantial listing of resources for businesses and individuals.
FoundersForge
FoundersForge, a local entrepreneur-driven organization, released this newsletter detailing a number of business relief programs for freelancers, small businesses, and startups. Programs discussed include the Paycheck Protection Program, Refundable Employee Retention Credit, Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and the Emergency Family and Medical Leave Expansion Act.
NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership
NETWORKS Sullivan Partnership is the economic development organization for Sullivan County and the cities of Bristol, Kingsport, and Bluff City. Aside from recruiting new employers to the region, they also strongly support existing local industries, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.
Restart Accelerator
Sync Space Entrepreneur Center and TSG Innovation Group, with support from Activated Capital, are announcing the Restart Accelerator, an innovation program to help small businesses recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will identify, promote, and nurture companies with technology, products, and services that will overcome the challenges in the new economy and help implement these solutions for struggling businesses in our region. The Restart Accelerator program starts in early May.
State
Launch Tennessee
Launch Tennessee is a statewide public-private resource network for entrepreneurs. They have assembled a directory to a number of tools to support small businesses and encourage innovation during the COVID-19 crisis, such as the Tennessee Innovation Crowdsource Platform.
Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry
The Tennessee Chamber is committed to helping businesses create a positive work climate. As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the world and the United States, it is imperative that Tennessee employers are prepared to handle this pandemic. They are sending out a ’Daily Dashboard’ e-mail with business updates on COVID-19 that can be signed up for on their site.
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development
TNECD continues to work without disruption, and their team is committed to assisting their stakeholders and partners during this uncertain time. Important developments will be shared on TNECD.com and TNECD’s social media channels. They have assembled a comprehensive list of resources to assist Tennessee employers and employees that will be updated regularly.
Tennessee Pledge - Economic Recovery Group
Governor Bill Lee established the Economic Recovery Group (ERG), a joint effort between state departments, members of the legislature, and leaders from the private sector to build guidance to safely reboot Tennessee’s economy. This includes implementation of the Tennessee Pledge, a plan to help Tennesseans return to work in a safe environment, restore their livelihoods and reboot our state’s economy.
University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS)
UT CIS has developed a Coronavirus Resource Dashboard in order to help organizations navigate through this emergency. A number of industry-specific resources have been compiled.
Federal
US Chamber of Commerce
The US Chamber of Commerce has issued this cheat sheet to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
US Small Business Administration
The US Small Business Administration provides detailed information on the Paycheck Protection Program, Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program, and other SBA loan and debt relief options provided for in the CARES Act.