Illegal Annexation 33

Last Wednesday was yet another hearing, in Roane County, on the Loudon County v Lenoir City's illegal annexations. The hearing was for the judge to hear both sides request for summary judgment. However, to no one's surprise, Lenoir City's attorney has made an appeal to the state supreme court to challenge Judge Pemberton's ruling not to dismiss the case from back in 2024.

You will remember, three months ago, the city attorney appealed to the state appellate court with the same motion. The appellate court rejected the request and most likely, so will the supreme court.

All of these moves by T Scott Jones is nothing more than delay tactics. But what else can they do, they have no case.

The hearing on the lawsuit was to be heard June 4th. But due to Jones appeal to the supreme court, that final hearing will be delayed again.

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.

Delay, delay, delay.

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.