Farragut Community Information

History - The Town of Farragut is named for Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870) who was born at Campbell's Station, the first permanent settlement by the white man west of Knoxville. After his mother's death, Farragut spent much of his childhood living with friends. Under the influence of Captain David Porter, who had adopted him, Farragut joined the United States Navy as a midshipman when he was only nine years old.

In 1855, Farragut was promoted to Captain. After refusing to side with the South in the Civil War, he commanded a full squadron of U.S. Navy ships. He was promoted to Rear Admiral for his leadership in the Union defeat of the Confederates at New Orleans in 1862. Once again, Farragut's leadership brought defeat to the Confederate Navy in Mobile Bay in 1864. This led to his promotion to Vice Admiral.

Although it was his superior military skill that resulted in his promotion to Admiral, he is best remembered for the phrase, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead."

In the fall of 1979, a group known as the Farragut Community Group gathered to explore the concept of incorporating. Many community residents wished to have more control over their destiny. In January of 1980, residents decided to incorporate by an overwhelming margin. The Town of Farragut was incorporated on January 16, 1980, with the first board of Mayor and Alderman elected on April 1, 1980. Controls on zoning, building codes and signage plus major improvements to roads and a sincere commitment to developing parks, green space and leisure opportunities make this community a great place to live and work.

It was this active citizenry which prompted the formation of the Farragut Chamber of Commerce in May 1987. The Chamber is a unified force serving business people and the community as a whole. As we look to the future of our community, the important role of the Chamber becomes increasingly significant.

The Chamber's mission is to further the economic strengths of the community. Recruiting new businesses and jobs, encouraging good government, promoting community pride and involvement, and supporting better education are our basic goals.

Progressive standards have been established to ensure the orderly growth of the Town of Farragut. Knox County schools located in Farragut are recognized as being among the best in the State of Tennessee, with strong community support contributing to an education system striving for excellence.

Farragut has made great progress in its short history. The Town of Farragut, the Farragut Chamber of Commerce and the townspeople are partners in progress who work together to ensure the future of this community.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Perfectly located for commuting to the Oak Ridge Technology Corridor, Knoxville, Loudon County, Maryville and McGhee Tyson Airport, Farragut has quickly become a drawing card for new families moving to the East Tennessee area and for those already in the area who decide to relocate. Close to major markets and high-tech resources, Farragut offers small-town living with a commercial edge.

Although known primarily as a residential community, the Town is also home to a varied mix of businesses. Building and development continue at a steady pace in an area where homes and land are at a premium.

AREA

AUTOMOBILE

Motor Vehicle License: Must be obtained within 30 days. To purchase a license, a Tennessee title must be obtained. Both may be obtained at:

Driver's License: Must be obtained within 30 days. For information contact:

CHURCHES

The Farragut area has some 30 churches serving many faiths and denominations.

CIVIC CLUBS

COMMERCE

Not only is the Farragut Area growing residentially, but commercially, as well. Since 1980, Farragut has seen a significant increase in new commercial development.

The Farragut business district has expanded in order to meet the needs of its citizens. The Town of Farragut does NOT have industrial zoning. It is perfectly suited for corporate headquarters, professional, retail and service-oriented businesses.

CLIMATE

Farragut is fortunate to have moderate temperatures year round. January and July provide the lowest and highest average temperatures during the year. The monthly average high temperature in January is 50 degrees; the average low temperature is 31 degrees. In July the average high temperature is 90 degrees; the average low temperature is 67 degrees. The average rainfall is 47 inches and the average snowfall is 13 inches.

EMERGENCY SERVICE

All of Knox County is served by a computer-aided E-911 service. Calling 911 automatically notifies a dispatcher of the address and telephone number from which the call originated. Police, fire and ambulance services are dispatched through E-911. The Poison Control Center may be reached at 544-9400.

FARRAGUT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FARRAGUT TOWN ADMINISTRATION

FIRE DEPARTMENTS

Knox County doesn't have its own firefighting units. Fire protection is provided by three volunteer fire departments and by Rural/Metro Corporation of Tennessee.

Rural/Metro is a private company providing subscription fire and ambulance service to county residents and businesses. The service operates 13 stations in the county. Emergency calls are taken at 675-0600 and business calls at 675-3434.

In West Knox County, the Karns Volunteer Fire Department operates four fire stations covering 60 square miles with 40 certified firefighting volunteers. Emergency calls are taken at 691-1212. Non-emergency calls are taken at 691-4660.

The Knox County Fire Prevention Bureau inspects buildings for possible hazards. The office is located in the City-County Building and may be reached at 215-4660.

GOVERNMENTS

Farragut's Municipal Government operates with a Mayor/Alderman Charter. The Board of Mayor and Alderman serves as the governing body and consists of the Mayor and four Aldermen. The Mayor is elected at-large and two Aldermen are elected from each of the two wards.

The Town Administrator serves as an appointed Chief Executive who is responsible for supervising and coordinating all Town services and projects. A professional staff has been appointed by the Administrator to implement the various Town services.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

The Knox County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement for the Town.

LICENSES AND PERMITS

LIBRARY

MAIL SERVICE

NEWSPAPERS

POPULATION

TAXES

Farragut residents do not pay municipal taxes. Farragut residents do pay the same property taxes as other Knox County residents. Property tax in Knox County is currently 2,91 percent of assessed property value, which is 25 percent of actual value.

Sales tax in Knox County is 8.25 percent. Of that amount, 6 percent is sales tax and 2.25 percent is a local-option tax.

TRANSPORTATION

WATERWAYS

UTILITY INFORMATION

VOTER REGISTRATION

To be eligible to vote, all new residents must register with the Knox County Election Commission. Voter registration and changes of address can be handled at:

EDUCATION

MEDICAL

HOSPITALS

Knoxville has eight hospitals providing comprehensive health care to its patients.

RECREATION

Contact Tammy Easter, Relocation Director for details
1-800-747-0713