LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, TN. — The Lookout Mountain, Tn. board of commissioners approved an ordinance at its May meeting that prohibits the construction or operation of amusement rides, a gondola, lift, or other mode of transportation within the town without a permit. The ordinance, which also bars shuttle buses or vans from operating between tourist attractions within the town, went into effect after its second and final reading and adds prohibited acts to the town's municipal code.

Rock City has proposed building a gondola where tourists would board the ride in Chattanooga Valley and be transported up the mountain to enter the attraction. The decision on the gondola rests with the Lookout Mountain, Ga., City Council, not Lookout Mountain, Tn.

Longtime resident Trish Sheffield told commissioners the company hired to design the gondola has designed six amusement parks, and that if property is rezoned, Doug Chapin has presented the gondola as step one in a future plan for the tourist attraction. "This is not about hurting the Chapins' feelings. It is business." Sheffield said.

The board also passed the budget ordinance for fiscal year 2026-2027. The new property tax rate starting in July will be $1.69 per $100 of assessed valuation, a four percent increase that adds six cents per $100 of assessed valuation. The budget includes a three percent cost of living adjustment for employees. In April, the town collected $20,407 in property taxes from 2025.

Officers are stopping and interviewing children using electric bikes, scooters, and motorcycles, identifying their parents, and issuing tickets in some cases. Children driving golf carts are handled the same way, and golf carts must meet street requirements to be legal. Officer Travis Hullender, who joined the department in 2016, was promoted to lieutenant and is also an EMT and paramedic.

Groundbreaking for a new multi-surface turf field behind the school will occur on June 1, with completion expected when school starts back. Lights have already been installed with consideration for nearby houses, and bleachers made from boulders will be added after the turf is installed. The fundraising goal was met for the privately funded field, and a memorandum of understanding between the PTA and the recreation board outlines priorities of use and liabilities, with the town retaining right of first refusal if the property is ever transferred.

"This is a huge addition for the community and a wonderful facility for the kids. It's really a big deal." Parks and Playgrounds Commissioner John Tugman said.

The town qualified to receive $250,000 from Hamilton County through the Leaning into Communities Grant and must contribute $125,000 to obtain the funds. Construction at The Commons will include a new roof on Navarre Pavilion, remodeling restrooms, and adding water bottle refilling stations inside the building. Commons Camp will run for seven weeks this summer, and counselors have been hired.