Image Credit: Rick Dramm & loudoncounty-tn.gov
Press Release –
My name is Rick Dramm, and as a candidate for Loudon County Commission in District 7, I believe it’s time to “Rotate the Crops” in Loudon County government. It’s time for fresh leadership to address our county’s challenges and restore accountability.
We face a growing affordability crisis in Loudon County.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual wage is $34,600, while the average home price exceeds $600,000 (Realtor.com). Necessities, including rent (according to apartments.com) of $1559 monthly for a single person, top $47,000 annually —creating a deficit of over $12,000.
Yet the county government raised property taxes in 2024 by 17%, and Lenoir City’s new sales tax proposal would put it among the state’s highest, while both bodies are funding non-profits amid unchecked spending.
Under the current commission, Loudon County’s budget has surged 30% in the past four years, with spending deficits in 5 out of the last 8 years according to the Tennessee Comptroller’s audited financials—and the proposed 2026 budget predicts another deficit. We’ve committed $110 million to a new school despite declining student enrollment.
This week brought another shock: the Greenback school football field construction overrun, ballooning from $3.4 million to $7.6 million. How many overruns will we encounter, and will we ever hear about them?
Meanwhile, Greenback High School students lag state averages by 3.9% in reading, 10% in math, and 9.1% in science on EOC exams. We must redirect county resources to prioritize our students’ future success through enhanced academic performance, skilled trades training, STEM education, and AI proficiency. I believe that we can both cheer on student athletes while giving our kids a brighter economic future.
My goal is to decrease annualized county spending by 5% each of the four years of my tenure and return those savings to Loudon County taxpayers—if I can secure a majority of commissioners to support the plan.
I also pledge to change the tone of our commission by fostering civility. Residents deserve to voice concerns without ridicule or belittling from commissioners.
I’ll champion complete transparency, enabling taxpayers to access and compare historical budgets and audits, publish quarterly school enrollment numbers, and host district town halls to discuss issues and hear your input.
Finally, I’ll restore free speech and open dialogue at meetings, eliminating agenda restrictions so any county concern can be addressed in workshops without barriers.
It’s time to rotate the crops in Loudon County government. I pledge to work hard, change the tone, and serve as a vigilant watchman over taxpayer dollars. I hope to earn your vote and meet as many of you as possible to hear your concerns in the coming months ahead.
~Rick Dramm, Candidate for Loudon County Commission, District 7
