Mickey Barrett
Smith County Road Superintendent
Smith County has been my home for most of my life. I have resided in Brush Creek for a little over 35 years. My wife, Alicia, is an educator and we are blessed with two children, Shawn (wife Ashley) and Kailee. I have been employed at the Smith County Highway Department since 1996, where I served as a foreman under the former Superintendent, Steve Coble. I was named Interim Superintendent in November 2021 and currently hold the position of Superintendent since 2022. Since holding the position, my crew and I have worked tirelessly on road improvements and maintenance throughout the county, and dealt with tornados, winter storms and had some flooding issues. I have an open-door policy, so please do not hesitate to reach out to me regarding any questions or concerns about the Smith County Highway Department.
Highway Department
The Smith County Highway Department is responsible for maintaining the 448 miles of county roads in Smith County. The funding for our office comes mainly from State Fuel Tax, with a small portion, $.08, from Property Tax, which equates to $293,000 a year. The State Fuel Tax is divided by all 95 counties of Tennessee. It is determined by Area, Population, and Percentage of Equal share, which generally equates to approximately $2 million. It costs $26,000 to tar & chip a mile of road. It costs $120,000 to pave a mile of Class 1 road with two nine-foot lanes. The Smith County Road Superintendent attends meetings in Nashville, along with other locations, on a regular basis to push for more funding from the state. The department has been approved for multiple grants, and is always looking for other grants that the department could apply for and qualify.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many employees work for the Highway Department?
The Highway Department currently has 19 employees with a wide range of skill levels.
What are the duties of the Highway Department employees?
All these employees are responsible for tar & chipping, patching, graveling, grading, ditching, mowing, and tile installation of all county roads.
When are the Highway Department employees on call?
The employees are on call 24/7 in case of downed trees, floods, or inclement weather. We are very proud of the employees and their dedication to the department and county.
Have concerns or suggestions for the Highway Department?
The Road Superintendent and the department are available to respond to everyone’s concerns and suggestions. We encourage anyone with a concern to please contact us either by phone or email.
OFFICE INFO
Business Hours
Address
200 J M Z Drive
Gordonsville, TN 38563