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ERWIN – Unicoi County Mayor Kathy Bullen has released a statement addressing recent social media discussions regarding the former Budget Inn property. In the press release, Mayor Bullen acknowledged the town’s awareness of the situation but clarified that its role is currently limited.

“We are monitoring things closely,” the statement reads, “however, the Town’s role is limited at this time to the building permit process and/or zoning. There are state-level requirements, such as fire marshal review, that are beyond the Town’s purview.”

The property, which was closed in 2021 following a criminal court injunction, remains under the jurisdiction of the District Attorney’s Office. The criminal court injunction that initially shut down the property is still in effect and is not managed by the Town of Erwin.

Mayor Bullen emphasized that the Town continues to stay informed but reiterated that actions related to the property are primarily within the control of the state and the District Attorney’s Office.