Business owners and local residents in Johnson City, Tenn., gathered at Capone’s with law enforcement officials from Johnson City and Washington County, to discuss how to improve security during the weekend overnight hours.

The gathering was not open to the press, but News Channel 11 observed participation from members of the Washington County Commission, Johnson City Police Department (JCPD), and Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton.

Although Sheriff Sexton and the JCPD did not offer interviews, a statement from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) mentioned that deputies conducted 102 extra patrols and business checks, leading to 13 arrests in the downtown area.

Sexton said in a statement that the “zero tolerance policy will continue as long as necessary.”

The JCPD expressed their gratitude in a statement: “The JCPD is appreciative of the weekend patrol support from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. The ongoing partnership is another step forward in enhancing safety in Johnson City.”

Maria Lovelady, a local resident who was part of the meeting, appreciated the informal setting with officials.

“It felt like a roundtable where we could truly discuss matters and collaborate on solutions,” Lovelady shared. “There was meaningful dialogue and feedback, which I find very constructive. We are pleased with the communication between the county and the city, and the chance to engage directly with officials.”

Loveday said that the increased security made a difference over the weekend.

“Even some of the owners that are residents were talking about how it felt so peaceful and safer, there wasn’t that much noise,” Lovelady said. “So, yeah, it felt like people were a lot more calmer and in a really good mood. We also talk about how respectful the officers were. They were very kind to people. They introduce themselves. So I think the interaction between the public and the police officers were actually very positive.”

Washington County Commissioner Jodi Jones attended the meeting, as well, and said it was great to see the city and county collaborate to improve the safety downtown.

“There was definitely a spirit of communication and collaboration that seemed to be an improvement over the past, as well as a new way of sort of problem solving,” Jones said. “And I heard some new ideas generated, too. Really coming together around an issue that certainly is a problem for the city right now.”

Jones discussed how taxpayer money is allocated.

“Everybody knows we raised taxes last year,” Jones said. “And one of the things we did with the tax increase was to fund more deputies for the sheriff’s office. And what you see here is the sheriff having some capacity to bring deputies downtown. So for me, as a commissioner, making that decision of raising people’s taxes, I like to see where it’s going. And it was really gratifying today to see that happen.”

No members of the Johnson City Commission attended the meeting, which residents and business owners described as “very disappointing.”

The final vote on the ‘Last Call’ hours will be at the next commission meeting on August 21.