The Knoxville Senior Board has requested separation from the city of Knoxville.

At the Monday City Council meeting representatives of the Senior Board made the case that they need independence in order to grow and provide adequate services to their clients. The request stems from a history of expansion of the board into areas that it was not originally intended for. The group is officially just an advisory board, but since the 1980’s it has grown to control much of the services of Knoxville senior care. Despite it being against the rules for the Senior Board to fundraise they have an account totaling $120,000 that was raised independently of the city. The Board proposes that they separate from the city, give the $120,000 to the city, and form a 501c3. The city would then return $30,000 per year to the Senior Board. The Council tabled the proposal until its legal ramifications can be assessed by the city attorney