It's been a long road, and there are still some finishing touches to add, but the new Luttrell City Hall is open for business. Mayor Johnny Merritt and the staffers at the city of Luttrell opened their doors for a Union County Chamber of Commerce meet-and-greet last week, with food and fellowship offered to Chamber members.

The new building, located near Luttrell Library and Luttrell Elementary School, has been in use since March. It features ceramic floors, lovely woodwork and a stunning city council meeting room. The new building is used for the city's administrative offices and meetings.

The first architect for the new building passed away before the project could get underway. The city then hired architect David Hunter to finish plans. Merritt praised Steve Nisley and Curtis Whitson who "spearheaded the building committee." He said the building is low-maintenance with an all-brick exterior.

Those finishing touches will include landscaping and completion of the courtyard in front of the building. Once finished, the courtyard will be a memorial to veterans, with caps on the pillars for each branch of the U.S. military.

"I'd like to think the new building is going to put a little more pride back into the city," said Merritt.

The old building, which used to house Luttrell Library and City Hall, is now being used for records storage and houses operations for the city's sewer system. Merritt said the city hasn't yet determined what to do with the building in the long term. As for the iconic bell at the old city hall, Merritt said he'd like to explore ways to incorporate it at the new location. The bell originally hung in the old Luttrell School.

Merritt added that partnership between the city and Luttrell-Blaine-Corryton Utility District has helped the city. Combined billing for sewer and water has boosted sewer fee collections.

Union County Chamber of Commerce president Thomas Skibinski thanked Merritt for hosting the first Chamber event since Skibinski was confirmed as president Sept. 19. Skibinski said he's glad to attend events all over Union County.

"I want to make sure the Chamber isn't just focused on Maynardville and the marinas," he said. "It needs to be focused on the whole county."

For more from the Union County Chamber of Commerce, follow them on Facebook at "Union County Tn Chamber of Commerce."