Voters in Blount County are drawing sharp battle lines for a showdown over alcohol sales on November 4.
That's when voters will decide whether to approve alcohol sales for what is now a dry Blount County.
Supporters of the idea have collected enough signatures - more than 7000 - to get the referendum on November's ballot.
They say alcohol sales could significantly boost county revenues ...money that's now going to restaurants and liquor stores across the county line.
"All that money that Blount County residents are earning here is being spent there. this is not about drinking - it's all about money," says Greg Cornelius, co-owner of Howard's restaurant in Cleveland.
A Birmingham Southern study suggests alcohol sales would generate an extra $740,000 dollars a year in sales tax revenues for Oneonta and $500,000 a year for Blount County.
But there are many who are against the idea --especially a group called "Keep Blount County Special".
Several congregations, like First Baptist Church of Oneonta, have passed resolutions vowing to vote against allowing alcohol sales.
"Not only do we pray {about defeating this}, but we need to exercise that wonderful right and privilege of voting. We need to go out and vote no against this," says Pastor Larry Gipson.
"Keep Blount County Special" warns alcohol sales won't translate into as much revenue as some people predict.
In fact, Mark Towns, chairman of "Keep Blount County Special" worries the resolution could cost the county money. Right now, Towns says the Tennessee Valley Authority gives Blount County $359,000 every year because its a dry county.
"We would lose that money immediately. It'll be very very difficult from the general fund to recover from that," warns Towns.
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