After 2 years, Gallatin man uncertain of his address
NATHAN WINSHIP Gallatin

It seems to me that the 911 addressing system in our area has not been thoroughly thought out.

In 2005, I started my own small business in Gallatin (Pineywoods Gun Shop, LLC) as a gunsmith and firearms dealer. Before I could start, however, I had to file papers with the state of Texas to form an LLC, file an application for a sales tax permit, file an application for a Federal Firearms License (FFL) with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF). It's two years later and I am still trying to get this address thing straightened out.

When I first requested my 911 address, I was told that it was (my address number) CR 1503, Cherokee County as the city with a Gallatin zip code. This does not work with anything because the city and zip code do not match. Calling for answers, I was told to use Gallatin as the city with its corresponding zip code. Everything worked. All forms, applications, and papers were filed and things ran smoothly for a while.

Then I started having shipments that were returned to the hub and I would receive a phone call asking about my location and directions to my shop. I even had a firearms manufacturer ask me if I was sure of my location. I called the appraisal district again for answers about my address.

After I finally got someone to talk with me about this situation, I was told that I needed to be using Rusk as the city with the Rusk zip code. Now I would have to file a change of address with the state for my LLC, file an application with the ATF for an amended FFL. There are also fees for some of these changes and according to the ATF, I may be subject to closure until I receive my amended license. A change in address is viewed as a change in location.

If you live or have a business in Gallatin and receive your mail at the Gallatin post office, this seems to complicate matters even more. This can cause a major headache if you make an order that will be shipped USPS, but they won't deliver to a post office box and you don't have a mailbox.

I have ordered things before that were supposed to be shipped UPS using my 911 address for the shipping address; but after the order was taken, the sender decided to send the package USPS. Not having a mailbox, the package would be returned to the sender. To eliminate this problem, I got a mailbox to use with my Rusk address in Gallatin. Now, it may just be me, but which seems more secure: a mailbox to which anybody walking by can open it and check your mail, or a post office box which requires a key? Oh well, that's another discussion.

I don't know what the answer is, but I know it is causing me a lighter checkbook and some headaches. Hopefully the issues will be resolved soon and I can know for sure what my address is.