Carter County public meetings in 2020
31 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several fund amendments and contracts, including a $7,500 sponsorship for the Omnium Bicycle Race. The committee also extended federal COVID-19 paid leave guidelines for employees through February 1, 2021.
- Approved General Fund 101 Budget Amendment H6 for $2,277,072.54
- Approved $7,500 for Chamber of Commerce sponsorship of the Omnium Bicycle Race
- Approved 3-year contract with Time Clock Plus for jail time keeping at an initial cost of $25,000
- Approved Pitney Bowes invoice for County Clerk title folding equipment at $123.75 per month
- Rejected a motion to fund $8,000 for jail mattresses and bedding
Financial Management
The committee discussed updates to Capital Asset Management policies and the enforcement of the Compensation Time Policy. Members also debated the creation of an Economic Development department and the transition of the Animal Shelter to a 501(c)(3).
- Approved motion to amend the Evergreen compensation study contract to start June 30, 2021
- Proposed changes to Capital Asset Management policies, including reducing infrastructure depreciation from 40 to 20 years
- Proposed 15-year useful life for bridge rehabilitations in asset policies
- Discussion on hiring a grant writer for a potential Economic Development department
- Review of compensation time balances as of November 30, 2020
Budget Committee
The committee approved several budget amendments, employee bonuses, and departmental fund transfers. It also addressed specific requests for the Animal Shelter, EMA tower upgrades, and volunteer fire department distributions.
- $7,500 distribution to each of seven Volunteer Fire Departments
- $2,600 set aside from unassigned fund balance for Commissioner compensation
- CARES Act bonuses of $1,250 for full-time and $625 for part-time employees
- $50,000 approved for Animal Control officers and transfer of funds to the Animal Shelter
- $5,000 pay raise for maintenance worker Roy Silver
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee discussed updating capital asset and compensation time policies. The body also reviewed the potential creation of an investment committee and a post-renewal insurance update from Sequoyah Group.
- Motion carried to send a proposal for a Skyward Fixed Asset Module with a $10,581 start-up cost to the budget committee
- Discussion of a compensation study by Evergreen, currently delayed until January 2021
- Review of the 2020 Post-Renewal insurance presentation by Sequoyah Group
- Discussion on the creation of an Investment Committee to manage excess cash
- Review of Capital Asset Management Policies and Procedures
Education Committee
The Carter County Education Committee met via Zoom and unanimously approved the agenda and October 2020 minutes. No public comments were made. Members discussed a survey sent to commissioners without prior committee review, with some members stating that education-related communications should go through the committee first. The committee adjourned without taking formal action on the survey issue.
- Approved meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Approved October 2020 minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several equipment purchases, grant reimbursements, and budget amendments. The body also elected Travis Hill as Chairman and Austin Jaynes as Vice-Chairman for 2020-2021.
- Approved $402,889.48 for a new landfill baler and installation from Unassigned Fund Balance
- Allocated $142,500 from Governor's Grant for two F550 vehicles for the Highway Department
- Approved $125,000 from Governor's Grant for paving at Happy Valley High, Happy Valley Middle, and Unaka High schools
- Authorized claiming remaining Cares Act funds for reimbursement of salaries paid by the county
- Approved $40,096 for vehicles for the Assessor's and Reappraisal offices
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee elected Isaiah Grindstaff as chair and Ginger Holdren as vice chair, both by acclamation. They approved the agenda and September minutes, and voted to have Interim Mayor Woodby contact Dr. Bullock about NESCC joining discussions on using the Workforce Development Complex for school tech classes. They also approved sending quotes for door and glass enclosures to the budget committee.
- Elected Isaiah Grindstaff as chair by acclamation (unanimous)
- Elected Ginger Holdren as vice chair by acclamation (unanimous)
- Approved September meeting minutes (7-0, Grindstaff abstained)
- Approved motion for Interim Mayor Woodby to contact Dr. Bullock about NESCC meeting (unanimous)
- Approved sending quotes for door and glass enclosures to budget for approval (unanimous)
- Moved building and grounds supervisor discussion to November agenda (7-0, Collins abstained)
Financial Management
The committee established a new priority order for reviewing financial policies and procedures. Members also recommended against creating a new ethics or investigative committee due to a lack of legal authority.
- Approved revised policy review schedule: Capital Asset Management, Budget Process, Ethics Code/Purchasing, Travel/Telephone, Credit Card/Internet, and Debt Management
- Recommended against the creation of an Ethics or Investigative Committee
- Discussed compensation time policy and reported a liability of $187,000 as of June 30, 2020 (excluding Highway Department)
- Discussed reactivation of Evergreen wage compensation contract and Job Assessment Tool study
- Elected Ginger Holdren as Chair and Travis Hill as Vice-Chair
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several funding allocations from the General Fund and Governor's Local Government Support Grant. The body also passed multiple budget amendments for the General Fund and school funds.
- Reserved $600,000 from unassigned fund balance for ECD Broadband Grants match
- Allocated $587,499 from Governor's grant for road resurfacing asphalt
- Approved $20,000 from Governor's grant for an FCC Frequency Coordinator
- Set aside $20,228 for paving parking lots at the Planning and Probation offices
- Approved General Fund Budget Amendment #3 in the amount of $905,861.77
Animal Shelter Board
The Animal Shelter Board met via Zoom to receive updates on shelter operations and equipment. The board discussed the installation of grant-funded surveillance cameras and the status of a leak in the newer kennels. Director Shannon Posada reported on the progress of the feral cat program.
- Installation of grant-funded surveillance cameras
- Purchase of a desktop computer and pending delivery of a laptop
- Identification of a leak in newer kennels requiring concrete cutting for repair
- Report on the feral cat population reduction program
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee discussed the potential purchase of the Carter at Main property and adjacent land, with the owner asking $1.3 million. After debate, the committee approved a motion to have the property appraised and to contact the Friends of Sycamore Shoals about the property. The motion passed 6-2, with Brad Johnson and Sonja Culler voting no.
- Approved appraisal of Carter at Main and adjacent land (6-2)
- Approved contacting Friends of Sycamore Shoals about the property (6-2)
Animal Shelter Board
The Animal Shelter Board discussed shelter operations during the COVID-19 pandemic and facility maintenance. The board agreed to request permission from the county commission to use the shelter van for a free community feral cat program through the ASPCA of Asheville.
- Approved remaining open to the public by appointment only
- Agreed to request county commission permission to use the Taylor/Delawder estate donated van for the community feral cat program
- Reported an ongoing leak and grinder pump issue with TradeMark at the newly built dog runs
- Discussed hosting a fall rabies clinic sponsored by the Friends of the Shelter group
- Confirmed continued participation in the Veterans Buddies no-charge adoption program
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee decided on a refinancing plan and approved several budget amendments totaling over $2.5 million. The body also authorized specific equipment purchases using Governor's stimulus grant funds and CARES ACT funding.
- Refinancing Option #1 approved if estimated interest savings are at least $1.8 million
- General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #2 approved for $927,672.89
- School Federal Projects Fund #142 Budget Amendment #1 approved for $1,626,075.01
- New server and consulting for Finance Department approved for $18,248.96
- Stellar Striping proposal for Workforce Development Building parking lot approved for $3,489
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee approved several actions, including issuing an RFP for landscaping services for all county buildings, obtaining an RFP for one year of extra cleaning services, and accepting a CenturyLink contract for $500 per year for 25 years with a $1,500 back payment. The committee also approved a $3,489 striping project at the Workforce Development Complex and a lease renewal for the probation office at $806 per month. A motion to accept a quote from Keller Glass for protective glass at the Property Assessor's office did not get a vote because the Zoom call dropped.
- Approved $3,489 for parking lot striping at Workforce Development Complex (unanimous)
- Approved RFP for landscaping services for all county buildings (unanimous)
- Approved RFP for one year of extra cleaning services (unanimous)
- Accepted CenturyLink contract: $500/year for 25 years, $1,500 back payment (unanimous)
- Approved probation office lease renewal at $806/month, same conditions (unanimous)
- Authorized selection of space for Department of Forestry at $500/month (unanimous)
- Motion to accept Keller Glass quote failed to get vote due to Zoom drop
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee approved new credit lines with Fisher Auto Parts for the School Bus Garage ($10,000) and Solid Waste Department ($5,000), and approved switching County and School fuel cards from Fuelman to Exxon Mobil with credit limits of $32,700 and $69,300 respectively. Both motions passed unanimously. The committee also discussed compensation time policies, deferred several items to September, and reviewed job descriptions for two new Finance Department positions.
- Approved Fisher Auto Parts credit lines: School Bus Garage $10,000, Solid Waste $5,000 (all ayes)
- Approved switching County and School fuel cards from Fuelman to Exxon Mobil, County limit $32,700, Schools $69,300 (all ayes)
- Approved agenda with amendment adding discussion on Fuelman-to-Exxon switch
- Approved July 6, 2020 minutes
- Deferred review of Financial Management Policies & Procedures to September
- Deferred discussion on Ethics and Investigative Committees to September
- Deferred discussion on compensation time policy to September
- Deferred action on Finance Director applications and RFP process to September
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several budget amendments for the General Fund and School Fund, as well as security improvements for the old Courthouse and Circuit Court Clerk's office. The committee also discussed financial advisory services for debt refinancing and referred a $35,292.17 official payment matter to the full commission.
- Approved up to $23,485 for Homeland Security compatible doors at the old Courthouse
- Approved $1,300 for a door and $2,200 for a counter for glass barriers in the Circuit Court Clerk's office
- Approved General Purpose School Fund Amendment #12 for $1,042,891.83
- Approved General Fund Amendment #11 for $169,691.26 and Amendment #11A for $186,555.05
- Approved $2,793.89 vacation/comp time payout for terminated employee Melvin McKay
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee approved several actions, including proceeding with the sale of 17 excess county properties, approving a quick claim deed for a Mayfield Drive property, and rejecting lease proposals for the Workforce Development site. The committee also approved installing a door in the Circuit Clerk's office and safety glass in the Criminal Court office.
- Approved proceeding with sale of 17 excess county properties (unanimous)
- Approved quick claim deed for Mayfield Drive property (6-0, 2 absent)
- Rejected Atomic! lease proposal for Workforce Development site (unanimous)
- Rejected Kids Like Us lease option (5-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved 120 days for Kids Like Us to clear stored items (5-0, 1 abstain)
- Approved installing door in Circuit Clerk's office (6-0, 2 absent)
- Approved safety glass in Criminal Court office (unanimous)
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee approved moving forward with exploring a self-funding option for the county's employee medical plan, with insurance agent Sequoyah Group to present details at a budget workshop. The committee also approved transferring $500,000 from the General Fund to a new employee insurance fund (Fund 264), contingent on the full Commission approving the self-funding strategy, with the money to be repaid once the fund is sufficiently capitalized. Additionally, the committee approved the Finance Department's COVID-19 policies, returning sick leave for employees affected by COVID-19, paying elected officials per audit finding 2019-002, referring audit finding 2019-004 to the Landfill Committee, applying for a Sam's Club credit card with a $2,500 limit, and discontinuing use of the Skyward True Time module for certain funds.
- Approved moving forward with exploring self-funding option for medical plan, with Sequoyah Group to present at budget workshop (7-0)
- Approved transferring $500,000 from General Fund to new Fund 264 for self-insurance, contingent on Commission approval and repayment (7-0)
- Approved Finance Department's COVID-19 policies and procedures (7-0)
- Approved returning sick leave for employees with COVID-19 related absences (6-1)
- Approved paying elected officials per audit finding 2019-002 (6-1)
- Referred audit finding 2019-004 to Landfill Committee (7-0)
- Approved applying for Sam's Club membership/credit card with $2,500 limit (7-0)
- Approved stopping use of Skyward True Time for funds 101, 116, and 131 (7-0)
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several budget amendments across multiple funds and authorized spending for courthouse maintenance and an EMS substation. The committee also declared Sheriff's Department equipment as surplus and adjusted the sanitary landfill financial assurance contract.
- Approved $32,050 from Courthouse and Jail reserve funds to replace the courthouse boiler
- Approved $25,000 in Capital Projects for the EMS substation project on the Sluder property in Elk Mills
- Approved 2020 Annual Inflation Adjustment for City of Elizabethton and Carter County Sanitary Landfill at $1,638,085.99
- Accepted amended Forensic Contract totaling $121,462.08
- Approved General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #10 in the amount of $113,666.25
Budget Committee
The committee approved multiple budget amendments across various county funds, including the General Fund, Highway/Public Works, and Schools. Additionally, members approved contract amendments related to health services and the State of Tennessee Department of Corrections.
- Amendment to Health Services Agreement with Southern Health Partners, Inc.
- Amendment to State of Tennessee Department of Corrections contract
- General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #9: $378,498.81
- Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund #116 Budget Amendment #8: $185,850.28
- Sports and Recreation Fund #123 Budget Amendment #5: $25,000.00
Budget Committee
The committee approved seeking a financial advisor to refinance jail bonds to potentially save nearly $2.2 million over 15 years. Members also approved several budget amendments across multiple funds and discussed a proposed $468,495 state grant for road projects.
- Authorization for Brad Burke to get an RFP for a Financial Advisor for jail debt refinancing
- Highway/Public Works Fund #131 Budget Amendment #8: $785,227.11
- General Purpose School Fund #141 Budget Amendments #7A and #8: $153,250.98 and $172,630.52
- General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #8: $45,898.83
- Master Lease Agreement for three Sheriff's Department vehicles (Dodge Durango, Ram 1500, Jeep Compass)
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee approved the creation of two separate committees for ethics and investigations. The body also addressed employee compensation time and credit limits for the Animal Shelter.
- Approved the creation of a separate Ethics Committee and Investigation Committee
- Approved buying back compensation time to 99 hours for two employees (Jaclyn Lewis and Gary Smith)
- Approved increasing the Animal Shelter's Northeast Community Credit Union credit card limit to $6,000
- Deferred decisions on employee retirement contributions, award recognition, and bonus/longevity pay until a compensation study is completed
- Deferred a decision on updating the Financial Management policies and procedures manual regarding the Code of Ethics
Education Committee
The Carter County Education Committee held a routine meeting with no substantive decisions. They approved the agenda and the February 2020 minutes unanimously. No public comments or new business were presented, and the meeting adjourned after brief updates and commissioner comments.
- Approved meeting agenda with amendment (unanimous)
- Approved February 2020 minutes (unanimous)
Animal Shelter Board
The board discussed proposed animal laws, with members noting public confusion and misinformation. A workshop was scheduled for 10 March 2020, and the Law Enforcement Committee will discuss the laws on 12 March 2020. No formal decisions were made on the proposed laws.
- Approved minutes as presented (unanimous)
- Scheduled workshop for 10 March 2020
- Scheduled next regular meeting for 10 March 2020
Budget Committee
The Carter County Budget Committee met and approved several budget amendments and transfers, including moving animal control duties and funds from the Sheriff's department to the Animal Shelter, additional funding for a coroner's vehicle, a salary increase for the Veterans Service Officer, and multiple budget amendments across various funds. The committee also discussed a public comment about transparency and approved donations.
- Transfer of $38,000 from Sheriff's budget to Animal Shelter for animal control duties, effective March 1, 2020
- Approved additional $3,764.55 for Coroner's Dodge Durango (total $35,764.55)
- Salary increase of $1,615.85 for Veterans Service Officer David Batchelder from March 1 to June 30, 2020
- Approved $11,584.79 transfer to hire part-time mapper for Planning Commission
- Approved multiple budget amendments totaling over $500,000 across various funds
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee approved several actions, including sending out for an architect/engineer (AE) inspection of the courthouse boiler before seeking bids for replacement, and putting the jail's EIFS painting out for bid. The committee also approved transferring two computer monitors to the Clerk & Masters office and selling surplus computer equipment on Gov Deals after removing hard drives. No decisions were made on the Northeast State lease, jail lighting, or planning office relocation, which remain under discussion.
- Approved AE inspection of courthouse boiler before RFP (unanimous)
- Approved putting jail EIFS painting out for bid (unanimous)
- Approved transferring monitors #5849 and #3403 to Clerk & Masters office (unanimous)
- Approved removing hard drives and selling surplus computers on Gov Deals (unanimous)
- Agreed to hold future meetings at the courthouse
- Tabled courthouse painting until after security project
- Tabled planning office railing repair pending lease review
- Tabled county archive department discussion to next month
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee reviewed options for increasing employee retirement plan participation through employer matches. Members also discussed a proposed policy for longevity pay and the distinction between bonuses and standard salary line items.
- Discussion of matching contributions for 457 and 401(k) retirement plans
- Proposed $500 longevity pay every fifth year of service
- Estimated cost for longevity pay: County ($62,520.90), Highway ($15,000), and Solid Waste ($1,838.85)
- Review of recent bids by Deputy Director of Finance Michael Kennedy
- Discussion regarding holiday time and pay policies
Animal Shelter Board
The board unanimously approved a proposal to enclose the back dog lots as an addition to the existing shelter building, with all costs covered by the Friends of the Shelter group at no expense to the shelter. Director Posada reported on the 2019 shelter numbers, cruelty cases, and a successful Christmas adoption event. The board discussed proposed animal control law revisions sent by County Attorney Josh Hardin, noting that returning animal control to the shelter would increase the budget. Members also discussed a $1,798.62 remaining balance from a $9,516.00 audit total, which the Friends group partially paid in February 2019; Chairman Barnett stated auditors found no missing money, only deposits into wrong accounts.
- Approved project plans to enclose the back dog lots as an addition to the existing building, with no cost to the shelter (all voted Aye, none opposed)
- Discussed asking the budget committee and full commission to write off the remaining balance of $1,798.62
- Discussed proposed animal control law revisions emailed by County Attorney Josh Hardin, to be reviewed by board members
- Noted that returning animal control to the shelter would increase the shelter's budget for gas, vehicle maintenance, and ACO officers
- Received update on upcoming adoption events for late January and February, including a Valentine adoption event
- Scheduled next meeting for 11 February 2020
Budget Committee
The Carter County Budget Committee approved several budget amendments and funding requests. The most significant decision was approving up to $32,000 from the General Fund to purchase a vehicle for the County Coroner. The committee also approved multiple budget amendments for various county funds and accepted December 2019 monetary donations.
- Approved up to $32,000 from General Fund #101 for a County Coroner vehicle (all ayes)
- Approved General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #6, Items #1-#3 for $5,027.95 (all ayes)
- Approved Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund #116 Budget Amendment #5 for $150,470.42 (all ayes)
- Approved General Purpose School Fund #141 Budget Amendment #6 for $94,010.14 (all ayes)
- Approved December 2019 monetary donations totaling $2,683.53 (all ayes)
Buildings & Grounds
The Buildings & Grounds Committee voted unanimously to retitle and rewrite the job description for a maintenance position, using the $30,000 allocated for a 20-hour-a-week role and dropping the contractor's license requirement. They will bring new ideas back in February. The committee also unanimously approved allowing the highway department to pave the Workforce Development site.
- Approved retitling and rewriting the job description for the maintenance position (unanimous)
- Approved allowing highway department to pave Workforce Development site (unanimous)
- Approved agenda (unanimous)
- Approved December minutes (unanimous)
- Adjourned meeting (unanimous)
Financial Management
The committee heard presentations from two firms and voted unanimously to hire Evergreen Solutions, LLC to conduct a compensation study. Members also discussed potential employer matching for non-pension retirement plans but tabled the decision until next month.
- Unanimous vote to select Evergreen Solutions, LLC for a compensation study
- Discussion of potential 401(k)/457 matching costs: $45,000 to $270,000 for General Purpose School employees and $2,580 to $15,480 for Central Cafeteria employees
- Review of county bonus history from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019
- Tabled decision on retirement plan matching pending a presentation from Empower representative Tim Crawford