Carter County public meetings in 2024

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will discuss state funding availability and FY25 MHT grant funding. The body will review October 2024 financial reports and consider two budget amendments. Members will also discuss staffing updates for the Finance Department and employee overtime/comp time.

• FY25 MHT Grant Funding
• Budget Amendments 101 BA 4 and 116 BA 3
• October 2024 Monetary Donation Listing of $5,405.00
• October 2024 County & School Financial Report
• Emergency Spend Listing

Regular Session

The Carter County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular session to consider multiple budget amendments totaling over $18 million across county, school, and other funds. They will also vote on grants for broadband readiness and FEMA disaster recovery, approve the adoption of Eastridge Lane as a county road, and dispose of surplus property. Additionally, the board will elect officers and fill committee assignments.

• General Purpose School Fund budget amendment of $6,344,745.99
• Education Capital Project Fund budget amendment of $5,000,000.00
• School Federal Projects Fund budget amendment of $5,777,826.00
• Broadband Ready Communities Grant Contract between state and county
• Motion to adopt Eastridge Lane as a county road upon right-of-way conveyance

The Board of County Commissioners elected Ginger Holdren as Chairperson and Kelly Collins as Vice Chairperson. The board approved multiple grant contracts for broadband and FEMA assistance, as well as program policies for the 2024 Home Program.

• Elected Ginger Holdren as Chairperson (21-1-1)
• Elected Kelly Collins as Vice Chairperson (23-0)
• Approved Broadband Ready Communities Grant Contract (24-0)
• Approved FEMA-4514-DR-TN Public Assistance Grant Award (24-0)
• Approved Resolution 878 for 2024 Home Program policies (24-0)
• Approved 2024 THDA Home Contract for administrative and professional services (24-0)
• Approved Resolution 878 for annual supplements for commissioners completing continuing education (24-0)
• Approved notaries and bonds (23-0)

Regular Session

The Carter County Board of Commissioners will consider several budget amendments and resolutions, including a $156,156 county match for the Laurels Road waterline extension project. They will also vote on a $1,000 raise for an employee, appointments to fill a vacant commissioner seat, and various contracts and surplus property disposals. Public comments and committee reports are also on the agenda.

• Motion to approve $156,156 county match for Laurels Road waterline extension, with $75,000 from ARP funds
• Appointment to fill vacancy for 5th District County Commissioner until next general election
• Motion to approve $1,000 raise for Shannon Winters for completing Tennessee Emergency Management Basic Academy
• Budget amendments totaling $261,470 for County General Fund, plus separate amendments for Solid Waste, Highway, and School funds
• Motion to use $35,000 from Three-Star Grant for a hotel developer search by HVS

Regular Session

The Animal Shelter Board is meeting to discuss current shelter numbers and facility updates. The board will review reports on animal welfare and potential expansions for pet and adopter interaction.

• Review of current shelter animal numbers
• Updates on the play area
• Planning for the 'Live at 5' event
• Discussion on expanding pet/adopter interaction areas
• Status of employee issues

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will consider the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and related resolutions regarding tax levies and appropriations. The body will also discuss next steps for the Dashiell Lodge Building purchase contract and review several grant applications and contracts.

• Proposed 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget and tax levy resolution
• Motion to approve $34,400 from Commissary Reserve for Sheriff's Office inmate mattresses
• Grant applications for Sheriff's Department: $15,000 TCI Grant, $350,000 DOJ COPS, and $310,000 for body-worn cameras (with $310,000 match)
• Health Department DGA Contract for $943,000 and Litter Grant Contract for $49,700
• Resolution to join the Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement

The Board of Commissioners approved the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year and four related resolutions. The commission also voted to cancel the purchase contract for the Dashiell Lodge. Additionally, the board authorized a deadline for communications project bids.

• Approved Proposed Budget for 2024-2025 Fiscal Year (19-4)
• Canceled contract for purchase of Dashiell Lodge (13-10)
• Approved Resolution 871 for low-income elderly and disabled taxpayer assistance (23-0)
• Approved Resolution 872 for nonprofit and civic organization appropriations (21-1)
• Approved Resolution 873 for county department and agency appropriations (22-1)
• Approved Resolution 874 fixing the tax levy for 2024-2025 (23-0)
• Approved request for bids for communications project if Motorola does not respond by August 1, 2024 (23-0)
• Approved $34,400 from Commissary Reserve for Sheriff's Office inmate mattresses

Special Called Session

The Board of County Commissioners will consider the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This includes reviewing final amendments to the previous fiscal year's budget and setting the upcoming tax levy. The board will also consider courthouse emergency egress plans and appropriations for various county departments and nonprofit organizations.

• Final 2023-2024 Fiscal Year Budget Amendments
• Proposed 2024-2025 Fiscal Year Budget
• Resolution fixing the tax levy for 2024-2025
• Tax relief resolution for low-income elderly, disabled homeowners, and veterans
• Appropriations for nonprofit organizations and county agencies

The Board of Commissioners approved several budget amendments for the 2023-2024 fiscal year across various funds. These adjustments include reallocations for the General Fund, Solid Waste, Parks and Recreation, and school-related funds.

• Approved General Fund Budget Amendment 101-13 for $219,840.12 (19-0)
• Approved Solid Waste Fund Budget Amendment 116-6 for $298,850.00 (19-0)
• Approved Parks and Recreation Fund Budget Amendment 123-2 for $1,000.00 (19-0)
• Approved Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment 127-3 for $60,000.00 (19-0)
• Approved School Fund Budget Amendment 141-10 for $138,335.96 (19-0)
• Approved School Federal Projects Fund Budget Amendment 142-10 for $11,531.98 (19-0)
• Approved Head Start Fund Budget Amendment 145-7 for $36,100.00 (19-0)
• Approved General Debt Fund Budget Amendment 151-1 for $253,400.00 (19-0)

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget amendments totaling millions of dollars. The agenda includes a proposal to use $1,000,000 in revenue for jail and HVAC loans. Other items include updates on the Tweetsie Trail Expansion and employee handbook revisions.

• Allocation of $1,000,000 in revenue to pay Jail and HVAC loans
• Budget amendment 131-7 totaling $1,317,500.00
• Contract for Tweetsie Trail Expansion Master Plan landscaping services
• Spectrum service contract for $1,900 per month
• Proposed changes to the Carter County Employee Handbook

The Board of Commissioners approved several budget amendments totaling over $2.4 million and authorized a $685,000 transfer to the Capital Project Reserve account. The board also established new budget submission requirements for organizations receiving Parks and Recreation funds.

• Approved holding $300,000 in Board Bill Reserve Account for radio project (23-0)
• Approved budget amendments 101-12, 127-2, 43107, 141-9, 142-9, 143-4, and 145-6
• Approved Animal Shelter monetary donations of $2,260.00 and non-monetary donations of $870.00 (23-0)
• Required Parks and Recreation funded organizations to submit itemized budgets for approval (22-1)
• Sent Tweetsie Trail Expansion Master Plan contract back to Financial Management Committee for review (23-0)
• Amended Employee Handbook regarding unused vacation/sick time and retirement health insurance (21-2)
• Moved $685,000 from Workforce Development Reserve Fund to Capital Project Reserve account (22-0)
• Accepted Financial Policy and Procedure Manual revisions to Capital Asset and Inventory Management policy (22-0)

Regular Session

The Carter County Board of County Commissioners will vote on multiple budget amendments across county, school, and health funds, alongside a motion to rescind the 2018 balanced budget resolution. The agenda also covers approvals for twenty TDOT bridge replacement contracts, updates to retiree health insurance eligibility, and the selection of consultants for the Tweetsie Trail Expansion Project Master Plan. Additionally, the board will appoint new members to the Carter County Board of Health.

• Budget amendments for the General Fund ($1,767,136.58), Special Revenue Fund ($1,477,267.95), and County Capital Projects Fund ($2,995,671.92)
• Contracts for twenty TDOT bridge replacements
• Amendment to retiree health insurance policy allowing employees aged 50+ with 30 years of service to remain on county coverage until age 65
• Selection of Ross/Fowler and Thompson-Litton for the Tweetsie Trail Expansion Project Master Plan
• Appointment of new members to the Carter County Board of Health for four-year terms

The Board of County Commissioners approved several budget amendments across general, school, and capital project funds. The board also voted to rescind Resolution 688 regarding balanced budget requirements and reserve funds. Additionally, the board approved a TDEC financial assurance contract for a demolition landfill.

• Rescinded Resolution 688 regarding balanced budget and reserve funds (18-2)
• Approved General Fund Budget Amendment 101-11 for $1,767,136.58 (20-0)
• Approved General Purpose School Fund Budget Amendment 141-8 for $1,960,942.04 (21-0)
• Approved Capital Projects Fund Budget Amendment 171-1 for $2,995,671.92 (21-0)
• Approved Special Revenue Fund Budget Amendment 127-1 for $1,477,267.95 (21-0)
• Approved TDEC Financial Assurance Contract for Class IV Demolition Landfill for $1,224,250.00 (21-0)
• Approved 2022 Tax Roll Additions & Deletions (20-0)
• Approved Animal Shelter Monetary Donations of $58,449.11

Regular Session

The Carter County Board of County Commissioners will vote on motions that redirect grant and reserve funds toward a Norwell payment and approve multiple budget amendments for county operations, road maintenance, school-related programs, and law enforcement. These decisions determine how allocated tax dollars and federal grants are distributed across Carter County services. The board will also consider allowing the Sheriff’s Office to accept a $300,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant that requires no local matching funds.

• Motions to apply $271,267 in HVAC grants, $341,750 in LACTF grants, and $198,697.08 in excess reserves toward a Norwell payment
• County General Fund Budget Amendment 101-10 for $40,017.29 ($4,000 from Reserve Accounts)
• Highway Fund Budget Amendment 131-5 for $67,700 ($60,000 from Unassigned Fund Balance)
• School-related budget amendments totaling $649,263.37 across the General Purpose Schools and Federal Projects funds
• Motion to permit the Sheriff’s Office to accept a $300,000 DOJ grant with no matching funds required

The Board of Commissioners elected a new county attorney and approved several budget amendments and grant fund allocations. The board also authorized the Sheriff's Office to seek a federal grant and recognized a local paramedic.

• Elected Attorney Joshua Hardin as county attorney (23-0)
• Approved $300,000 DOJ grant application for Sheriff's Office (23-0)
• Allocated $271,267 HVAC Grant, $341,750 LACTF Grant, and $198,697.08 from Excess Board Reserves for Norwell payment #1 (23-0)
• Approved General Fund Budget Amendment 101-10 (items 1-8, 10-11) for $40,017.29 (23-0)
• Approved Highway Fund Budget Amendment 131-5 for $67,700 (23-0)
• Approved General Purpose Schools Fund Budget Amendment 141-7 for $130,906.07 (23-0)
• Approved School Federal Projects Fund Budget Amendment 142-7 for $502,357 (23-0)
• Approved Resolution honoring Jason Davenport for service and 2024 TASA Larry Griffin Paramedic Award (23-0)

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review multiple budget amendments affecting the General Fund, Highway Fund, and Schools. The meeting also includes discussions on fire department radio funding and a hotel feasibility study.

• CDBG Grant Resolution for fire department radios up to $62,759 from ARP funds
• Motion to move $33,000 into the 319 Grant totaling $63,000
• $15,000 payment to HVS for a hotel feasibility study
• County General Fund Budget Amendment 101-9 in the amount of $163,567.27
• Designation of April 2024 as Make-A-Wish World Wish Month

The Board of Commissioners filled three vacancies by appointing Lesley Hughes and Jerry Stout as commissioners and Shana Brower as 5th District Constable. The board also approved several budget amendments and a grant for fire department radios.

• Appointed Lesley Hughes as 7th District Commissioner (22-0)
• Appointed Jerry Stout as 8th District Commissioner (22-0)
• Appointed Shana Brower as 5th District Constable (22-0)
• Approved CDBG Grant Resolution for fire department radios not to exceed $62,759 (23-0)
• Approved $15,000 for HVS hotel feasibility study (23-0)
• Voted to freeze Parks and Recreation budget expenditures (23-0)
• Approved County General Fund Budget Amendment 101-9 for $163,567.27 (23-0)
• Approved General Purpose Schools Fund Budget Amendments 141-6 and 141-6b totaling $355,524.12 (23-0)

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget amendments and committee reports. Proposed actions include authorizing grant applications and designating a memorial bridge on Danner Road.

• Purchase of the Masonic Lodge Building for up to $510,000 using Archive Reserve Funds
• ARC Grant funding: $12,500 for admin fees and up to $37,204.73 for a county match
• Designating the Danner Road bridge as the 'Nathaniel “Tom” McCloud Memorial Bridge'
• Sale of an excavator track hoe from Highway Department to Landfill for up to $60,000
• Authorization of 2024 HOME Grant application

The Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of the Masonic Lodge Building using Archive Reserve Funds. The board also authorized several budget amendments and the use of ARP and Unassigned Fund Balance for ARC Grant fees and matches.

• Approved purchase of Masonic Lodge Building for up to $510,000 (Vote count incomplete)
• Approved $12,500 in ARP funds for ARC Grant administrative fees (20-0)
• Approved up to $37,204.73 from Unassigned Fund Balance for ARC Grant match (20-0)
• Approved use of Boyd Grant Fund for Franklin Club Center dog park Option 2 if City installs equipment (19-1)
• Approved Budget Amendment 141-4 for $154,410.00 (20-0)
• Approved Budget Amendment 142-4 for $50,915.00 (20-0)
• Approved Animal Shelter monetary donations of $7,070.48 and non-monetary donations of $475.00 (20-0)
• Approved sale of Register of Deeds Office items on GovDeals (20-0)

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget amendments and the use of ARP funds for ARC Grant administrative fees. The meeting also includes updates on a communications project and reports from the Finance Director and Mayor.

• $12,500 in ARP funds for ARC Grant administrative fees
• County match for ARC Grant not to exceed $37,204.73 from Unassigned Fund Balance
• Budget Amendment 141-4 in the amount of $154,410.00
• Budget Amendment 142-4 in the amount of $50,915.00
• Animal Shelter monetary donations totaling $7,070.48