Commission - Regular Meeting

I read everything.

Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes.

This meeting in Washington County Board of Commissioners is now in session pursuant to adjournment. The Honorable Chairman Greg Motley is presiding. Come to order or remain standing. Thank you, Sheriff.

Our first order of business this evening is our prayer led by Commissioner Huffine and the pledge led by Commissioner Tucker. Commissioner Huffine?

Let us bow our heads. Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight with humble praise and thanks for all the many blessings that you provide us, dear Lord. As we gather here tonight, let each one of us use the talents and blessings and special abilities that you have given us to the very best of our abilities so that we make decisions that are in the best interest of the citizens of Washington County and Lord, that they may bring honor and glory to you. In your name we pray, amen.

Amen.

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

If you've not done so, if you'd indicate your presence here this evening on the board. We have 15 present and we do have a quorum. You'll see the agenda in front of you. I have no recommended changes or requests of changes that I've heard from. Do we have a motion to approve the agenda? Motion to approve by Commissioner Huff. I'm seconded by Commissioner Edens to approve the agenda. All in favor of that motion, signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed? Agenda's approved. Now I'll recess into public comment. One thing about public comment and public hearing, if you signed up to speak on rezoning this evening, we'll do that under public hearing. If you signed up for a different item, we'll go ahead and take care of that in public comment. Our first speaker under public comment this evening is Cheryl Richards. Cheryl, if you'll come forward to the podium, please, and give your address to the clerk. Cheryl, I want to remind you and everyone else we have three minutes to do that. I didn't tell anybody that before we got started, so I just wanted to emphasize that as well.

Cheryl Richards, 618 Holly Hill Road, Johnson City. I agree with the decision from the budget committee that the funds $96,541 received by the county from the state for reimbursement for the May primary be kept in the general fund and not earmarked for voting centers. The state's budget, which included the $8 million funding to cover the county primary elections was passed April of 25 in advance of the county submitting its budget. So I presume that a line item was in the 25-26 budget for the May primary costs. another line item showing the expected reimbursement from the state. Indeed, from my conversation with the trustee office earlier today, the reimbursement funds were received in May and thus applied to the prior year's budget. I am not an accountant, but to me that equates to a net zero on the budget. Therefore, the reimbursement funds should not be treated as new money. Furthermore, since there should be no elections in the 26-27 cycle, tying up funds for an election topic is not prudent. Additionally, in light of President Trump's address exposing various causes of compromised elections, there may need to be a fresh look at the vote center expansion project. If somehow there are excess funds floating around, I recommend that the funds be focused on getting us in compliance with one of the paragraphs in the House Bill 457, Senate Bill 626 that was passed in 25. Part of this bill amended TCA 22106, and I'm referring to the new language related to low propensity voters. i.e. those who have not voted in the last two regular November elections, nor updated their voter registration during this time. They are to be mailed a form comparable to the process done for the NCUA mailings. As of the latest voter roll that I saw, March 23rd of 26, there were 20,149 registered voters who fit that criteria, and slightly over half of them are still active status. To put that number in context, total registered voters on that date were 92,149. I understand this effort is intensive and costly, both labor and mailer slash postage costs. The county did do some work on this earlier in the year, but we have a ways to go. There are other voter role list maintenance tasks required by state and federal law, and I believe resources should be directed there, especially in light of the deceased and non-citizens being identified from Tennessee using the enhanced save system from the DHS. Recently they reported 37,850 deceased and 1,009 non-citizens in Tennessee for a recent Homeland Security report. The counties then will be tasked with handling these corrections as well. I thank you to the Budget Committee for recommending a denial of placing these funds in a restricted category.

Thank you, Cheryl. We appreciate that. All right, our next speaker is James Reeves. James, if you'll come forward to the podium, please. Give your address to the clerk.

James reese one 25 Cindy and drive great Tennessee. 3 things nothing's going through today. There's been some discrepancy in my mind with stuff going on lately. How in the last 8 years we've paid off 40 million dollars worth of debt. We haven't how do you build 60 million dollars worth of school. and create that new debt when you only average about 35 millions over four years so in eight years 70 million dollars is worth the debt was paid off just the natural purpose of debt being paid off just the way it's set up problem is 63 million dollars was added that means net seven million dollars in eight years that's just pathetic it gets me to the second thing we got a resolution And it's a rather lengthy one. I had to go over it two days, actually. About the refunding bonds on the 2016A. If nobody's really sure what those are, we're in the very building those bonds built. It's Grandview, Ridgeview, and this courthouse 20 years ago. In 16, rates were good. They refunded them. Well, it's 10 years down the road, and we can refund the bonds again. The only thing I don't like about the resolution, it's open-ended on what the mayor can do about extending those bonds. They're paid off in 11 years. I don't want to see them extended because we need to save a little bit of money for some reason. I don't think that's a good idea. And it's plain language in the refunding resolution tonight. Just don't think it's a good idea to allow that leverage. I think we're good where we're at. We can continue to pay. four years ago a former commissioner which is no longer with us came to me and asked that no matter what happens that i try to give some power back to the commission and really that's up to you guys you know speaking up taking some leadership roles kind of showing the other side of the story sometimes so i want to keep her legacy alive and and say i'm going to do that and continue to do that as best i can thanks for your time guys

Thank you, James. And girls. All right, the rest of our speakers this evening is... is for rezoning. As I call the rezoning, I'll ask whether you are here to speak in opposition or in favor of. So our first rezoning this evening is Resolution 260701. It's a resolution rezoning the tax map in the 15th Civil District presently owned by Jared Brown. Is there anyone here in opposition to that request? If you'll come forward, sir, and give your name and address to the clerk, as well as in the other meeting, it's three minutes on the time.

MY NAME IS ROBERT LOWE, I LIVE AT 1159 EAST MAIN STREET. I AM NEIGHBOR TO MR. AND MS. BROWN. IN FACT, HE PURCHASED HALF OF THE FARM THAT MY DAD OWNED. MY BROTHER, UPON MY MOTHER'S RECEIVED HALF THE FARM, 40 ACRES, AND I GOT THE OTHER HALF, 40 ACRES. I CURRENTLY RESIDE THERE. MR. BROWN CAME, I THINK, FROM OREGON AND HE'S WANTING TO PUT IN CAMPERS. I THINK HE WANTS ANYWHERE FROM 16 TO 20 CAMPERS TO BE PUT uh... on the property and uh... i'm in opposition to that i don't know what the attraction would be uh... there's turkeys deer uh... my barns cows uh... there's safety concerns uh... i've got a large pond within fifty yards of his property i don't know what would prevent people from trespassing He's got a five-strand barbed wire fence, which should keep out cattle, but I don't think it'll keep out people. They can climb the barbed wire fence or go through it. So I'm concerned someone will get through there and drown. And then what? He currently has the property for sale. To me, I think that's a lack of commitment. I don't understand why you would come purchase property, put a campsite on it, and then you have your land for sale. This is agriculture. It's always been agriculture. It's my dad's farm. He was a dairy farmer. He died in 1995. Where do the people park? Are these drive-in campers? How long can they be? What do they do with their waste? What do they do for electrical power? What do they do for laundry? Are they going to come 10 days and live out of a knapsack? I have a 29-foot Salem camper. I've camped. I know what it is. You get out there in the cold, you get dirty, you get smelly. What are they going to do? What will be the hours of operation? Is it open all night, all hours of the day? I've talked to all my neighbors, Carmichaels, the Hutches, the Oryx. Everybody's opposed. Nobody wants that traffic on the old highway there in Jonesboro. There's a huge subdivision, Cambridge subdivision. It's just on the right. There's a church, risen life church there. On Sundays, it's full.

Too much traffic.

It's not set up for that. I looked around, there's a camping spot at David Crockett Birthplace, and there's one on 81 South River Park Campground. Those are the only campgrounds that I'm aware of.

Mr. Lowe, you've reached your time limit. I appreciate you coming tonight, Tom. All right. Thank you.

Thank you.

April White, you had signed up earlier to speak in opposition. If you'll come forward. to the podium. If you'll give your address to the clerk, April. Yes, sir.

My name is April White and I live at 1014 East Main Street. I want to start out by saying that my family and I love to go camping. Four generations of my family have camped, from tents to pull-behind campers. My children will tell you some of their fondest memories have been while camping. I also understand that a campground can bring positive benefits to Washington County. It can increase tourism, support local businesses, create jobs, and give families opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. These are worthwhile goals. However, this proposal is located within an established residential area and changing the zoning from A1 agricultural to A3 agriculture business is about much more than allowing a campground. Once property is rezoned to A3, many other business uses become possible, not just campgrounds. It's my understanding that A3 agriculture business also allows dog kennels, airports, sawmills, slaughterhouses, commercial livestock markets, shooting ranges, outdoor recreation facilities such as racetracks and amusement parks, paintball fields, commercial boarding stables and other business uses permitted under the ordinance. When considering a rezoning request, the Planning Commission and County Commission are expected to evaluate whether the request is compatible with surrounding land uses, consistent with long-range planning goals, and in the interest of the public health, safety, and welfare before making a recommendation and final decision. This decision is not simply about whether a campground is a good neighbor. It's about whether this residential area should be permanently opened to the broader ranges of A3 business uses. I respectfully ask you to carefully consider the long-term impact on nearby homeowners, traffic noise, property values, and the character of this community before approving this rezoning. Thank you.

Thank you. Laura Robertson, I see you had signed up as well.

Hi, my name is Laura Robertson. I live at 1136 East Main Street in Jonesboro. The entrance to our home and farm is directly across from the property at 1165 East Main Street. My family's connection to this land spans more than 70 years. My grandfather purchased our farm in 1955. My parents renovated the original farmhouse in the 1960s and made it their home for the rest of their lives. And today, my sister, my brother-in-law, and I continue to live on the property. Our family farmed the land for many years, and we now lease it to local young farmers so it can remain in agricultural production. Because of that long history, I care deeply about preserving the character of the area and I respectfully oppose the request to rezone this property from A1 to A3. The parcel at 1165 East Main Street is currently farmland and is surrounded by other farms and rural residences. While this request relates to a proposed campground, the commission is being asked to approve a permanent zoning change, not a single business. And once the property is rezoned to A3, there's no guarantee that a campground will remain there long term and that the property could accommodate other businesses permitted under a3 in the future once the land is zoned a3 it's unlikely to return to its agricultural uses even modest commercial use impacts an area when it is surrounded by farmland and homes increased traffic lighting noise and commercial activity are legitimate concerns that could negatively impact the pro the neighboring property values and the character of the surrounding community Agriculture remains the most appropriate use for this property. Farmland in this area is already under increasing development pressure given its proximity to downtown and the city limits and preserving this property as A1 helps protect the residential and agricultural character of the area and prevents the incremental loss of farmland. For these reasons, I respectfully ask you to deny the rezoning request and maintain the properties a one designation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Thank you. All right. Is there anyone else that would like to speak in opposition to if you'll come forward, sir, give your name and address to the clerk.

Hello, everyone.

My name is Brandon Day. I live at 150 Twin Oaks Drive in Jonesboro. Our property borders the backside of this property line. While I agree with everybody here that there are going to be negative impacts that are going to come from this, the one thing that I just wanted to reinforce is how are you going to turn a 26-foot trailer off of the old highway onto that small right-of-way? and how is that gonna impact that already busy thoroughfare? That's my main objection to this. I'm a capitalist, so I'm in support of people making money, even if you are from out of town, but I just don't see it happening. I see a huge constraint on our infrastructure, and honestly, I just wouldn't feel right if I didn't come forth and object. Thank you all.

Thank you, Mr. Tate. Is there anyone else here to speak in opposition to?

seeing no one um mr brown if you'd like to come forward and just give your address to the clerk all right all right never been on camera before this is new for me right now so uh jared brown one two nine holmes road uh jonesboro tennessee three seven six five nine All right, well, good afternoon. I'm gonna read off my sheet here, and I really do truly appreciate you guys coming here, and I really hope that you do truly hear my words and consider what I'm saying today, so I appreciate it. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on my rezoning request. I respect the staff and planning department's recommendation. However, I believe this project strongly aligns with the purpose of the A3 Agricultural Business District. As defined in the Washington County zoning resolution, A3 is designed for businesses that locate in rural areas. Near agricultural activities, a modest, well-managed, local family-run RV park fits this perfectly. It supports agritourism, outdoor recreation, and a low-impact commercial use without introducing heavy industry. The focus of this park will be to provide an affordable stay for tourists during events such as the Storytelling Festival, Johnson City events, Jonesboro's festivals throughout the year, and especially recreational activities throughout the region. With the development of the First Frontier Trail, which will be connecting Jonesboro and Johnson City with biking and walking trails, the location of this property is perfect for highlighting our community's outdoor recreation. It is an ideal location in the county without even being visible from any roads or residential homes to encourage the use of this amazing asset in our community. Regarding the concerns, while it may not be existing E3 nearby, our opportunity brings thoughtful, controlled growth rather than reason for denial. If you compare other A3 zone properties in the county, you'll see that this property is right in line with the guidelines. My property is not in a dense urban area. It is mainly surrounded by farmland and even an M2 high impact use district just to the north, currently used as a salvage yard. The two R1 zone properties in the southeast corner that were referenced are separated by an already established forested area, creating a natural visual and sound barrier. Just to note, all other A3 zone properties in Washington County are also isolated and surrounded by similar zoning as the property we are trying to rezone. RV parks have been successfully rezoned and approved in Washington County before, demonstrating that A3 can work when standards for site planning, health department compliance, and operations are met. The elevation changes were also addressed. However, the area where the RV sites would be located is relatively flat and would also include a recreation area, fire pits, a playground for children. I want this to be a destination park to create memories and enjoy for all and Washington County has to offer. I'm committed to high standards, proper setbacks, noise management, traffic control, and environmental stewardship. We'll also have age and aesthetic restrictions on RVs to keep a higher-end RV park for our area.

Mr. Brown, you've reached your three-minute time. I appreciate you coming tonight. It was going to be good, too. I know. I know. I was on the edge of my seat. You've done great, though. All right, is there anyone else here to speak in favor of the request? All right, seeing none, we'll move on to our next resolution, 260702. Is a resolution rezoning the tax map in the 15th Civil District presently, well, I got on the wrong one. Resolution 260702 is a resolution rezoning the tax map in the 18th Civil District presently owned by Benjamin McInturff. Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to this request? Is there anyone here? Mr. McInturff, I think you signed up to speak in favor. If you'll give your address to the clerk, please.

My name's Ben McInturf. I live at 5595 Chucky Pike. This is my property here that we're trying to get rezoned. It's actually two different parcels. One's already zoned B4. The other is A1. So we're just wanting to take that down to a B3 so that we get better setbacks for our shop that we're going to build. We're wanting to build a truck repair shop there. You know, the Planning Commission, I think they recommended that it go through. I think it'll work well there where it's at, and I hope you all think the same. Thank you.

Thank you, Megan. Our next resolution, 260703, is the resolution rezoning the tax map in the 7th Civil District, presently owned by Roger Houseright, Evan Houseright. Is there anyone here to speak in opposition to that request? Seeing none, is there anyone here to speak in favor of? Seeing none, we'll close the public hearing and go back into regular session. Ms. Charles, if you'll come forward, our zoning and planning director, she'll be able to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you. As you heard, your first rezoning request this evening is from A1 to A3. The Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission did recommend denial of this rezoning request, and that was due to the fact that the A3 zoning is not similar in character to the surrounding uses, and it would allow for inappropriate levels of commercial development at this proposed location. The second rezoning the before and a one to the be 3 zoning the planning Commission did recommend approval of this request as submitted as it would be in character to the surrounding area and in keeping with uses on the highway. And then the last rezoning the are one and a one to a one would put one zoning district on the property entirely the planning Commission did recommend approval of that request as well.

Any questions for Ms. Charles on the rezoning? Mr. Jones?

Thank you. Ms. Charles, do you know what's happening with the planned residential business district? This is with regard to the big limestone road project. Just because it's such an odd-shaped piece of property and then it kind of like the B3 section like runs into this PRBP.

Yes, that zoning is already in place there on that property to the south. And then to the north of it, the commercial zoning on the property is where Johnny's Market, just down from JD Metals, is located. There's no proposed plans as of right now for anything else in this area on those properties.

The further questions from his Charles. And you thank you very much we appreciate you coming. Always here for us. Go ahead and start with them. item number one that was a great one that was resolution 260701 is a resolution rezoning the tax map in the 15th civil district presently owned by jared brown the recommendation was to deny that request we have a motion motion motion by commissioner tucker second by commissioner huffine uh to approve the request for denial

Isn't that right?

Yes. So if you're voting yes, it is for denial.

If you're voting yes, it's for denial.

Making sure we're clear on that. Any questions or discussion?

Seeing none.

All the questions. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in.

Hold it. You can click down here on the changer. Yeah, thank you. You got it. It's the first time I've done that. It's the first time I've helped somebody with tech. I appreciate it.

All right. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 14 yes, 1 no, and the resolution passes. Next resolution is Resolution 260702. It's a resolution rezoning the tax map in the 18th Civil District, presently owned by Benjamin McInturf. And that is for approval. Motion by Commissioner Fitzgerald to approve. Second by Commissioner Malone. question or discussion questions been called madam clerk if you'll switch us the voting screen go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in madam clerk if you announce the vote 14 yes one no and the resolution passes our last resolution for rezoning is 260703 is a resolution rezoning the tax map in the seventh civil district, presently owned by Roger Housewright, Evan Housewright. The Planning Commission recommendation was to approve. Do we have a motion? Motion by Commissioner Huffine to approve, seconded by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion?

Call the question.

Question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote, 15 yes, and the resolution passes. You'll see the Washington County Board of Zoning Appeals minutes in your packet on page 31. We have the... UT Summer Extension 2026 report to the people. Our Washington County Agriculture Extension is always hard at work for us.

good evening everyone so um you can reference to page 32 of your packets that is the report to the people so this is our mid-year report from january to june of 2026 so you can see that the ag part of our office has been very very busy this first part of the year so they conducted a herdsman playlist educational series as well as hosted a ladies raising livestock program with a multi-county approach they also partnered with local emergency personnel to offer a dart which is a disaster animal response team training so this is for first responders enhancing preparedness for livestock and agricultural emergencies um other things as well is the tennessee value-added meats program So our specialist, our UT livestock marketing specialist, Anthony Shelton, has been working with the Appalachian Producers Cooperative to help strengthen the quality of meat products within the area available for consumers in Washington County. And then also our ag agent, Adam Watson, has been doing numerous home visits for garden and small farm classes, as well as pesticide private applicators. and then offering garden classes for youth as well. And you can see one of the photos at the bottom is this is a new program that they started. It's the Master Backyard Poultry Program. So this is a multi-county teaching people how to raise poultry properly within the area. So my part is the family consumer science. So I'm also the county director, but my part is the family consumer science. So I do, here recently I've been doing a lot of fall prevention type classes that include like stay strong, stay healthy, cardio drumming. So you can kind of see the economic impact that it has on individuals. So there was about 25 individuals that completed either one of these series. So on average, each individual will save about $945 per year in health savings, which accounts for, if you put all 25 of those together, about $23,625 in health care savings. over the course of the year, because the number one thing that a lot of elderly have to be mindful of is fall prevention. So if they fall, that's the potential of breaking a hip or leg or arm or something like that, and that does put a... our health care under, I'm sorry, I lost my train of thought. But I also continue to offer parenting classes, so co-parenting classes for divorcing parents. So if y'all don't realize in the state of Tennessee, anybody that's going through a divorce that have children under the age of 18, they are required by law to attend a parenting class. So I'm one of the facilitators for that as well. And then, of course, still offering the first-time homebuyers course. So if anybody that is looking at a THDA home loan They are required to take a first-time homebuyers course, so I help do those courses as well as follow-up calls with them. So, so far there has been 19 single home loans, so that results with the average home price going up is about $236,840, which resulted in approximately $4.5 million in economic impact in our area. 4-H has been very busy this past half a year as well. So they sent 79 Washington County youth to junior camp. So that was in Greenville. They also had 18 members attend the Angler Adventure Camp. in Greenville as well. And then they also sent three youth to the Tennessee 4-H Congress at the state capitol in Nashville. So they learned about the whole process with our parliamentary procedures and all that fun stuff. Learning about the government, citizenship, and leadership as well. So some upcoming things that are happening this fall. Of course, we do help with the Appalachian Fair, specifically the 4-H building. We also help with some of the livestock shows as well. 4-H will be going into the school system starting in September. They kind of get through the fair, and then they start in-school clubs. Also, we have the Tri-State Beef Conference coming up as well. And this... This Wednesday, July 29th at 1 at the Farm Bureau. They're hosting a Hurricane Helene meeting with TDA for the Ag and Timber Relief Fund as well. So that will be happening this Wednesday at 1. Any questions? All right, thank you all. Elizabeth, thank you very much. Yeah, thank you all for your support.

Sounds like you've had a busy summer.

Yes, it's always busy.

Absolutely.

And we'd like to specifically thank Commissioner Huffine, Carter, and Johnson for their service on our Ag Committee.

you've done a great job thank you our next item is our commission minutes as you can see several sets of minutes there on page 34 37 and 38 we have a motion to approve those three sets motion by Commissioner Wexler have a second second by Commissioner Tucker to approve those those minutes is there any additions or corrections Seeing none, all in favor of that motion signify by saying aye.

Aye. Opposed?

And the minutes are received. And the motion passes. We do have a resolution under elections, appointments and confirmations. Resolution number 260704 is a resolution appointing members to the Washington County Industrial Development Board.

Motion to approve.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Tucker, seconded by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion? Call the question. Commissioner Wheeler?

Yes, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I was confused a little bit by the whereas having one name and the section one having another name. There is a time limit.

Ms. Wilkinson, maybe you could clear that up.

I can just say that without putting it right in front of me. Let me flip to page 48 here. It should be. You're right.

Yeah. It should be John Roddy.

That's that.

The correct name is right.

yeah yeah it should be john roddy both times uh is the person who has been submitted not john frizell mr chairman i would move to amend the uh resolution to change section one to john roddy all right we have a second on that amendment second by commissioner tucker thank you commissioner wheeler is there any objection to the amendment

All in favor of the amendment, signify by saying aye. Aye. All opposed?

Any objection to it being correct.

And the motion is amended, or the resolution is amended. All right. So we have a motion and second for the agenda.

Call the question.

I can't do it. a motion and second for the amended resolution the question's been called all in favor of that motion switch over to the voting screen and cast your vote you got me sidetracked there on that one commissioner wheeler madam clerk if you'll announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes We do have the year-end reports in your packet for review from the clerk and several others. As you review over those and you would like to ask questions, I think our trustee is here. But if you have any questions, let us know and we'll be sure and have them back next month to answer any questions from those reports. We'll move right on into the county mayor's report. Mayor Grandy.

Good evening. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Just a couple of things tonight. First, the notice went out today, but I just wanted to announce it here for y'all and others that the historic courthouse will be closed on August the 6th and the 7th for some HVAC repairs. Discovered a leak in the children land under the pavement it's going to be a mess so we have the contract route there this morning and we believe we can get it done in those 2 days that's a Thursday and Friday followed by weekend if they need a few more days. It won't impact government operations in any buildings other than the historic courthouse clerk's office will remain open in Johnson city just center. will function as usual and so forth. So that is that. Next just a just a quick update on female projects and other related storm recovery activity. First we currently have 44 million $75,000 worth projects that have been obligated by FEMA which means we're clear to do that work and to That includes $8 million for Corby Bridge. So remember, that project was obligated as a rapid project, which I love that name. That's so good with FEMA. But anyway... early on for a million dollars which has today covered all costs for the engineering and all the preparation for for that did we're still anticipating project to run somewhere in the 25 to $30 million range so they'll be another probably 20 plus million dollars obligated on that project in a scope of work change that will follow the bid. for details on that at this time. So that'll put our total work obligated to about $65 million or so once that's done. Next where we are in expenditures on just projects got about 21 million 400,000 dollars has been expended through the highway Department for a number of projects including roads and bridges obviously solid waste is 1 million 600,000 dollars And just from the general fund, $2,600,000 for a total of about $25,600,000 that we have spent for various projects to date. We have currently recovered from FEMA, TEMA combined, $13,083,000. plus $6,500,000 from NRCS for river mitigation. We have another $3,600,000 that is cleared FEMA and is in the works with TEMA, and we expect to be receiving within the next few weeks. So that gets us to around close to $20 million worth of recovery, and we spent, as I mentioned earlier, about $25 million. So we really are tracking pretty well on recovery money versus expenditures today. I'm pretty pleased about that. And lastly on that, we have completed 83 homes rebuilt. And people are living in those. And there's another 18 under construction. And if you remember, we lost 119 total homes completely. So within the two year window, or maybe two year and a few months, we will have rebuilt over 100 of those. I'm pretty impressive work back. Really literally thousands of people from dozens of organizations and a lot of hard work for a lot of people but the news that I mean even though you can give back items personal items from people that they lost they are back in so for the most part. And finally an item that will appear in the role business tonight's tonight is a bomber refunding issue. These are some 216 2016 bonds that were callable last April in 26. This refunding has been approved. Already by this group in February of 25 and resolution 26 to 49 and it's being is being reintroduced tonight because the comptroller has plan of refunding had expired. It's only a 90 day plan and so we have the comptroller's plan of refunding it's been approved. but it wants to go back to the Comptroller with a resolution from the governing body. So, in fact, it's required to be presented to the governing body and we felt like it ought to be documented in the form of a resolution. This takes a group of those 2016 bonds that are currently at a higher interest rate than we can refund them for today. and we'll basically sell them off repurchase the same amount of bonds for the same term so they're not going to be term won't be extended but the they will be re repurchased at a lower interest rate which will save the the county about a million dollars over the term of this 10-year loan so it's about a hundred thousand dollars a year normally our refundings are a little bit juicier than this but um a hundred thousand dollars a year is a hundred thousand all the year and we feel like that's the after all expenses so that's what that is any questions on any of that commissioner have fun just one follow-up since elizabeth is here tonight i know we've been working on this dropping of the parking egg parking lot i think we've given up on that project commissioner i'm just kidding

I apologize.

It's been we did a lot it's been as and we have finally gotten to warmer weather. We're trying to find a dryer to drive one or 2 days to actually execute that and it's in plan should have been should have been done before you can blame me for that or not we're good with everything going on.

Going backwards to the the bond refunding or refinancing if I understood correctly the interest rate is lower now than what those bonds are present is that correct yes, sir and I heard you say that we're not extending the loan term of the amortization period that's also correct and is the county taking on any new debt. This is just existing debt.

It's existing debt. It will be the exact same dollar amount, just at a lower interest rate.

And so we're going to save roughly over 10 years about $100,000 a year.

About a million dollars. Yes, sir.

All right. Thank you.

Okay. Thank you all. Have a good evening. Mayor, just one more follow-up question on that. I heard it mentioned here earlier tonight. I don't remember what it was. So you said it. At the end of this bond term, it was mentioned that the mayor could refund the bonds or re-up the bonds. How did that work? That would take the action of the commission to do. Is that correct?

That's not part of this refunding.

Okay, yeah. I just wanted to clear.

Well, in 10 years, it'll be paid off, so there's really nothing to bond anyway.

Right, right. I don't know. I remember hearing that. I just wanted to clear that up. Yes, sir. All right, any more questions for the mayor? All right. Our county attorney's report, Ms. Wilkinson.

Good evening. The only thing I've brought to you tonight to report concerns your resolution number 260717, which is Platt's volunteer fire department. And just to let you know that we did publish in the Johnson City Press this past week, pursuant to the Tennessee Code Annotated 59109, that that was a special appropriation. It's an extra step because normally those appropriations are part of your budget resolution. So that has gone to the clerk. That will be included in the record. And I just wanted to include it tonight for good order. But if you have any questions, I'm happy to answer them.

All right, any questions for Ms. Wilkerson?

All right, thank you, Ms. Wilkerson.

All right, our Director of the Health Department Report, Director McClellan.

Good evening. I do not have a formal report for you all. I just have one brief update for awareness to let you guys know that our community health assessment that we do with our health councils with the health department did go live July 1st, and that is open to all of Washington County residents. citizens to gauge what the health needs are in the community this runs every three years within the whole region and it's county specific so we are running that until october 31st to get data to inform what health needs are in our communities and with that data our health councils who are comprised of the Department of Health as well as other organizations within the community work on a community health improvement plan of addressing what the core needs that our community tell us are and how we're going to address that within our health councils. So I did print off some flyers for you guys that have QR codes to that survey for you guys to be able to take and share with the community. Do you guys have any additional questions for me?

Any questions for Director McClelland? Thank you. You're welcome. Thank you very much. Our Director of Schools report, Director Boyd.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. You have the monthly report. we have limited data that's accurate as far as our final numbers for enrollment we will provide that data to you in the next report in august we do start officially tomorrow with our teachers returning they'll begin the day at their schools and then we will all convene together in the afternoon at boone's creek elementary school in the gym for i guess the beginning of the year kickoff with all of our certified staff And then the rest of the week will be spent in their schools and other professional learning opportunities as the students return on Monday the 3rd. And that's an abbreviated day with continued registration. We'll continue to take registration and we will be registering families probably through the whole month of August as it typically occurs. But we'll keep you updated on our enrollment data as we do get more stable data. And also, there was questions. or not questions, we made comments about the planned school visits. We'll be sending out that information to this body in its form in September. The board is looking at a proposed timeline, so it'll be on the board agenda as the workshop agenda tomorrow night, as well as the upcoming regular board meeting, which has been changed to Tuesday the 4th, because the 6th is an election day. So it'll be on that agenda. And when we get that information, we'll share it with the commission as well. Other than that, any questions that you might have at this time?

It just seemed that you had some interest in the school. Looks like you may be getting offers. Is that what you're thinking?

Well, the realtor is attending tomorrow's workshop, and they're providing the board with both some updates and then proposed plans of next steps if the offers aren't what they should be. So the realtor will be at tomorrow's meeting. But yes, sir, we hope so. There hasn't been any significant or at least any specific offer that's come to fruition. But I know the realtors continue to work on that.

Looks like there's some interest.

Yes, sir, there is. Yes, sir. There should be. It's a great location. Yes, sir.

Thank you, Jared.

You're welcome. Thank you.

Any further questions for Commissioner Orr? All right. Thank you. Thank you, Director. Thank you. Our administrator of elections, Chuck Vest, is here with us this evening.

I don't know if I'm let Mister Boyd said that on middle school I played a basketball there when I was about this house could be hard to see that I think you would let you know I think you just put an offering and I think you know that. That's right, I've got some old gym shoes somewhere there next school. I just wanted to touch real brief on how the election's going here in August. Things are going really well. Proud to say that Washington County right now is number seventh in the state in percentage increase over 2018, which is the best election year to compare it with. That's when you had a contested governor's primary and you also had contested your mayor's race. So that's the The year we look at the word number 7th in the state and that's a 53% increase over 2018 so things are getting better really need compared to 2022. 4 years ago reading better than that's actually a 133% over. 2022 and a lot of counties are going well over 2022 before we're number 8. and the state in that. I'm proud to say we've had more voters so far in August than Sullivan County, which is nice because they're a larger county than us, so we're outperforming them. So a lot of good news there. My expectations are we'll finish the early vote period close to 11,000 voters. We're on pace to be slightly less than that right now, but I think we'll probably get to 11,000 or close to it. And depending on what we see on election day, sometimes you get the same number of votes on election day as you did during early voting. But it could be anywhere from 19,000 to 22,000, which would be a really strong performance for the county compared to our past. So things are looking good. People need to keep voting. People walk in and get out of there in five minutes. So I encourage people to take advantage of early voting while we have that nice old Jonesboro Middle School there to use. I appreciate the school coming in and cleaning up for us and putting the buckets out when the leaks appear. I wish the rain would stop a little bit. didn't come to talk really about the convenience voting centers but since it came up i'll touch on that real brief appreciate the hugh committee and the budget committee looking at the requests we had it's not really an interest of mine what happens to that money it's mostly that if this government body and michael election commission wants to see convenience voting centers move forward i don't want to start the process of that and then get to the end and think well shoot we don't have that money to use and so if Just trying to be preemptive in any issues we might have with money. I was at one point a skeptic of convenience voting centers, but really there's not an argument against them anymore. Convenience voting centers will be nothing any different than what we're doing today with early voting sites. You know, they're secure. They're not connected to the Internet. So it's as safe as it can be. So basically, we got three early voting centers now. We would probably end up with basically, you know, 15 to 18 voting sites where a person could go vote at their convenience at any one of them. If you live in Limestone, you find yourself up in gray, you're stuck for work. you could go vote out in gray. And it's that common sense things that we should be looking to do for voters. And cost-wise, one reason I was a skeptic, I didn't really think it would save that much money. And it's probably still, depending on how you do it, if you end up having 20 convenience voting centers, which I think is what was proposed before. You're probably not gonna save a lot of money. It's not gonna cost you anymore, but you're not gonna save any. But I think if we look at how we've got our sites picked out, it might be more reasonable to look at 18 sites You know, really, we only have to have 15 based on what the state requires. So if you get down to 18 sites and have them positioned better in the county, you probably can actually see your turnout probably increase a little bit and save some money. So that's what we'll get to when the time comes. But this body did approve it at one point, as did my commission, and my current commission supports it. And I'm just here to help move that forward if that's what we all want. So thank you. Anybody got any questions? Thank you. All right. Thank you, Chuck.

Our next item is the beer board meeting minutes. Commissioner Malone.

We did have one application that was approved. Minutes are on page 98. I'd be glad to answer questions.

Any questions for Commissioner Malone? Seeing none, we'll move right on to the Commercial, Industrial, and Agricultural Committee. Commissioner Wexler.

Yes, we got together on July 9th, and attached, you'll see our minutes. Out of our discussions, we came up with two resolutions that I'd like to bring before you tonight in the form of a motion. The first one is 260705, resolution approving and authorizing the appropriation of funds to visit Johnson City and the town of Jonesboro to promote tourism in Washington County. As I said, I bring that to you in the form of a motion and appreciate your vote.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Wexler, second by Commissioner Fitzgerald. Question or discussion?

All the questions.

Questions have been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll vote. If you'll transfer us to the voting screen. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, and the resolution passes.

The second resolution is resolution 260706, resolution authorizing the Washington County Mayor to apply for community development block grant disaster recovery funds for public infrastructure improvements related to Tropical Storm Helene and to execute all documents necessary to implement such grants. Bring it to you in the form of a motion and I ask for your approval.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Wexler, seconded by Commissioner Malone. Question or discussion? I have a question. Commissioner Jones?

Who prepares the grants on behalf of the county?

I think that was the First Tennessee Development Agency, if I'm correct, Mayor?

Yes.

Any further questions or discussions? Seeing none, Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Further items, Commissioner Brooks? That's it.

If you have any questions, I'll be glad to answer them.

Just get with it. Moving on to the County-owned Property Committee, Commissioner Tometa.

The minutes of the July 9th meeting are in your packet on page 127. Nothing actionable. For any questions that you have.

I'm seeing no questions for Commissioner Tamina. We'll move right on to the Employee Compensation and Benefits Committee. You'll find the minutes of that meeting on July the 9th in your packet on page 128. Any questions or discussion? Seeing none, moving right on to the Health Education and Welfare Committee. Commissioner Carter.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Our minutes are on page 129. We have one resolution in front of us tonight, and I think it'll take some discussion. I'm not sure which way this moves. I welcome any guidance from the mayor, Allison, or any other commissioner. So, mr. vest had requested that this come in front of Hugh so that it could get in front of budget and we discussed this at our meeting and we did take a vote on it and it passed but i'm also on budget so when it went to budget um it the budget committee recommended that the funds go into the back to the general since it was a reimbursement of money that we had already spent um i'll read the resolution and we can go from there Resolution 26-07-07, it's resolution amending fiscal year 27 budget in regards to the restricting balance for future application by the election commission for convenience voting. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee. I'm not going to make a motion.

Mayor, do you want to talk about the budget committee recommendation?

Yeah, thank you Mister chairman the so this this this is new what's it sort of in presidential primaries. The for the federal government reimburses local government for what the primary cost so that's that's been going on legislation was recently passed by the state to do the same thing for And so this is the first time that we've actually had the expenses for a local primary that's not presidential preference. the be covered by the state so we want to remember that number of things around $96,000 that they have sent to the county for. The cost of the May primary. And so it's big help me makes a lot of a lot of difference and so regardless this morning is going to go into the general fund. The Election Commission, as you heard Chuck mentioned a few minutes ago, wanted to put it in as a reserve fund, similar to money that's in the general fund that's, say, reserved for the industrial park or something like that. We do have a few accounts in there that are, you know, kind of earmarked for specific uses. I think what I heard Chuck say is we really don't know whether it will cost more to have convenience voting or not. But if it's something that the Commission wants to consider and the Election Commission wants to propose, just as before, the Commission would just say, we want to do this and we'll fund it. This money has come in as a reimbursement to the expense it's already incurred. you know if you want to your mark the same dollars in the general fund for some future use inconvenience voting that would be that would be the action I guess we did I'll just say this that the Budget Committee was not making a statement that they are in any way in opposition to convenience voting centers They were just saying that this money really just belongs in the general fund as a reimbursement for past expenses and that when convenience boating resurfaces that the budget committee will make a recommendation and the full commission will consider funding.

So that's kind of what we talked about in budget. We really didn't know. Chuck wasn't there. He was out of town. We was really wanting to get a, we don't know what it's going to cost to do the convenience voting. So that's one reason why we put it back in the general fund and see if we could get an estimate from him and then roll it back in if we wanted to do that. Correct?

Right. And that's, I think I heard him say that's two years out.

And leaving it in the general fund now just provides flexibility to use it if something else comes up for our to that.

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Jones, not sure if it's a question or comment, but you know our prior election administrator. did all the work to figure out how to do convenience voting and got it pretty far down the line, and then didn't have enough money to pull it off in that election cycle. So my sense is, and you'd have to ask Mr. Vest if he wants to comment, but it takes, say, a year or more planning to get the he said today there's 118 different ballots so you've got to figure out how to get all the right ballots and all the right places to pull us off new technology my memory from Hugh was the 97 is pretty close to what Dana came up with when she did the math and the point of having it set aside is that you can then plan now obviously not a whole lot of planning is going to happen from now to November cause they're busy doing elections. But shortly after that, you'd want to, you know, get going on, come up with a plan for the next election cycle. Knowing the money set aside allows you to plan, not knowing if the commission will, will fund it. makes it harder, and you're always working. Election cycles are shorter. It feels like a long time, but it's shorter than it seems. So that's my argument in favor of setting it aside. I definitely hear some of the other side of the story, but that's my thinking.

Mister my I'm not this is not a debate about trying to challenge that my recollection was not that we didn't have the funding for but that was it was a matter of the time it took to prepare for it was not sufficient enough to get it accomplished and prior to the election that was forthcoming but It was passed yesterday, so I may not have all that right.

That actually rings a bell. It still feels like putting all that time in to prepare for it, not knowing if it'll be funded. I guess we don't know. I guess we would need some sort of plan somewhere in there before they put too much time into it.

You know that might be a good way to look at it and the fire 28 budget which would be a year in advance of when it's needed to you know if the commission that the election commission would like to move forward that would be a good time to do it.

Yes, so I guess I made the motion in a new committee. And my thoughts at that time was I am for the convenience voting myself. And I realized we got delayed last time. I don't think it was the money issue, but we got delayed. And the reason that I'm for that is I believe it is safe because it's much the same procedure that we're running right now in early voting. And I have seen, not by groves, not thousands of people or anything like that, but I've seen onesies and twosies come to vote and be at the wrong precinct, especially when you, and it will happen, you will redistrict. And people that voted all their life at one location now is going to the other location. And that's aggravating. And they leave mad and they don't vote. So that's why I was for it. That's why I made the motion. And I just thought if you had some money already sitting there and you had to go get some more money, that it would make it a little easier to implement. And that's the reason I supported it. I'm not down on the hill for this or anything like that. But I did want to explain my thought process in the Hugh Committee.

Mr. I'll I'll agree with you 100% of that fact I went. With Dana Jones for the presentation that testified before the House subcommittee that was considering allowing Washington can to do it at the time I think we would have been like the 7th County in the state to do it. Of course, you know remember Dana's passion and so and we did receive approval from that committee at the legislature to move forward with with convenience voting which I believe still stands so yeah I've done with you that I think it's the way to go. Commissioner Wexler.

Yeah, I also am in the same committee and voted to send it forward, but one thing I guess I would want to say is there's really, the jury's still out on convened voting centers. I'm not for them or against them, but I mean, this is a new, something new, and I think we probably might want to just you know, wait until, I guess, a year from now or enough time before the next election and kind of explore how they've gone over in other parts of the state.

To me, that's fair. Secretary of State is very... let's just say more than conscious, but heavy-handed on being sure that Tennessee voting stays at the absolute highest level that it is. And Tennessee has the highest voting standards of any state in the whole country. So they don't take lightly the request to do this. So this election commission, to move forward, they will have to jump through the hoops.

I certainly want to say that I would want to do anything in the world to get people out to vote. And if this would help, it would go a long way in my book.

Mr. Vest, would you like to add anything to our discussion? Commissioner Carter?

i'll wait till after chuck speaks well uh after i was unable to attend that budget committee meeting i did talk to mr tucker and he explained you know what happened and then i've talked to mitch and he's talked to the mayor and as i said earlier i'm not that concerned about whether this money gets restricted for our use or if it goes back into the general fund after talking to mitch that i'm fine with that because when the time comes i'm going to want this body's approval so if we need to come back and ask for an amount equal to that then i'll hopefully be able to have the support to do that in terms of the cost it's going to be in that same amount of that reimbursement depending on what bright Ridge charges for a few hookups, but it's not going to be within 10% of that. I don't think it's going to be anything, um, much higher than a hundred thousand. Uh, we think we can use some of our old equipment and we bought some new laptops this year, just prepping for the possibility of that and to replace some things. So, uh, because of that, we'll have, uh, um, that a hundred thousand is pretty close. It might go to 110, could be 90,000 pounds of equipment we can use. Um, But I'm perfectly fine with what the mayor and Mitch and the budget committee proposed. We'll just come back to you and ask when the time comes. And I will say that the election season will be here before you know it. We are talking about the elections in 2028, but the presidential primaries in March of 28, which means we really need to have this whole thing wrapped up and ready to go towards the end of 2027. For me, having something approved mid-year, right when we're talking budget, scares me a little bit. But I think when the time comes, we'll have the support to move forward if that's what we decide to do. Talk to the state, and we might have to go through these steps again. So I'm not sure how many steps we'll have to go through and revisit. So I've got to get some support from the state again as well.

All right. Commissioner Jones?

Did Commissioner Carter get to ask his question? I can't remember. Sorry.

It's fine. Mine's going to be fast. I think we just need to – you know, it's two issues. So convenience voting is one thing, and it sounds like most people are in favor of it, and that's fine. That can be addressed later. But the reason why – Budget did what it did was because this was a reimbursement. Common sense tells me that if you're reimbursed for something, you put it back for what you were being reimbursed for. And then when convenience voting comes back, which would be a new spend, then you take on that new dollar, yes or no.

I think Mitch explained that to me and I'm comfortable with that.

Just how many counties are using it now?

I think there are six using it now. And probably one of the biggest benefits, and there is a big convenience factor, but recently in Nashville for a law seminar, the Administrative Elections for Cumberland County was speaking, talking about, and they use convenience voting centers. And they had an emergency, or basically tornadoes, hit their area the night before the election and took out some of their precincts. And if they hadn't have been using convenience voting centers, voters in those precincts would not have had a place to go to. And it would have been more of a scramble, emergency situations. But since they were a county that could use convenience voting centers, those voters could already go to pre-planned places. So nobody wants to think about been prepared for emergencies. But as we know, you can have them hit at any time. So that's a big reason for me is it is convenient. But if we're going to have 18 sites out there, something could happen to one of them. And we've already got the other 17 approved for people to go to. It's much more flexible. As I said, it's very secure as it is today for early voting, not connected to the internet and never will be. So I'm not sure what the argument in the future would be against them.

Thank you all right anymore questions for the space. Commissioner Carter.

Yes, Mister chairman. Presented the resolution. I'm I'm not making a motion on it okay.

We have a motion. On the resolution.

all right seeing no motion well i'm not may i ask a question if if your motion is not addressed at all then the money just goes in the general fund to reimburse the prior expense is that correct yeah because the way the most the way the resolution is drafted we could either approve the restriction or deny the restriction

yes i think that's correct don't you allison i agree that's how it's written you have the option to proceed however you deem appropriate motion to deny second second motion to deny by commissioner davenport who was our second mr johnson Call the question questions been called that a clerk to switch the voting screen please go and cast your vote lock it in. Madam clerk feel now it's the vote. 15 yes, 1, no, the resolution passes. The motion passes. Mister Carter was or anything else on that report.

That's all, Mr. Chairman. Thank you.

All right. Thank you. Our investment committee, a trustee story. I don't know if he was here earlier.

Okay.

The minutes are in the packet, page 138. Any questions for our trustee? Alright. Public Safety Committee report, Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. You will see the minutes from our July 9th meeting on page 139. We have several motions or items before you tonight. First, we'll start with Resolution 260708. This is a resolution amending the fiscal year 27 budget to accept a non-matching grant. This comes from General Sessions Court to implement Safe Baby Court. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval.

Motion made by Commissioner Eaton, second by Commissioner Huff. I'm going to approve the resolution. Question or discussion? Call the question. The question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting ring. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam clerk, if you'll announce the vote, 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have resolution number 260709. This is a resolution approving and authorizing an amendment to the clinical affiliation agreement between Washington County and East Tennessee State University. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval.

Motion to approve by Commissioner Edens. Second by Commissioner Wheeler. Question or discussion?

Call the question.

Question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote, 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens?

Thank you Mister chairman next we have resolution 26 0, 7, 10, and it is a resolution authorizing the disposition of Washington County Sheriff's Office surplus property known as canine Sheba to allow the retirement of certified canine service at all this comes to use a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion by commissioner agents approved resolution seconded by commissioner Wexler question or discussion.

Well, I'm supportive of that. I just wish we'd find a better way to refer to K-9 Sheba than surplus property.

I think it's just a matter of wording, you know.

Wow. He has a hard after. He does. He does.

The question's been called. Madam Clerk, you've switched the voting screen. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Commissioner Tomei, I just want to reassure you now that she is retired officially. She is no longer the property of Washington County.

And has a good home to go to.

Has a good home to go to.

Commissioner Edens, we'll go ahead with the next one.

Thank you Mister chairman next we have resolution 26 oh 7, 11, this is a resolution authorizing the disposition of Washington County Sheriff's Office surplus property on good deals dot com this comes to use a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion by commissioner even seconded by commissioner Wexler Mister Jones.

I was going to second it.

I'll get you next time. no just not just paying attention we're in a group here call the question there's been questions been called madam clerk if you'll switch us to the voting screen go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in madam clerk if you announce the vote 15 yes and the resolution passes commissioner thank you mr chairman um

I would like to make a suggestion before this next resolution that Commissioner Wexler take turns. I love you, Lewis. Just take turns. I love you, Lewis. Next, we have Resolution 2607-12. This is a resolution approving and authorizing certain capital projects, funds spending up to $100,000 in the fiscal year 27, budget for car and body-worn cameras. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee. Hey, hey, hey. Not until I make a motion. Okay, this comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval. Second.

I'm still going to call it Commissioner Jones. What do you think about that? That's the only cheers I've got all day. Thank you. all right so we have a motion in the second by commissioner jones any questions or discussion all the questions the question's been called madam clerk if you'll switch the voting screen please Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes and the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next we have Resolution 2607.13. This is a resolution approving and authorizing certain capital projects fund spending up to $86,000 in the fiscal year 27 budget for taser replacement. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Edens to approve the resolution. Second by Commissioner Wheeler. Question or discussion? Call the question. The question has been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have Resolution 260714. This is a resolution approving and authorizing certain capital projects fund spending up to $75,000 in the fiscal year 27 budget for detention center, washer, and dryer replacement. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Eaton to approve the resolution. Second by Commissioner Wexler.

I just raised my your turn again.

Question or discussion all the questions questions been called by the clerk fuel switch the voters green please go ahead and cast your vote lock it in. Madam clerk if you announced about 15 years resolution passes. Commissioner agents.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Next, we have Resolution 2607-15. This is a resolution approving and authorizing certain capital projects fund spending up to $15,000 in the fiscal year 27 budget for water line upgrades. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Higgins to approve the resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Huffine. Question or discussion? Call the question questions been called about a clerk to switch the voting screen, please go and cast your vote and lock it in. But a clerk if you announced the vote. 15 years of the resolution passes. The streets.

Thank you Mister chairman next we have resolution 20 607 16 this is a resolution approving and authorizing certain capital projects fund spending up to $750,000 in the fiscal year 27 budget for detention center radio replacement this comes to use a recommendation from the committee and I move for its approval.

Motion made back history and stir approve the resolution seconded by Chris to Jones.

Is it 750,000 or 75,000? It's 750,000. In the minutes it says 75,000.

Well, you just saved us.

So I just want to make sure.

That's the washer and dryer.

No, it says detention center radio up to 75,000 in the minutes.

Knowing the cost of radios, I'd say it's $750,000. I don't know how much a radio costs.

I've got the agenda from budget. It does say $750,000 on the budget, and I can flip through.

Good try.

I think I'll get you a budget.

We'll make sure.

Thank you.

Let's just give him $75,000 and see how far he goes.

You know, I'm a radio chef. And the resolution is 750, yes?

Yes.

Just the minutes.

From public safety. Okay.

Oh.

Mr. Jones?

I did have the chance to speak with the sheriff about this one, just because there were some questions that were raised. And the radios they're using now, I don't know if it's all of them, date back to 2009 and are no longer serviced. But also 500, in his accounting, 500,000 of this amount came from a sign-on bonus with when he renegotiated the cell phone plan for the jail. So it's not taxpayer dollars that are being used for two-thirds of this amount. That was how it was explained to me.

That's good information.

One of the things with the radios, they're very, very expensive anymore. Very expensive. And Motorola builds them only for so long until they have no part of replacement. Pretty essential. I'm experiencing some of that myself. 2009, is it? All right, we have a motion and a second. We have decided that is $750,000 on the resolution is correct.

Thanks for confirming. Yeah.

Yeah. Call the question.

The question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch us to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote, 15 yes and the resolution passes. Commissioner Edens.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Last but not least, we have resolution number 260717. This is a resolution approving and authorizing the appropriation of funds to Piney Flats Volunteer Fire Department and amending the fiscal year 27 budget. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee, and I move for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Edens, seconded by Commissioner Wheeler.

Call for the question.

Question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam clerk feel now slow 15, yes, the resolution passes anything else commissioner.

Those are all we have all right.

The public works committee report is next commissioner Davenport yes, you'll find our minutes.

Our July 9th meeting on page one 76.

Any questions for commissioner Davenport saying then we'll move on to the budget committee report commissioner Tucker.

you'll find our minutes on page 177. We've got two resolutions in mind. The first one's Resolution 260718, Resolution Authorizing Washington County, Tennessee, Accepting Execution of the State of Tennessee Department of Health, Rural Health, and Grant for the Amnesty. This comes to you as a recommendation from the committee. I'll approve for its approval. And I move for its approval.

Motion to approve the resolution by Commissioner Tucker, seconded by Commissioner Davenport. Call for the question question has been called. And parts which is the voting screen place. Good cast your vote lock it in. But a clerk if you announced about 15 years the resolution passes. Commissioner Tucker.

In our second resolution, 2609-19, authorized application accepted at execution of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, a lien emergency assistant loan heel program and amended fiscal year 2027 budget. This comes to your recommendation, and I approve for its approval.

Motion by Commissioner Tucker to approve the resolution, seconded by Commissioner Fitzgerald. Question or discussion?

Call the question.

The question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Any other items, Mr. Tucker?

That's all I have. Thank you.

All right. We do have one item under old business, and that's resolution number 260720 is the resolution authorizing the issuance of the general obligation refunding bonds of Washington County, Tennessee, and one or more series making provisions of the issuance sale and payment of said bonds establishing the terms thereof and the disposition of proceeds therefrom providing for the levy of taxes for payment of principle of premium if any an interest on the bonds we have a motion Motion by Commissioner Tucker to approve the resolution. Seconded by Commissioner Wexler. Question or discussion? All in question. Question's been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote, lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes, and the resolution passes. Moving right on to notaries, resolution 2607.21 is a resolution approving the election of notaries public for appointment or reappointment for Washington County, Tennessee. Motion by Commissioner Wexler to approve. Second by Commissioner Tucker. Question or discussion? Call for the question. Question has been called. Madam Clerk, if you'll switch us to the voting screen, please. Go ahead and cast your vote and lock it in. Madam Clerk, if you'll announce the vote. 15 yes and the resolution passes. Item under new business this evening is resolution number 260722, a resolution to establish the property tax freeze implementation committee. Mayor Grandy, do you want to say anything before we vote on that?

He wears orange a lot.

Alright. So Commissioner Wexler would like to volunteer. And Commissioner Huffine would volunteer. All right, so there's our two volunteers for the residents. Oh, for a, we don't want to, we probably need one more commissioner, just so we're, we want an odd number. Because we've got a six-member committee at that point.

I move for approval of this resolution with Commissioners Wexler, Commissioner Huffine, and Commissioner Malone appointed to the committee.

What did I ever do? All right. There's my motion, and I got a second.

Second.

Man, things can be so much easier when y'all make motions.

Call the question.

All right. The question's been called. All in favor of the approval of the motion, signify by saying aye.

Aye.

All opposed? All right, the motion passes. And I'm sure that committee will be meeting soon, right, Mayor? All right.

Can I ask a quick question?

Yes, Commissioner Jones.

I missed that little the comptroller conversation. How does that committee get formed? Is there a statute or is it just up to local counties to decide?

It's really just a local committee to try to get enough people to bring something back. There was a lot of requirements and there was a lot of decisions that the commission would have to make um not saying that this committee will be the final verdict on any any decision because it will have to come back through the committee process and then end up back here so this is just to get us started i'm sure the trustee and the property assessor and they're very important in in this and but decisions that have to be made and i just don't think all of us here at this table can make that

all right so we do have a couple of things on our

announcements of august 13th at 12 noon is the cutoff for the uh for the next month's county commission agenda also the august committee meeting is monday um remember that because that is a change it's the money after the election um there was there's been several inquiries about rooms sherry uh rooms for the uh some the training uh Yeah, the two hotels are full. So if you're interested in going to training, you might be better off to make your own room reservations because we're really struggling.

And then as far as registration, they said just put your names on the place because you are a commissioner.

Yeah.

And they would charge us after the fact.

We anticipate that there will be a lot of cancellations, though, after we've got the legislation statewide. I would expect.

That's a lot of hotel rooms because the embassy is huge.

Is the commission meeting that night?

Commissioner Jones?

Is the commission meeting that night? It's a Monday and Tuesday.

I don't, I don't know. I think that was, it seemed like it was earlier in the month.

It is on my, on my calendar. It's a conflict, but I might've missed something. It's August 24th.

I'd say it is the, and I would say it is a conflict.

We're going to move it. We better move it.

If yeah, I would, I would think that. Yeah, that would. So, that would be Monday and Tuesday. So, Thursday? I don't know. I mean, that might be the better choice.

Yeah, we could do the 31st.

That'd be the fifth Monday.

i i think whatever we do they'll probably be a yeah we'll probably have a quorum but we'll probably not all 15 be here so just set it and we do it or we can move that meeting to september We'll probably stand a better chance on the 31st. At least having corn. I'll make that motion. All right. Second.

All right. That will be moving our August meeting to the 31st at 6 p.m. here at the Justice Center.

While we're at it, is there, is the swearing-in also already scheduled? Or not yet?

No.

I know it always gets scheduled earlier than I think, but not this early.

Well, I mean, it's just... Swearing hats.

Okay, thank you.

All right. All right, any other business before we adjourn? Do we have a motion? Did we vote on the 31st, Allison? We did, didn't we?

I don't think so.

All right. We had a motion and second on the 31st. Did we vote? We did not vote, I don't think. So who's our motion and second? tomato and have fun all in favor of moving to our meeting in august to uh august the 31st at 6 p.m here at the justice center signify by saying aye aye all opposed aye all right all right we got our meeting moved um motion to approve uh But I just have it. All right. Anything else before we go? All right, seeing none, we have a motion to adjourn. Motion by Commissioner Tometa, seconded by Commissioner Jones to adjourn. All in favor signify by saying aye.

Aye. All opposed?

All right, we're adjourned.