Wheel Tax Passes Second Reading
County Commission Regular Meeting, March 12, 2015
Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Voting Session on Thursday, March 12, 2015 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
Commission Chairman Carmichael called the meeting to order. Absent from Roll Call was Commissioner Tabor. With a Motion from Commissioner McGraw and 2nd from Commissioner Tucker the Minutes from the January 20, 2015 session were Approved. No citizens requested to speak at the meeting. Upon a Motion from Commissioner Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Baxley, Notaries and Bonds were Approved.
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri brought an inter local cooperation agreement for fire protection services between the Town of Dandridge and Jefferson County, which was Approved with a Motion from Commissioner Turner and 2nd from Commissioner Sheets. Palmieri brought a request for a tax abatement from Rusty Wallace Ford that would include a tax rate of 25% of the normal tax rate for a period of ten years. Commissioner Tucker brought a Motion to extend a tax abatement in the amount of 25% for the first five years and 50% for the second five years for a total of ten years. His motion was 2nd by Commissioner Beeler and Failed 11-9 with Huffaker, Gaut, Musick, Turner, Seals, Solomon, Blevins, Eslinger, Scarlett, Dockery and Carmichael voting No. Commissioner Gaut made a Motion to accept the original abatement request of 25% for a period of ten years. His motion was 2nd by Commissioner Turner and Passed 13-7 with Commissioners Douglas, Musick, Blevins, Eslinger, Scarlett, Dockery and Beeler voting No.
Commissioner Gaut stated that the decision to approve an abatement for retail should be on a case by case basis and Commissioner Turner stated that the County should be careful about making changes that they do not want, in regard to the IDB taking up the issue of retail abatements. Chamber of Commerce CEO Helton stated that the IDB will take up the issue of retail abatement and will check with attorneys on correct procedures.
Finance Director Potts presented a resolution to authorize the Finance Director to enter into a money transfer agreement with First Tennessee Bank National Association, which was Approved with a Motion from Tim Seals and 2nd from David Seal. The County Debt Management Policy was Approved with a Motion from Turner and 2nd from Commissioner Solomon.
Under Unfinished Business, Commissioner Huffaker made a motion to postpone the Wheel Tax issue until the next election cycle( October) and was 2nd by Solomon. The Motion Failed 18-2 with Huffaker and Solomon voting Yes. Commissioner Gaut made a Motion to approve the levy of additional County Wide Motor Vehicle Tax ( increasing the Wheel Tax). The Motion Passed 19-1 with Solomon voting NO. (Second Reading)
Under New Business, Commissioner Dockery made a Motion to request sponsorship of legislation to appropriate to Tennessee Counties 2.75% of lottery sales within their respective boundaries to be used exclusively for educational purposes in grades kindergarten through 12th grade. Dockery stated that Representative Faison had indicated that he would carry the request to Nashville. Dockery’s motion was 2nd by Turner and Passed. Upon a Motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Seal the Commission Approved a rezoning request from A-1 to I-1 for Property located at 3204 Chestnut Hill Road by Bush Brothers & Company.
Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett brought 10 budget amendments on the County side and two on the school side which were Approved. Chairman Scarlett also brought a move of $145,577 for Highway Land Purchase Reserve out of reserve and into unrestricted. The move was Approved.
Upon a Motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Turner, the Commission Approved striking language in County Commission minutes from “non real property” to “ Construction” for the purpose of a grant for Parrott-Wood Memorial Library.
Conservation Board Chairman Tucker requested the acceptance of 17 acres of land from the IDB, pending a positive survey and funds in the amount of $3000 for the survey and associated costs. His request was Approved by consent.
