County Commission Debates DOE Building

Tuesday saw the Jefferson County Commission convening for their Quarterly Work Session. Preceding the Work Session was a Public Hearing on a request for rezoning of property on Highway 139 belonging to Billy and Katherine Inmon from A-1 to C-2. The request was denied by the Jefferson County Regional Commission. A petition was presented urging the Jefferson County Commission to uphold the decision of the Planning Commission for denial of the request. Two citizens spoke against the zoning request and Mr. Inmon addressed the Commission to request that they overturn the decision of the Planning Commission.

Mr. Colin McRae, Chief Executive Officer of Jefferson Memorial Hospital, was a guest speaker for the evening, at the request of Commissioner McGraw. Mr. McRae spoke of advancements at Jefferson Memorial, including a new certification as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that Jefferson County Finance Director Potts will be bringing a grant for a Victim Coordinator before the Commission at the voting meeting. He also praised Jefferson Memorial Hospital and requested that the Commission refer to the Department of Education Building by its current function rather than as the old jail to avoid confusion with the current Work House, which also served as a former jail.

The Commission received several reports from Department Heads and Other Officials. Finance Director Potts stated that he will be bringing a request from the Honorable James Dunn, District Attorney General for the Fourth Judicial District concerning the Victim Coordinator Grant. He also brought Financial Statements from both the School and County. Director Potts stated that currently sales tax is up 5% over last year, which also saw an increase. Commissioner McGraw praised the Jefferson County EMS/EMA and encouraged all citizens to get a flu shot.

Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett informed the Commission that he will be bringing several budget amendments, including one that addresses funding of the school’s capital project list, as well as funding for the alternates at White Pine School in the amount of $715,000 and $800,000 respectively (from the school’s fund balance). Newly elected Chair of the Nominating Committee, Todd Kesterson, informed the Commission that officers were elected and David Seal will serve as Vice Chair and David Gaut as Secretary. Personnel Committee Chairman Turner brought information on the new overtime law, as well as a new hire request.

Commissioners discussed the fate of the Department of Education Building, which has been temporarily closed due to a mold issue. The Facilities Committee brought a proposal for renovation and repair of the building to the Budget Committee for funding. Loose estimates for the repair of the building are just under $1 million dollars. Concerns included the possibility of unforeseen costs once the repairs begin, as well as funding the project. Director of Schools Edmonds indicated that the Department of Education Central Office would be willing to make the move back to the DOE building once the repairs are made. Currently, the DOE is housed in the First Tennessee Bank Building at a cost of $5,000 per month.