Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri Vetoes Budget

Jefferson County Mayor Alan Palmieri Vetoes the budget recently passed by the Jefferson County, Tennessee Board Of Commissioners, stating the following reasons:

As provided in TCA 5-6-107 Powers and duties – Action on legislation: I am vetoing Resolution 2017-38 for the following reasons.

Resolution 2017-38 is in direct conflict with Resolution 2007-46 and the adopted Jefferson County Commission Rules of Procedure. All three documents are in conflict with one another.

1. The budget does not include sufficient funds for EMS and our ambulance needs. While commission has continued to provide funds that allowed the Sheriff’s operation to have 125 vehicles, three boats and two motorcycles, they have denied our ambulance service funds to keep a low mileage updated fleet to serve the residents of our county.

2. Funds for the Chamber of Commerce have been reduced. The Chamber of Commerce is an internationally recognized organization for business and community information and assistance. It plays a vital role in our community. Reduction in funding jeopardizes programs and assistance missions that help build more prosperous community.

3. The budget does not adequately address the concerns of fire departments. Complicated and difficult; something that serves the needs of county residents must be addressed.

4. The improper and illegal reduction in funding cuts pertaining to the Environmental Department, as well as the Building Departments a couple of years back has not been corrected.

5. The budget does not include adequate compensation for county employees. The pay increase in this budget does not even match the Cost of Living and Inflation Rate increase for this year. Non-elected employees should be competitively compensated for the service they provide.

6. This budget is a current action document and provides no resources or funds for future needs such as vehicles, computers, upgrades, and special needs such as a HR person, or buildings facing serious ADA issues.

7. E-911 is the first contact for emergency services for residents and anyone passing through our county. Continued denial for appropriate funding will jeopardize its ability to provide service at the highest level.