Wins and Losses Mark the Beginning of the Final Year in County Commissioners’ Current Term
The gavel came down Monday evening, as the Jefferson County Commission began the final twelve months of their terms with the election of County Commission officers. Sitting Chair Jim Carmichael and two term Commissioner Robert Tucker were brought as nominees from David Seal and Bob Beeler, respectively. With 20 of the 21 Commissioners present to cast a vote for body leadership (Solomon absent), Tucker was elected Chairman of the County Commission in an 11-9 split. Commissioner Todd Kesterson by acclamation resumed his role as Chair Pro Temp, and Commissioner Tabor returned as County Commission Chaplin, following a tie vote with Commissioner McGraw and McGraw’s subsequent withdrawal of his nomination. Commissioner Scarlett, the long-sitting Parliamentarian, was unseated by Commissioner Gaut, who will serve his first term at the post.
With elections completed and Commission Chair Tucker directing the meeting, the Commission turned to the business of the day. Several citizens from the Parrotts Chapel Community spoke in favor of releasing that portion of Jefferson County to become a part of Sevier County. One citizen also spoke regarding the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. A resolution to honor Animal Shelter Manager Kristina Spencer was presented by Commissioners McGraw and Bales. Approval of notaries and bonds were approved on a motion from Commissioner Tim Seals and 2nd from Kesterson.
Nominating Committee Chairman Kesterson brought several recommendations for appointment, which were all accepted and approved by acclamation. Serving on the Clinch River Library Board is Jack Kramer. Commissioner McGraw and citizen Shirley Hammond will fill positions on the Animal Control Oversight Board. Dr. Regina Fields was elected to the Jefferson County Board of Health. Ed Franklin, Jimmy Carmichael, and Randall Mitchell will serve on the Jefferson County Building Inspection Board of Appeals. Commissioner Steve Douglas and citizen David Swann will return to the Conservation Board. The Jefferson County Finance Committee will see the return of four Commissioners with McGraw, Seal, Huffaker, and Musick elected to serve another term. Jeff Depew was appointed to serve the unexpired term of Daryle Keck on the Industrial Development Board. The Jefferson County Library Board has three new appointments with Malgeri, Reed, and Cazzarin and one reappointment with Templin.
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri addressed the issue of road improvements by Morristown in the shared industrial park in White Pine. He stated that the nearly $1million in improvements were largely grants and that Morristown paid the match. The rules were suspended to add the item to new business, for the purpose of approving or rejecting improvements on the Jefferson County portion of the property that would be paid for by Morristown. Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig informed the Commission that there were two complaints regarding a previous rodeo that were the subject of citizen concern at the work session. He said that the owner will not hold an after party and that should make a difference in noise.
Landfill contracts in lieu of performance bonds were approved with a motion from Scarlett and 2nd from Bales. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts brought several items for surplus that were taken as one lot, following a motion to suspend the rules. The surplus items were approved. Upon a motion from McGraw and 2nd from Turner, the GOBond refunding resolution 2017-45 was approved.
Budget Committee Chair Scarlett brought several budget amendments on the recommendation of the budget committee, including the restoration of the hospital reserve fund money that returns that account to intact. At the recommendation of the Budget Committee, those amendments were approved. He also brought a recommendation to set aside $500,000, for post-closure costs of the landfill, and $500,000, for ADA Compliance in a reserve. Both recommendations were approved with Commissioner David Seal voting No. The Budget Committee recommended that County employees receive a 2% bonus to supplement the 1.4% raise that they received this fiscal year. Commissioner McGraw spoke against the recommendation, noting that the raise covered the cost of living increase, which was all that most citizens were receiving. He said that he could not ask citizens, many of whom received no increase in pay, to cover more than a cost of living increase, even in bonus form. Ultimately, the recommendation passed at a cost of $275,000. Budget Committee Chair Scarlett made note for the record that, despite rumors to the contrary, the budget committee has not in any way indicated that they were interested in taking away County employee health insurance. The cost of health insurance for County employees has risen significantly in the past several years.
Conservation Board Chair Tucker stated that the property that is proposed for a park has been valued at around $176,000, which can be used as contribution for grants. Facilities Commissioner Chair Carmichael and Finance Committee Chair McGraw also gave committee updates.
Under New Business, the Commission gave the nod to a motion from Commissioner Seal/McGraw to approve resolution 2017-44 regarding Broadband. They also approved the road improvements in the Industrial Park, which will be funded by Morristown, with a motion from Commissioner Baxley and 2nd from Commissioner Tim Seals.
The issue of Parrotts Chapel’s request to move from Jefferson County to Sevier County was also addressed under new business. The commission declined to request the investigation of the costs involved in the possible move with a motion from Tim Seals and 2nd from Tabor. With three votes supporting going to the expense of an investigation, the issue of Parrotts Chapel’s wish to secede to Sevier County failed to find enough favor to warrant committing funds to an investigation.
