Facilities Committee Considers Rural Clinic Building Ownership

The Jefferson County Facilities Committee met on Tuesday, October 15, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Committee Chairman Turner. Absent from Roll Call was Committee Member Tabor.  Upon a Motion from Committee Member Griffith and 2nd from Committee Member Carmichael the Agenda was Approved. With a Motion from Carmichael and 2nd from Griffith the Minutes were Approved.

Chairman Turner stated that the absence of Jefferson County Director of Facilities Longmire made it difficult to conduct business. Also absent was Director of Facilities for Jefferson County Schools Phagan. Chairman Turner stated that Phagan had a scheduling conflict.

Citizen Ken Avent requested that the Committee consider the possibility of the Jefferson Memorial Foundation owning the Rural Clinic Building and overseeing the lease to the clinic. Chairman Turner stated that he had contacted Foundation Chairman Fain and Fain stated that he was unclear of the definitive avenue that would be needed to make the building transition and that it could require setting up a separated entity to own the building. Committee Member Griffith stated that it could be premature to make a motion until the Foundation has the opportunity to set up an entity to have ownership of the building. Carmichael made a motion to recommend that the Commission consider the Jefferson Memorial Foundation for ownership of the Rural Clinic Building. 2nd by Committee Member Dockery and the Motion passed 3-1 with Griffith voting No.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Committee that the New Market EMS Building had been sold at auction for $60,000 and was purchased by the neighboring Animal Hospital. He said that Jefferson County has leased property to the Highway Patrol and that the Finance Office leases their office space from and outside landlord. The County also owns revenue neutral property at the Animal Shelter, Boys and Girls Club, Landfill and Strawberry Plains Library. He stated that the First United Methodist Church in Dandridge is interested in purchasing the neighboring building (formerly the Merritt Medical Office). The Committee will look at options concerning the Finance Office Building and Helton will bring back information on any offers for the recently returned property from Tennova.