Department Head Presence Heated Topic at County Commission Work Session

The Jefferson County Commission met for a Work Session on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Maples, Blevins, Barriero and Cureton.

No Citizens were present to address a rezoning request from general commercial to agricultural for property located at 428 Shrader Road in Dandridge.

One Citizen, Ken Avent, requested to address the Commission in support of an upcoming Facilities Committee recommendation to give ownership of the Rural Medical Clinic Building, which was recently released from the Tennova lease with Jefferson County and Jefferson City, to the Jefferson Memorial Foundation Board to oversee the leasing and upkeep of the property for the clinic.

Jefferson County Financial Advisor, Scott Gibson of Cumberland Securities, gave a presentation on the current debt structure of the County. Gibson stated that it could be worthwhile for the County to consider other alternatives to paying $5 million that is allocated to the renovation of Jefferson County High School rather than taking the money from fund balance. According to Gibson, it would be less cumbersome to borrow for school debt than some other potential needs, such as an industrial or business park. The County Commission has a considerable amount of time to digest the information that was presented, as well as assess the interest rates, and make any changes to the source of funding the $5 million.

Under Reports from Committee, Finance Committee Chairman Estes stated that the evaluations for the Jefferson County Finance Director have been distributed and will be returned by the end of the month. Facilities Committee Chairman Turner stated that he will bring a recommendation to give ownership of the Rural Clinic Building to the Jefferson Memorial Hospital Foundation or an entity thereof to lease and oversee the building for the Rural Clinic.

Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated the he will bring recommendations for 9 budget amendments before the Commission for Approval, for both the County and Department of Education. Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker stated that he will open the floor for recommendations for the Conservation Board and will seek two citizens and two Commissioners to fill the open seats. Audit Chairman Mills stated that the Committee will hear a proposal from Waste Connection at their next meeting.

Several Commissioners stated that the Department of Education should have a representative available for questions at Work Session and Voting Meetings. Chairman Mills stated that he had requested their presence but could not compel their presence. Commissioners also stated that absence of some Department Heads at Committee meetings and Commission Meetings, as well as Commissioners themselves, was poor representation.

Commissioner Scarlett requested information from the Finance Office regarding comparisons for Energy Audit of Department of Education.

Commissioner Dockery stated that a review of the County Vehicle Policy, as it relates to the IRS, could be beneficial and will make a motion to refer to the Finance Committee to find avenues that will not penalize employees who need their vehicle for non regular hours work related issues.

Commissioner Turner will make a Motion regarding Mayoral appointments and an Alpha Chart.

Commissioner Scarlett stated that he will have a Motion regarding Rules of Procedure and Fairness of Policy.