Carter County public meetings in 2021
24 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to vote on several budget appropriations and amendments. Key items include funding for a fire department building and various school fund adjustments. The board will also consider naming a bridge on Gov. Alf Taylor Road.
- Appropriation of $150,000 for a new Hampton/Valley Forge Volunteer Fire Department building
- Appropriation of $26,357.13 for employee Christmas bonuses
- Budget amendment for School Federal Projects Fund #142 totaling $15,879,163.76
- Budget amendment for General Purpose School Fund #141 totaling $389,041.48
- Resolution to name the bridge on Gov. Alf Taylor Road as the 'Roscoe ‘Charlie’ Bayless Bridge'
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will discuss joining the Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement. The body is also deciding on several funding requests for equipment, facility renovations, and employee bonuses.
- Resolution to join the Tennessee State-Subdivision Opioid Abatement Agreement
- Appropriation of $502,000 for a road tractor, front loader, and roll-off truck for Landfill/Recycling Center
- Appropriation of $312,327 for second floor Financial Department renovations and HVAC installation
- Appropriation of $113,337 for employee Christmas bonuses and related taxes
- Donation of $12,000 to Loaves & Fishes Outreach Ministry for kitchen equipment
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a rezoning request for a property in Watauga. The board will also review program policies for the 2021 HOME Program.
- Public hearing and consideration of rezoning 176 Wade Bulla Road from M-1 to A-1
- Resolution approving program policies and procedures for the 2021 HOME Program
Budget Committee
The committee approved a revised operating agreement and bylaws for the animal shelter to be forwarded to the full Commission. Members also approved a three-year contract for the Everbridge emergency alert system and authorized funding for parking improvements at the new Planning Office.
- Approved revised animal shelter operating agreement and bylaws, including a $250,000 fund balance cap
- Approved three-year contract with Everbridge for emergency alert notifications
- Authorized up to $17,000 from the Governor’s Support Grant for paving and striping at 300 N. Main St.
- Declared two Bad Boy mowers (2012 54-inch and 2012 61-inch) as surplus for public auction
- Forwarded a $312,000 Finance Department office renovation request to the Buildings & Grounds Committee
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct elections for the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and various standing committee members. The meeting also includes a presentation by the Carter Compassion Center and a mayoral report.
- Election of Board Chairperson and Vice Chairperson
- Election of commissioners to Budget, Nominating, Buildings & Grounds, Health & Welfare, Law Enforcement, Rules & By-Laws, Education, Highway, and Landfill committees
- Election of Financial Management Committee members
- Carter Compassion Center presentation by Pastor Brandon Young
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will review a resolution to adopt a policy for service animals in public buildings. The meeting includes presentations on the Carter Compassion Center and a communications project.
- Resolution to adopt a policy for service animals in Carter County public buildings
- Courthouse Emergency Egress Plan presentation
- Carter Compassion Center presentation
- Communications Project presentation by Wayne Farro of Communications Unlimited
- Mayoral Proclamation for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Education Committee
The committee received a presentation from Mayor Woodby regarding a proposed County-Wide Centralized Career Technical Education (CTE) Campus. The Mayor reported that a $50,000 Three Star grant has been received for the project. The meeting also included public comments regarding school bus access and teacher raises.
- Proposed $15 million County-Wide Centralized CTE Campus
- $50,000 Three Star grant received for CTE project
- Teacher appreciation for a 4% locally funded raise
Animal Shelter Board
The board discussed a budget reduction by the county commission that threatens current staffing and services. Members voted to request that the budget committee allow the shelter to retain approximately $60,000 in unspent funds from fiscal year 2020-2021.
- Request to retain approximately $60,000 in unspent FY2020-2021 funds
- Discussion of a $250,000 approved budget amount
- Vote to approve the 4% pay increase for employees
- Motion to cease animal control services effective July 1, 2021
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will consider fixing the tax levy and making appropriations for county funds, departments, and agencies for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The body will also discuss financial assistance for low-income elderly, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans.
- Fixing the tax levy for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021
- Appropriations for Carter County funds, departments, institutions, offices, and agencies (FY 2021-2022)
- Appropriations for non-profit charitable and civic organizations (FY 2021-2022)
- Financial assistance for low-income elderly taxpayers, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans
- Courthouse Emergency Egress Plan presentation by EMA Director/Deputy Director
Animal Shelter Board
The Board reviewed shelter intake and adoption statistics for June 2021 and the 2020-2021 fiscal year. Members and citizens discussed the potential transition to a 501c3 and expressed concerns regarding budget cuts. A final vote on the budget is expected from the full commission on July 19, 2021.
- Reported 1,531 total intakes for fiscal year 2020-2021
- Discussion of a replacement grinder pump and housing
- Review of June 2021 statistics: 119 cat intakes and 69 dog intakes
- Discussion of a study being conducted by MTAS and CRAS regarding 501c3 status
- Budget review ahead of July 19, 2021 commission vote
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee reviewed several funding requests for infrastructure and public safety. The body is exploring financing options for a county-wide communications upgrade and approved multiple smaller contracts for facility repairs and equipment.
- Directed Finance Director to explore financing for the $3,428,687.40 Carter County Communications Project 2021
- Approved $232,965 contract with Shaw & Shanks Architects, P.C. for courthouse bathroom upgrades
- Approved $295,000 purchase of the Judge Lisa Rice property using ARP funds
- Approved $16,000 for ARM to install a new freezer
- Approved $34,000 for repairs to a bridge deck off Dennis Cove Road on Estep Road
Education Committee
The Education Committee met to approve previous meeting minutes and receive updates from Dr. McAbee. The discussion included details regarding senior graduation tickets, an ELC grant, and teacher compensation for summer school.
- Seniors will receive 8 tickets each for in-person graduation
- ELC Grant provides up to $150.00 per vaccinated child
- Summer school teachers may earn $1,000.00 per week
- Teachers can earn an additional $200.00 per week for Steam Camp
Budget Committee
The committee approved several budget amendments across multiple county funds, including the General Fund and School Funds. Key actions included setting aside $80,000 for a new Communications Officer and approving the Animal Shelter budget of $492,603.88.
- Approved $80,000 to be set aside for a Communications Officer position
- Approved Animal Shelter budget of $492,603.88
- Approved $1,620 for Sheriff's Office vehicular repeater frequencies
- Set aside $35,000 in reserve for the purchase of five dumpsters for the Landfill Committee
- Approved $2,500 incentive pay for two certified Circuit Clerk employees
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee reviewed and voted on budgets for various county departments and outside agencies for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. The committee approved most departmental budgets but removed proposed 5% raises from several. The Animal Shelter budget was disapproved pending further review by its board.
- Approved Sheriff's Department budget of $4,781,277.61 and Jail budget of $4,136,635.01
- Approved $427,000 for Volunteer Fire Departments and $322,700 for the Rescue Squad
- Approved hourly rate increase for County Attorney Josh Hardin from $100 to $125
- Disapproved the Animal Shelter budget
- Approved $13,262 for the First Tennessee Development District
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for 176 Wade Bulla Road. The body will also consider resolutions for a state litter grant, a social media policy, and a lease agreement for a workforce development complex.
- Public hearing for rezoning request at 176 Wade Bulla Road, Watauga
- Application for State of Tennessee DOT Litter and Trash Collecting Grant (FY 2021-2022)
- Adoption of a Carter County Website/Social Media Policy
- Amended lease agreement with Tennessee Board of Regents for Northeast State Community College Workforce Development Complex
- Appointment of a new Public Records Request Coordinator
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several fund transfers for jail cameras, ADA bathroom projects, and vehicle purchases. The body also approved a health department services contract and various budget amendments for county funds.
- Approved $172,695 from Courthouse and Jail Restricted Fund Balance for jail camera updates
- Approved $492,204 for the 2021-2022 local Health Department Services Contract
- Approved $11,154,086.11 budget amendment for General Purpose School Fund #141
- Approved $13.01 per hour pay rate for CDL licensed landfill employees
- Approved $3,427.75 quote from Sycamore Gardens Landscape Services for the Workforce Development Complex
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee discussed employee insurance renewals and audit findings for fiscal year 2020. The body approved new and increased credit limits for county departments and schools, and addressed the management of a 3-Star grant.
- Recommended continuing insurance plans with an approximate cost increase of $94,062.00
- Approved $5,000 Lowes credit card for Maintenance Department
- Approved $3,000 Napa Auto Parts credit account for Schools CTE Department
- Increased Hampton High School credit card limit from $3,000 to $6,000
- Proposed 50% employee and 50% county split for dental premiums
Regular Session
The Board of County Commissioners is meeting to discuss a resolution authorizing the County Mayor to apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency grant funds. The board will also consider an amendment to the ETSU Forensics Agreement.
- Resolution to apply for Tennessee Housing Development Agency grant funds for low-income housing rehabilitation
- Consideration of amendment to ETSU Forensics Agreement
- Presentation by Chamber of Commerce Director Joy McCray and Tourism Coordinator Luke Freeman
Budget Committee
The committee approved a contract renewal for inmate medical care and several budget amendments across multiple funds. Action on a Northeast State Community College lease was postponed, and a new rule requires budget amendments to be submitted seven days before meetings.
- Renewed inmate healthcare contract with Southern Health Partners
- Approved $59,863.08 for a new exterior door in the Clerk and Master's Office
- Allocated $30,000 from CARES grant money to the Carter County Rescue Squad
- Set aside $35,000 for the salary and benefits of the incoming Finance Director
- Approved $93,627.23 budget amendment for the General Fund
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee decided to stop allocating 18% of the county's Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) funds to schools starting July 1, 2021. The body also approved several fund transfers and budget amendments for general and school funds.
- Approved $2,000 to split the cost of the Trash Trout Jr. litter collection system on the Doe River
- Appropriated $55,000 for architects/engineers at the Workforce Development Center
- Authorized quotes for the inspection of the old Chamber of Commerce building for possible record storage
- Tabled the purchase of two dump trucks totaling $132,136.52
- Approved General Fund #101 Budget Amendment #9 ($84,883.56) and General Purpose School Fund #141 Budget Amendment #8 ($282,165.26)
Budget Committee
The committee approved $7,000 for a GO BETSY project to improve Watauga River access near Biltmore Bridge. Other actions included approving a new cargo van for the Maintenance Department and setting the salary for the incoming EMA Director.
- $7,000 allocated to GO BETSY for a concrete ramp and parking lot on Hwy 400
- Approval of $42,570 purchase for a 2021 Chevrolet Express Cargo Van
- $17,000 requested for 150 new jail mattresses (contingent on reserve fund availability)
- EMA Director salary set at $54,900 including benefits and no comp time
- Declaration of a 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe as excess property for disposal
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee approved updated Capital and Non-Capital Asset Management policies. The body also authorized a supplemental payroll deduction for employees to join the AirMedCare Network.
- Approved Capital and Non-Capital Asset Management policies, setting the Non-Capital Asset limit between $150 and $10,000
- Approved allowing employees to sign up for AirMedCare Network services via supplemental deduction
- Reviewed four CDs totaling $8 million with interest rates ranging from 0.50% to 0.94%
- Discussed a $98,890.85 state reporting error regarding Dollar General sales tax
- Discussed the potential transition of the Animal Shelter to a 501(c)(3) based on research of 15 entities
Budget Committee
The Budget Committee approved several funding requests, including salary for a full-time electrical inspector and roof repairs for the Elections building. The committee also elected new leadership and processed various budget amendments.
- Approved $20,000 for a full-time Electrical Inspector for the Planning and Zoning Office
- Approved $40,000 from Capital Improvements Fund for Carter County Election’s building roof repairs
- Approved $6,898.47 payout for retiring EMA Director Gary Smith
- Approved General Fund Budget Amendment #7 in the amount of $281,379.30
- Referred a $48,951.03 sales tax discrepancy regarding Dollar General to the Financial Management Committee
Financial Management
The Financial Management Committee discussed a sales tax reporting error where Carter County erroneously collected funds intended for the City of Elizabethton. The body also reviewed updates to asset management policies and approved a contract extension for a compensation study.
- Approved Amendment No.1 to Consulting Services Agreement with Evergreen Solutions, LLC to extend project start to June 30, 2021
- Discussed $113,675 sales tax shortfall expected in January 2021 due to state corrective action
- Discussed $98,891 in remaining erroneous sales tax collections owed to the City of Elizabethton
- Reviewed proposed changes to Chapter 10 (Capital Assets) and Chapter 11 (Non-Capital Assets) policies
- Discussed potential transition of the Animal Shelter to a 501(c)(3) organization