Carter County public meetings in 2022

Regular Session

The Board will consider a $1,038,038 HVAC system for the Sheriff Department and Jail, funded by grants and ARPA money. They will also vote on a $405,000 dozer for the Landfill, paid for by a LATCF grant and fund balance. Other items include converting landfill positions, Saturday recycling center staffing, and multiple school budget amendments.

• Motion to authorize $1,038,038 for a new HVAC system at the Sheriff Department and Jail, using a Jail Confinement Grant, LATCF grant, and ARPA funds.
• Motion to authorize a new dozer for the Landfill at a cost not to exceed $405,000, funded by the LATCF grant and Landfill Unassigned Fund Balance.
• Motion to approve a five-year contract with Novatech for copiers at the Sheriff’s Office.
• Motion to approve $264,518.28 for General Purpose School Budget Amendment 141-4.
• Appointment to fill a vacancy on the Board of County Commissioners for the 6th District.

The Board of Commissioners approved several budget amendments for schools and county funds. They authorized a new HVAC system for the Sheriff Department and Jail and a new dozer for the landfill. Jason Clawson was appointed to fill a vacancy for the 6th District.

• Appointed Jason Clawson to the 6th District commission seat (18-0)
• Approved $1,038,038.00 for Sheriff Department and Jail HVAC system (19-0)
• Authorized landfill dozer purchase not to exceed $405,000 (19-0)
• Authorized landfill to convert two part-time positions to full-time for up to $17,000 (19-0)
• Authorized landfill to open Recycle Center on Saturdays for approximately $4,300 (19-0)
• Approved five-year copier contract with Novatech for Sheriff's Office (19-0)
• Approved monetary donations of $5,365.00 to Carter County Animal Shelter (19-0)
• Approved non-monetary donations of $1,796.22 to Animal Shelter (19-0)

Special Called Session

The Carter County Board of Commissioners will consider a major pay increase for sheriff's department road officers, deputies, and detectives totaling $1,230,528, plus a separate $272,706 increase for remaining sheriff employees. The board will also hold public hearings on proposed homeless shelter regulations and two rezoning requests: one at 120 Slagle Road (R1 to A1) and another at 133 Highway 91 (A1 to R1). Additional items include a budget calendar, fund amendments, and a discussion on county official overpayments.

• Motion to increase sheriff's road officers, deputies, and SROs pay by $5.00/hour, total $1,230,528
• Motion to increase remaining sheriff employees pay by $5.00/hour, total $272,706
• Public hearing and vote on homeless shelter regulations
• Rezoning request by Jason Shell for 120 Slagle Road from R1 to A1
• Rezoning request by Mills Family Farm for 133 Highway 91 from A1 to R1

The Board of Commissioners approved hourly pay increases for all Sheriff's Department employees. The board also approved several budget amendments, rezoning requests, and the appropriation of federal funds for school projects.

• Approved $5.00/hr raise for Sheriff's road officers, deputies, detectives, and SROs at a cost of $1,230,528.00 (22-0-2)
• Approved $5.00/hr raise for all remaining Sheriff's Department employees at a cost of $272,706.00 (22-0-2)
• Appropriated $500,000.00 from ESSR for School Federal Projects (21-3)
• Approved rezoning of 120 Slagle Road from R1 to A1 (24-0)
• Approved rezoning of 133 Highway 91 from A1 to R1 (24-0)
• Approved Resolution Amending the Zoning Resolution regarding Homeless Shelter Regulations (24-0)
• Approved payment not to exceed $31,370.78 to seven elected officials from Unassigned Fund Balance (22-2)
• Renamed A.E. Miller Road to Backwoods Road (All in favor)

Agriculture Committee

The committee approved obtaining a quote from Appalachian Arbor Scapes to trim a tree in the parking lot. Members also reviewed building maintenance updates and upcoming 4-H and agricultural programming.

• Approved agenda
• Approved August 17 meeting minutes
• Approved seeking quote from Appalachian Arbor Scapes for tree trimming

Regular Session

The Carter County Board of Commissioners will consider multiple budget amendments and resolutions, including a $1,127,500 appropriation for courthouse window and cornice repairs, $49,000 for new sheriff vehicle radios, and a resolution rejecting the proposed renaming of the Squawberry Community. The board will also elect a Budget Committee chairperson due to a deadlock between Dr. Robert Acuff and Aaron Frazier, and vote on numerous committee appointments.

• Appropriation of $1,127,500 for courthouse window and cornice repairs from reserve account
• Appropriation of $49,000 for new sheriff vehicle radio equipment from reserve account
• Resolution rejecting the proposed renaming of the Squawberry Community
• Election of Budget Committee chairperson due to deadlock between Dr. Robert Acuff and Aaron Frazier
• Appointment of members to Parks and Recreation Board, Beer Board, and other committees

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will hold elections for Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and various standing committee members. The agenda also includes a discussion on the Courthouse Emergency Egress Plan and several monthly designations.

• 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
• Interlocal Cooperation and Mutual Aid Agreement for the Tennessee District 1 Task Force
• Designation of September 2022 as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on amending campground zoning regulations. The body is also deciding on the 2022-2023 tax levy and appropriations for various county funds and agencies.

• Resolution to amend Carter County Zoning Resolution regarding campground regulations
• Resolution fixing the tax levy for the 2022-2023 fiscal year
• Appropriation of $103,800 for Communications Officer department operations and equipment
• Appropriation of $20,000 to Hampton Volunteer Fire Department for new building construction
• Proposed increase of rates and fees at Carter County Landfill effective October 1, 2022

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will decide on the tax levy and appropriations for county funds, departments, and agencies for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The body will also consider financial assistance for low-income elderly, disabled homeowners, and disabled veterans.

• Appropriation of approximately $1,183,888.00 from American Rescue Plan Fund for $4,000 bonuses per eligible employee and retiree
• Appropriation of $87,292.00 for the demolition of two County buildings
• Appropriation of $10,000.00 to fund DAV Chapter 39 Veterans Honor Guard
• Application for Tennessee Water Infrastructure Investment Program American Rescue Plan Funds
• Contract with CleanRite Cleaning and Maintenance Services for the Carter County Health Department

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review several budget amendment requests from various county funds. The agenda also includes a proposed annual raise for full-time and part-time employees in the County and Highway Departments.

• $2,000 annual raise for full-time and $1,000 for part-time County and Highway employees
• $7,000 for Highway 400 project paving costs to Go Betsy
• $1,097,477.93 budget amendment for County Fund #101
• $356,384.68 budget amendment for Highway Fund #131
• TDOT Litter Grant Contract and State Inmate Contract approvals

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget amendments across multiple county funds. Discussion includes water line replacements for bridges, road maintenance, and the potential addition of Juneteenth as a county holiday.

• Approval of up to $15,000 for Danner Bridge and up to $60,000 for Blevins Hollow Bridge water line replacements
• Funding of $1,423,999 for Outside Agencies for FY 2022-23
• Creation of a reserve account for the Animal Shelter limited to $250,000
• Adoption of a 0.2 mile section of Old Milligan Highway as a county road with $25,000 for repairs
• Consideration of adding Juneteenth as a County Holiday

Budget Committee

The committee approved several budget amendments, including $315,000 for seven new Sheriff Department vehicles. Members also discussed funding for a boat ramp improvement project and restricted funds for jail HVAC and communications upgrades.

• $315,000 to purchase seven Dodge Charger police package vehicles for the Sheriff Department
• $7,000 and $3,000 appropriated for the Go Betsy boat ramp improvement project
• $511.28 allocated for EMA camera and alarm system testing
• Restriction of $301,000 in the Excess Board Bill reserve for jail HVAC replacement
• $3,598.00 in total monetary donations listed

Special Called Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review and consider a proposed countywide communications project. The session includes discussion regarding current proposals, bids, and potential funding methods.

• Review of the proposed Carter County Communications Project
• Discussion of project proposals and bids
• Discussion of potential sources and methods of funding

Financial Management

The Financial Management Committee approved a new employee bonus policy and an updated employee handbook. The committee also discussed potential Skyward software upgrades, audit findings regarding official pay, and various construction bids.

• Approval of Carter County employee bonus policy
• Revision to the county Purchasing Policy
• Discussion of Skyward software upgrade and compatibility with sheriff's office time-keeping
• Review of 2021-22 audit report findings regarding official pay compliance
• Approval of Highway Department credit application for Happy Valley Ford

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee will discuss appropriation requests for the Carter County Honor Guard and boat ramp improvements. The body will also review budget amendments for the General, Landfill, School, and Head Start funds, and hold a budget presentation for the Highway Department.

• Request for $10,000 previously appropriated for the Carter County Honor Guard
• Request for $7,000 previously reserved for boat ramp improvement project
• Budget amendments for General Fund #101, Landfill Fund #116, General Purpose School Fund #141, School Federal Projects Fund #142, and Head Start Fund #145
• Monetary donation listing totaling $1,293.00
• FY 2022-23 Budget Presentation for Highway Department Fund #131

Financial Management

The Carter County Commission is reviewing various financial matters, including the 2022-23 budget and potential adjustments. Discussions include personnel changes, departmental funding, and specific requests regarding county services.

• Review of 2022-23 budget items
• Discussion of personnel and department staffing
• Financial management oversight for county departments

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will review several resolutions regarding state legislation, grant applications, and infrastructure projects. The Budget Committee is scheduled to consider multiple fund amendments and the sale of surplus property.

• Resolution for Community Development Block Grant funds for Hampton Utility District water system improvements
• Resolution for Appalachian Regional Commission grant funds for Centralized CTE campus equipment
• Resolution accepting a TDOT project for Smalling Bridge over Watauga River
• Budget amendment for Highway/Public Works Fund #131 in the amount of $113,000.00
• Budget amendment for School Federal Projects Fund #142 in the amount of $406,000.00

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will consider several budget items including personnel bonuses for the Sheriff's Office and Jail. The meeting also includes presentations from the Chamber of Commerce, Keep Carter County Beautiful, and Parks and Rec.

• $3,000 bonus for full-time and $1,500 bonus for part-time jail personnel
• $1,000 annual pay raise for full-time Corrections officers
• $80,000 appropriation for Communications officer salary and benefits
• Up to $70,000 for Sheriff Department law enforcement equipment
• Resolution in support of a broadband infrastructure expansion project

Regular Session

The Board of County Commissioners will vote on several budget amendments and funding requests. Key items include a proposed interfund loan for capital outlays and pay increases for Sheriff Department employees.

• Interfund Loan Capital Outlay Notes not to exceed $502,000
• 10% pay raise for Carter County Sheriff Department employees
• $150,000 appropriation for a new Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department building
• $78,330 appropriation for the Parks and Rec Department
• Annual $800 supplement pay per Jailer for TCI Certification

Budget Committee

The Budget Committee addressed staffing crises in the Sheriff Department and approved several funding reallocations. The body decided on pay increases and supplements for correction officers to improve retention and recruitment.

• 10% pay raise across the board for all Sheriff Department employees
• Appropriation of $150,000 from ARPA funds or Unassigned Fund Balance for a new Stoney Creek Volunteer Fire Department firehouse in Hampton
• Appropriation of $7,500 from reserved Opioid Funds for Families Free residential treatment facility analysis
• Reallocation of $4,000 to the UETHDA Housing Services program
• $800 annual training supplement for Jailers from the Sheriff reserve account

Financial Management

The committee approved a zero-interest loan for landfill equipment and a training budget for finance staff. Members also established a process for prioritizing ARPA fund expenditures and approved a credit line for the Highway Department.

• Approved $502,000 Capital Outlay Note from General Debt Fund for three landfill vehicles
• Appropriated $7,500 for Finance Department employee training
• Approved $5,000 credit limit at Fisher Auto Parts for the Highway Department
• Motion passed to seek guidance from Treasury Department and State Attorney General regarding compliance questions for Sheriff Lunceford
• Established that Health and Welfare Committee will create the ARPA fund priority list