The Union County Commission voted to take an option with contingencies on a 12-acre property for the new jail at the October meeting.

Commissioner Sidney Jessee Jr., Jail Committee Chairman, explained the Jail Committee had narrowed the number of architects to three and were expecting to have interviews with each on November 12 at 6 p.m.

He also noted that a new property for the jail had been offered by Lois Hubbs, and Commissioner Greg Dyer had been negotiating the price and contingencies with Hubbs. Commissioner Dyer elaborated on the possible purchase by saying that the property included 10 acres at a cost of $300,000. In addition, Hubbs is willing to gift another two acres and requests that a drug rehabilitation center in memory of her daughter Regina be built on the property.

Hubbs offered an additional 10 acres for $250,000. Mayor Jason Bailey suggested that the opioid money could be used to plan and build the rehabilitation center. Attorney David Myers advised an option for 180 days rather than a contract. On a motion by Commissioner Jessee and a second by Commissioner Simpson, the commission approved the six-month option and will proceed with a survey and determining utility requirements.

Commission also approved the second reading of the wheel tax resolution which continues the $30 wheel tax and adds $20 additional as well as including motorcycles in the wheel tax.

Schools Director Greg Clay announced that the official groundbreaking ceremony for the TCAT and Walters State would be on December 4, at the Union County High School at 3:30 p.m. Clay also reported that a cave had been located under the new football field at the new middle school. He stated that the cave was dry and was only discovered after more than 16 feet of solid rock had been removed. He commented that engineers are doing additional sampling to ensure that no other caves exist where the building is to be located. The discovery of the cave will slow the timeline by about two weeks and add some expense. But Clay said that both are covered under the current plan.

Commission accepted a bid of $50,994 to demolish the Steiner Building and prepare the property to be paved for additional courthouse parking by First Place Finish of Oak Ridge. Another bid to contract with TMA Services of Knoxville for custodial services at the community centers and other county buildings also passed.

Mayor Bailey and the commission congratulated the Union County Health Department for its state recognition as an Outstanding Health Department of the Year. Health Department Director Garnet Southerland stated that it is an honor to work alongside a team that exhibits compassion and servant leadership in our community daily.