Three votes and a recess transpired before the Union County Commission agreed on new building permit fees at the regular meeting in November. The building permit fees were originally set by a private act of the Tennessee General Assembly, and to increase the fees takes another state legislative act. To meet the December 1 deadline required that action be taken at the November meeting in order to file the bill and receive action in the legislative session that begins in January 2025. The first two proposals failed by large margins. The third proposal offered by Eddie Simpson and seconded by Bill Cox would charge fifty cents a square foot for all residential and commercial structures including garages but would exempt sheds and barns. The motion passed with Gerald Simmons and Cheryl Walker voting against.

David Cox, Superintendent of Roads, requested that the Helms Ferry be declared surplus in order to sell it in whole or for parts. Apparently, the barge had recently been used in a cleanup, but sank during the next week. Cox retrieved the barge and the tug but they are no longer usable for transportation. Simpson and Greg Dyer provided the motion and second to surplus the Helms Ferry and drew to a close the end of an era for transportation across the lake to Braden. Mayor Jason Bailey did say that efforts would continue for a bridge or a new ferry as funds or grants come available. The mowing contract with Maynardville City was approved.

During the mayor’s report, commissioners reviewed active grants and requests for local funding and voted unanimously to dispense with the Safe Routes to Schools Grant. The grant had been in progress since 2010 and continued to stall on federal permission requirements. The grant would have built a sidewalk from LaFollette Housing in Luttrell to the adjacent Luttrell Elementary School property. Because there seemed to be no end date to obtaining the completed paperwork, commissioners voted to terminate the process and free the match money for other purposes.

On a brighter note, a federal grant, Safe Streets and Roads for All, was approved and funded through the planning phase. The grant has several more steps before the three red lights and turn lane would be constructed on SR 33.

Scott County Telephone is currently working on the fiber build out in Speedwell. When the Speedwell project is completed, this company will be able to work on the Big Ridge area not covered by KUB. A grant, Healthy Built Environment, to construct two multipurpose fields in Wilson Park was denied. The CBDG grant to build two EMS facilities was also denied. However, Mayor Bailey was authorized to re-apply to replace the EMS facility in Maynardville and use some other state or federal funds for the Sharps Chapel facility.

The Nationwide Cybersecurity Review will provide reimbursement for several security expenditures including the jail cameras, the IT salary and other internet related programs up to $270,000.

Luttrell Mayor Jerry Lawson and a business are interested in the Luttrell Industrial Park. The appraisal on the park should be completed by the January meeting when action may occur. Bailey encouraged the commission to set aside a portion of the Capital Projects Fund 171 for the construction of the new jail.

According to Attorney David Myers, the six-month option on the Lois Hubbs property is more complicated than first appeared. The property is actually in the name of the deceased daughter. Regina’s assets are in bankruptcy as well as probate of chancery court. The estate has two heirs. Myers is working to find out the timeline for when the land may be available.

Mayor Bailey also introduced Morgan Crider, the new 911 Director. Crider noted that 911 had handled 21,935 calls to date. She also stated that the center has two employees at the center at all times even though 911 is understaffed by one full time employee. Local funding is $151,000 and the total budget from all sources is approximately $490,000. She explained that the staff may be training with Knox County. She also described the many services and responsibilities of 911.

Commissioners voted to install a metal roof and purchase paint for the Rush Strong School. Community members will paint the building. These actions will preserve the building as the community seeks grants to restore the facility.

Commissioners also approved all budgets amendments and transfers, voted to surplus several items, and agreed to the three-year TSBA policy update contract with the UC Board of Education for $3500. Commission also established a salary committee to review employee salaries and salary schedules and recommend changes to the budget committee.

Commission and all committees will not meet in December. However, the 911 Board will meet December 19 in the large courtroom. The next regular commission meeting will be January 27, 2025, at 7 p.m