By Marilyn Toppins

The Union County FY 20 budget passed County Commission in a special called meeting on Monday, June 10th, on a roll call vote of 11 for and 4 against. The motion to approve the budget was made by Commissioner Holloway and seconded by Commissioner Smith. Voting for the budget were Commissioners B.Cox, E.Cox, England, Flatford, Hill, Holloway, Jones, Lay, Meltabarger, Munsey, and Smith. Voting against the budget were Brantley, Chesney, Cooke, and Keck. Second District Commissioner Jessee was absent.

Apparently, Commissioner Brantley was concerned that money had been moved from Debt Service and Capital Outlay to balance other parts of the budget. Brantley directed most of his criticism toward the Superintendent of Roads budget. David Cox, Superintendent of Roads, explained that of his over two-million-dollar budget only $360,000 comes from county taxpayer funding. Cox continued that his large monthly balance was necessary to enable paving during the warmer months and emergency situations throughout the year. Cox also maintained that he has continued to give his employees raises as Commission has directed with the current raise of 2.44%. Mayor Bailey reminded commission of the Maintenance of Effort Clause which prohibits the Commission from reducing the local funding by state law. Superintendent Cox requested no increase in local funding for the road budget. But Commissioner Brantley still expressed dissatisfaction with the budget and voted against passage.

At the beginning of the special called meeting, Mayor Bailey called for a recess to allow the attorney to discuss a lawsuit. When Commission returned from the executive session, Commissioner Brantley attempted to send the budget back to the Budget and Finance Committee. Commissioner Cooke provided a second. Commissioner Lay, Budget and Finance Committee Chairman, took issue with Brantley’s request. Lay commented that Budget and Finance had met some five different times. He continued that the meetings were publicly announced and Mr. Brantley could have attended. Lay also maintained that many cuts were made in the request by non-profits as well as other parts of the budget. Finally, Lay noted that there was a significant reduction in commercial property taxes available. Other commissioners echoed Lay’s statements and offered reasons that the budget was an efficient use of taxpayer money. Therefore, the motion by Commissioner Brantley failed.

The Budget Appropriation Resolution made by Commissioner Lay and seconded by Commissioner Meltabarger that directs the Trustee to send out those tax invoices passed 11 votes in favor and with Brantley, Chesney, and Keck voting no. Commissioner Cooke passed and stated that he did not receive his packet in the mail. County Clerk Pam Ailor said that she would do everything she could to make sure he and all commissioners get future packets. However, Clerk Ailor noted that there is not really enough time between the Budget and Finance Meeting and the County Commission Meeting for packets to arrive outside the Maynardville area.

The Tax Levy Resolution to set the tax rate the same as last year, sponsored by Bill Cox and seconded by Kenny Hill, passed with the same commissioners supporting, voting no, and passing.

The motion to fund the Non-Profit Charitable Contribution Resolution made by Commissioner Holloway and seconded by Commissioner Flatford also was approved with Commissioner Keck casting the only vote against.

Mayor Bailey asked attendees to remember the family of former Commissioner Irwin Bailey and paid tribute to him with a Moment of Silence. The Mayor also announced the Veterans Place Fundraiser to repair the wall at Wilson Park and the George Jones Tribute concert in Sharps Chapel.