At the May Meeting, Union County Commission received the proposed budget, accepted several resolutions, contracted to save money and time, and approved the Mayor's appointment on the Board of Health.

With thirteen commissioners present. Chairman Gary England called the May County Commission meeting to order. Departing from the routine approval of the minutes and with a motion to approve the April minutes on the floor, Commissioner Jody Smith of Luttrell requested that Debra Keck's letter noting the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements for the Courthouse renovation and read into the record be omitted from the minutes. Chairman England asked Commissioner Holloway and Commissioner Hill if they would agree to this request. After County Attorney David Myers stated that the Commission could determine what should be in the minutes,Holloway and Hill agreed so all commissioners voted to approve the April minutes without Ms. Keck's letter.

In a cost saving measure, County General Sessions Judge Darryl Edmonson asked the Commission to enter into a three year contract that would reduce the cost of the law books used by the respective courts by some 40%. Commissioners Upton and Cox moved to approve the request with all commissioners voting favorably.

Ann Dyer, County Finance Director, reported that all departments were on track with there budgets. She also informed the commissioners of various budget transfers and amendments to keep the budget functioning within guidelines. All amendments, transfers, and financial reports were approved.

Ms Dyer also distributed the proposed county budget for commissioners to read and study for possible passage at the June meeting. She reported that by moving two and one-half pennies from the Debt Service Budget to the General Fund Budget, all budgets would be in balance without a tax increase. Increases include a 2.1 % cost of living for employees, funds for the General Election, SRO's at all schools, and a full time Animal Control Officer.

Sheriff Billy Breeding updated the Commission regarding arrests and stated that the inmate population is 108.

The Litter and Trash Collection Grant was approved.

Commissioner Stan Dail of Maynardville brought a resolution to begin the process of establishing a Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT). Dr. James R. Riddle explained the lengthy process and gave several facts regarding the need for a vocational or technical type of school to help bring employment opportunity to Union County. The motion by Commissioners Hill and Holloway was unanimously approved.

Dr. Riddle also updated the Commission on the Community Connect Grant from the USDA that Sunset Digital has submitted to provide Broadband to Sharps Chapel. Sunset Digital agreed to pay the 15% match which brought the total of the application to $2.8 million. Dr. Riddle stressed that this is a highly competitive grant, but Sunset Digital has been successful in previous state submissions. Union County's grant also had the widest community support with letters from government, business, community organizations, elected officials, schools, and individual citizens. The Union County Library Board approved the grant submission to provide broadband to the Oak Grove Book Station.

The Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program (TAEP) Grant for Local Planning resolution passed unanimously.
Court Clerk Barbara Williams explained the tremendous amount of paperwork that paying the checks to jurors causes the Finance Department. She requsted approval to work with a contactor to provide a card to jurors that would be loaded with the juror pay at the end of the six months service. This action would enable Ms. Dyer to send one check to the contactor instead of multiple checks to jurors. With a couple of changes to the contract, the motion was approved on a trial basis.

The Commission approved the appointment of Julia Roberts with the Pharmacy at Food City by Mayor Mike Williams to serve as the pharmacist on the Union County Board of Health.

In announcements, Attorney David Myers noted the Delinquent Tax Sale on June 23 at the Courthouse, and Chairman England stated that the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event would be on
June 9 at the Wolfe Road Convenience Center from 8:00-Noon.