The Union County Commission approved the FY 21 Budget and set a tax rate of 2.13999 with no tax increase at its regular meeting on June 22. However, the raise for commissioners will not be included. Mayor Jason Bailey informed the commission that Governor Bill Lee prohibited any commissioner raises for FY21 in an executive order in March due to the high rate of unemployment and the impact of the coronavirus.
If a raised were approved, it could not take effect until 2023, which meant some of the current commissioners may no longer be serving after the election in 2022. Several commissioners explained that their pay was among the lowest in the region if not the state. But the final vote on Commissioner Larry Lay's motion removed the raise from the budget and returned the funds to the balance to be set aside for a future school or justice center.
When discussion of nonprofits occurred, comments centered around the fire departments. Commissioner Becky Munsey asked that the mayor have the county pave the Maynardville Fire Department parking lot, since the building and property are owned by the county and leased to the city for one dollar.
Lay commented that the county should help Paulette citizens who are unable to pay the $75 membership fee. Finally, Commissioner Janet Holloway moved to approve the nonprofit contributions as presented. Some commissioners were apparently confused by the discussion and thought the motion was to fund the parking lot or Paulette stipends. However, enough commissioners voted for the motion to approve the nonprofit contributions.
The issue regarding pay to constables was resolved by a motion offered by commissioner Jeff Brantley. Current constables will be able to request reimbursement for mileage, but that ability will cease as of September 1, 2022.
The commission approved other routine business including the approval of two notaries and budget amendments. Sheriff Breeding reported 900 calls, three wrecks with injury, 13 wrecks without injury, 103 booked, 93 released, and the current jail population at 75.
Bailey shared an update on grants and noted that Union County is 31st in internet sales tax which is a $25,000 increase over the previous report.
In the County Commission Special Called Meeting, the commission closed out the FY20 budget and approved a grant under old business. Budget Amendments for the county and the school board included moving money to pay the bills as well as accepting a technology grant and purchasing more Chromebooks for distance learning.
Sheriff Breeding had been approved in January to apply for a federal grant to provide two full-time officers to help with drug intervention and community policing. The grant is a 75/25 match and is funded for three years. Union County competed with some 500 departments across the nation to receive the grant.
With no other business the commission adjourned until August 24 with no budget and finance or commission meeting in July.