Colleen Beeler, Leadership Union County President, introduced the Class of 2021 to Government Day on July 20.
The itinerary began with a trip to the Union County courthouse to become acquainted with the elected officials. Kicking off the day was Judge Darryl Edmondson, Sessions and Juvenile Court, who related the duties of the various courts.
He introduced the two youth service officers, who share a tiny space on the second floor. Edmondson also explained that sometimes he has to use the courtroom at Maynardville City since two courtrooms cannot accommodate all of the cases handled by four different courts.
He also imparted this piece of wisdom: Elect a Sessions Court Judge who not only understands the law and non-jury trials, but mainly one who is passionate regarding redirecting and making a difference in the life of a youth.
The next stop was a visit with Mayor Jason Bailey. Bailey noted that Union County has received more than $7M in grants from the Federal, State, and individual agencies. Two Home Grants are renovating and rebuilding substandard homes. Two more are paying for a commercial kitchen and a professional stage at the Farmers Market. Also, a grant just received from Parks and Recreation will build a sports complex in the former Luttrell Industrial Park that should break ground by early 2022.
Traveling to the first floor, the class learned how Trustee Gina Buckner acts as the county's “checkbook” by receiving various monies and making sure they are deposited and disbursed to the correct accounts.
Next the Assessor of Property staff Carla Beeler, Tammie Carter, and Deputy Assessor Millie Hartgrove explained how properties are assessed and evaluated since Assessor Randy Turner was on vacation.
The class learned that sales tax and property tax provide revenue for Union County. In the office of Mary Beth Kitts Register of Deeds, the class viewed one of the old handwritten deeds and learned that current property deeds, as well as those back to the 1800s, are now digitized.
Next the class trekked to County Clerk Pam Ailor, whose office was once a bank across from the courthouse. Ailor noted that her office comprises a multitude of tasks including driver's licenses, passports, business licenses, vehicle registrations and marriage licenses.
After a short drive to the City of Maynardville offices, Mayor Ty Blakely introduced the class to the city manager form of local government. The class learned that the major revenue came from the sales tax since Maynardville has no property tax.
With a delicious lunch at Pete’s Place completed, the class toured the offices of Sheriff Billy Breeding and the detectives. Human and illegal drug trafficking and cyber crime are constantly monitored and addressed from this office. The 911 center is being upgraded with state-of-the-art technology as well as new furniture. But the spaces for all of the facilities are very inadequate and overcrowded.
Next the class returned to the “big courtroom” to hear a presentation by assistant district attorney Matthew McClung, since Attorney General Jared Effler was on vacation. The presentation noted the importance of victim's rights while prosecuting crimes as well as various services and resources to aide victims during the legal process. Union, Claiborne, Campbell, Scott, and Fentress Counties comprise the Eighth Judicial District.
The class wrapped up the day with a visit to the office of David Cox, Superintendent of Roads for Union County. Here the class learned the role of the Union County Road Commission along with the duties of the superintendent. Cox related that several types of road equipment had been purchased and about half of the 400 miles of local roads had been repaved. Several bridges have been rebuilt. One of the most expensive items is Helm’s Ferry, which costs as much as $150,000 a year to maintain and operate.
A final stop at the conference room of UT Extension Union County allowed Beeler to distribute notebooks packed with information on future meeting dates. Each class member received a Leadership Union County polo shirt. The 2021 Class is Gordon Bright, an alderman from Plainview City, Alyshia Victoria, UT Extension agent, and Glenda Phillips, a retired teacher from Luttrell Elementary.
If you would like to join the Leadership Class of 2022, contact Colleen Beeler at LeadershipUnionCountyTN@gmail.com or download an application at leadership.unioncountytn.com. The next class begins in April 2022.