Mayor Jason Bailey opened the second Project Planning Meeting on Thursday, April 26th and summarized the County Union idea. This suggestion would consolidate much of the county services into the current Horace Maynard Middle School Building. Most of the properties that are currently rented for various county departments and some state or federal programs would also move to the middle school. The plan would save the county the cost of the rent.

The Mayor explained that the Union County property tax rate of 2.14 is the lowest of the surrounding counties, a one cent increase on this tax rate would result in new dollars of $31,557.69. The entire tax rate could generate about $6,750,000. There are some minor sources of other revenue, but the property tax is the main source of the county's income. Most of Union County's debt is for two schools. UCHS will be paid for in 2020, and Paulette Elementary will be paid for in 2026. The debt for Paulette is about three million dollars. The tax dollars are spent for the following: General Fund 42%, Schools 35%, Debt Service 10%, Roads, Ambulance and Sheriff the remaining 13%.

At the first Project Planning Meeting, the idea of renovating Maynardville Elementary School for use as a jail was discussed. Since that meeting, the jail committee met with state officials and learned that the school would not meet the structural requirements for a jail and that the cost is too high to put these requirements in place. However, a new jail might be built on the MES playground with the school building renovated for offices and courtrooms. The justice center would also need a juvenile facility. Some classrooms could be used for GED or other classes for inmates.

Most of the audience was comprised of parents and citizens interested in improving facilities for youth sports. The remainder of the meeting answered three questions regarding youth sports:

What does youth sports need? Where to locate the facilities? How to fund these facilities?
Soccer which serves 245 children needs at least 2 to 3 fields to cover practices and games. Soccer could share the game field with football which needs a game field and at least one practice field. Basketball needs a gym without competing for the school gyms which are not available on a regular basis. Little League currently practices at ball fields around the county with games played at the Little League Park. Two more fields would benefit the league and perhaps expand softball as well as baseball. Youth wrestling would need a space in a gym.

These facilities would mostly be located at the old middle school once the new middle school is constructed. Also, land in the Luttrell Industrial park may be suitable for at least two practice fields. The facilities would be on county property and require maintenance and supervision. Renting facilities or running tournaments might generate a portion of the operating cost. Also, some money for facility upkeep currently given to the various organizations may be reduced since the county would be maintaining the facilities.

The next Project Planning Meeting will be in June when other projects will be discussed. You are encouraged to attend and voice your opinion.