Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Committee slashes funding for Partnership
The Cocke County Budget Committee meeting Monday evening was told the county has an offer to purchase 2.5 tracts of land, totaling five acres, at the new intersection of Highways 25/70 and 411. Partnership President Don Hurst had told the Cocke County Legislative Body last Monday that the acreage has been appraised at $350,000 to $650,000 per acre depending on it's location. Hurst told the committee last evening that the corner lot is the most valuable. Committee Chair Dan Metcalf who announced the offer, suggested an additional appraisal will be required. The committee then voted to slash funding for the Partnership, the umbrella organization for economic development, tourism and the chamber of commerce, by $66,000. CLB Chair Norman Smith suggested some residents of the community do not have trust in the Partnership. "I know this county has challenges, that is why the county must work together. We have to get out of this rut of people going in their own direction," he said. He then made a motion to reduce the funding. Hurst in response said there are a number of individuals who have "personal grudges," regarding the organization. Hurst denied reports of raises for employees in the organization, saying the funding has remained at the same level for a number of years, and raises were given only when county employees were given a raise several years ago. He went on to say the operation of economic development is controlled by a state law, based on an attorney'general's opinion. He said if the community is to continue to see major state grants, the community must work together. County Attorney Carter Moore was asked to research how much the community is required to provide for economic development, under state law. The state requires a certain level of economic development funding because in year's past conflicts in certain communities led to a reduction in funding which in turn curtailed economic development. The committee then voted to cut the funding from the level in recent years of $341,000, down to $275,000. Commissioner Clay Blazer voted against reducing the funding. The body voted to fund courthouse security, out of the litigation tax, although Sheriff Armando Fontes cautioned against using much of the fund, pointing out if the county wants to address the jail overcrowding funding will be needed. Commissioner Robert Green made a motion to remove $125,000 for the Highway Department from the capital projects fund. He argued that the department had purchased nearly $4 million in equipment in recent years. The committee agreed to shift $25,000 to the Recreation Department for capital needs. Smith also made a motion to remove $25,000 each from two Highway Department line items; asphalt cold mix and asphalt liquid. The committee also cut the pay for county commissioners to $200 monthly, saving $25,000 annually.


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