| |
|
Committee partially restores funding for economic development
During it's Monday evening meeting, the Cocke County Finance Committee voted to cut funding for the Partnership by $66,000, but on Tuesday some of the reduction was restored. Chair of the county legislative body, Norman Smith made the motion to reduce the funding, but Tuesday said he later contacted the County Technical Assistance Service and was told the county must fund economic development. He was told the move to slash funding violated state law. Smith then made a motion to withdraw the Monday action and to fund economic development, the chamber of commerce and tourism for six months. Although each of the three entities has a board of directors, overseeing it's activities, Smith said he still is told by some in the community that there is a lack of accountability. " My proposal is we fully fund the Economic Development Commission till January 1st.and at that time hopefully there can be another plan put together by the mayor's of the cities and county. There are other plans out there such as the Wilson Plan which counties have adopted, and then let them move forward with that," Smith said. So funding for economic development for the next year is set at $194,200, as well as $75,000 for tourism and $50,000 for the chamber of commerce. That translates into a reduction of $22,000 from last year. The committee agreed to meet at 4:30 p.m. on August 4th, for a final review of the budget, and the full CLB is expected to meet in special session on August 11 to approve the budget. It holds the tax rate at $2.40 but uses up about $6 million of unappropriated surplus in the school system budget. Traditionally the budget collects more in revenue than is anticipated and Finance Manager Anne Bryant-Hurst said departments usually use 94 to 95 percent of their budgeted funds. The committee also voted to recommend that the county require a contractor's license for projects valued in excess of $25,000. State officials have agreed to provide a $150,000 energy grant to upgrade the heat and air system in the courthouse if the county opt's into the building plan. The state also will provide the needed inspector for the building codes.
|
Return to Today's News Stories - Front PageThursday, April 29, 2021
US 411 Project News
Mill Creek Wildfire Update
More Bad News For Smokies' Fans
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Mill Creek Wildfire doubles in size
Goodbye Smokies?
Keep Cocke County Beautiful
Cocke Co. High School Remote Learning today!
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
The fireflies are coming!
Burnout Operations on MillCreek wildfire today
Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
Traffic stop yields drug arrest
Cocke County Wildfires
Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
Mathis announces candidacy
Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
|
|
|