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CLB has a full agenda
The Cocke County Legislative Body agreed at it's Monday night meeting to re-finance $10 million in bonds. Scott Gibson of Cumberland Securities said the move will save an estimated $1.1 million for the bonds that will still mature in 2028. Members gave approval to Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department to construct a second fire station in Hartford, and freed up $10,000 in the budget for the move. Because employees paid out of the General Fund, will be paid 27 times next year, the body discussed how to fund the pay. During most years the employees, who are paid every two weeks, are paid 26 times, but Finance Manager Anne Bryant-Hurst said next year will be a fluke. So because an extra paycheck would cost the county $250,000, the commission agreed to lower each paycheck, so that the employyee receives the same total pay for the year. The County Corrections partnership and other appointed community representatives will serve on a site selection committee for a new jail or justice center. Public Defender Keith Haas said if the current annex jail looses it's certification, the county will loose $1,200 daily that it currently receives from the state for housing state inmates. If a federal judge gets involved "he will appoint someone to run the jail. You can't bury your head in the sand," argued Haas. But County Mayor Crystal Ottinger argued that the county must look at the broader picture, and not just a jail.She talked about the recent visit and review of the jails and justice system by experts with the National Institute of Corrections. "They do look at alot of things like jail conditions, and the fact that we are overcrowded. We also looked at ways to decrease capacity in the jail. They reviewed the various available programs, including faith-based programs.So we are looking at ways to decrease the jail population while we study a long term solution," the mayor added. The commission approved a resolution to establish a civil service board for the Cocke County Fire Department, after being told by County Attorney Carter Moore that a that a Private Act is not required.
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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!
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Gas prices drop
Tennessee keeps all US House seats
Monday, April 26, 2021
Boat accident victim ID'd
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Friday, April 23, 2021
Leaving WNPC
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Newport drug roundup
Cruise Against Cancer
Jobless numbers
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