Tuesday, October 17, 2017

Cocke Legislative Body
Members of the Cocke County Legislative Body(CLB)agreed Monday evening to donate three acres in the industrial park on Cope Boulevard to a new non-profit organization. Partnership President Lucas Graham announced that plans are to construct a facility to house a number of community service organizations. "This would mean they all would be under one roof," he explained. He went on to say the move would allow each of the organizations to pool their budgets for one site."This will give them a nice new building; no leaks or holes in the floors." Among the organizations interested in the project are Douglas Cherokee Economic Authoriy, Breadbasket and Cocke County Senior Citizens. Commissioner Terry Dawson pointed out that Hamblen County has a similar set-up, and he added that there are grants for such a project. The body also agreed to accept the former Gateway office complex on West Broadway for a new library. Attorney Carty McSween told the commission that the site was offered by Retired Judge Ken Porter, and he said a contractor is prepared to begin demolition of the stone building. Commissioner Robert Green expressed concern that the county could be liable if the site was found to contain asbestos. Mayor Crystal Ottinger pointed out that the current downtown site lacks necessary parking, said she does not know what the plans are for the current library. The body agreed to accept the site but with the provision, it will have no liability id asbestos is found. The body also gave it's approval to a plan by General Sessions Judge Brad Davidson to begin actively using GPS monitors on inmates who meet certain criteria. The move is aimed at reducing the jail overcrowding which was a factor in the recent state decision to de-certify the facility. Scott Gibson of Cumberland Securities and Joe Woody of USDA Rural Development presented information on the costs of a new jail or justice center. Gibson said a $30 million facility paid for over 30 years at 3.5 percent interest would cost the county about $1,740,000 annually. Stretching the payback to 38 years, at 3.25 percent interest would cost $1.4 million annually. But reducing the amount borrowed to $20 million, paid back over 30 years, would cost $1.2 million annually. Woody agreed with the numbers but strongly encouraged the body to move forward on a plan. "I encourage you to get what you need while the interest rates are low," he said. The body also heard from Randy Jones who has moved his Hamblen County operation to Bybee. Jones manufactures Incredible Tiny Homes.


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