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CLB meets
The Cocke County Legislative Body (CLB) met Monday evening and spent time talking about jail medical costs. Recently the jail entered into a contract for jail medical services at a cost of $15,000 monthly. Commissioner Clayton "Skip" Ellison was critical of the move telling Mayor Crystal Ottinger that the contract should have been bid out. The mayor however said biding is not required for professional services, and "feel free to come up with another solution for the jail, because so far you haven't." The medical costs in the jail have been growing, and exceeding the budgeted amount. As a result, the body agreed to a contract with QCHC of Tennessee which will negotiate with providers for a reduced billing at Medicaid rates. Chief Deputy Derrick Woods said efforts to negotiate directly with Tennova has not been successful. At the same time the CLB agreed to end catastrophic insurance for jail medical expenses because the underwriter had proposed a hiked premium of $ 2.10 per day, per inmate, from the current $1.15 per day. In the past the insurance firm paid out only half of the premiums paid in. Mayor Ottinger reported that a recent Community Development Block Grant will be used to put water to residents of Bridgeport along East Highway 25/70, Rock City Road, Needmore Road in Bybee and Overhill Road. If bids come in very low, the grant may also provide water to Good Hope Road. Commissioner Terry Dawson questioned why the lower end of Highway 160 wasn't included in the upgrade. He said several years ago the area was scheduled to get water but because a school needed water, the funding was diverted. Commissioner Ellison also asked the mayor about a recent EEOC investigation into activities at the fire department. The complaint was filed by Emergency Management Director Kevin Benton an behalf of himself and Operations Manager Julie Brooks. The complaint targeted Ellison and former Fire Chief William "Bear" Smallwood. The mayor admitted the investigation found there was no evidence of Benton being sexually harassed based on his sex, but was subjected to retaliation. Ottinger later fired both Smallwood and Ellison. She suggested the CLB was responsible for the complaints because it formed what she called an "illegal" Fire Department Civil Service Board which "caused everything to be tied up for a year." Commissioner Shalee McClure-Benson gave a shout out to the River officers who work the Waterville whitewater venue. She said a young girl was practicing her driving when she went into the river. She said quick action by raft guides and the officers saved the lives of several persons. According to EMA Director Kevin Benton, the vehicle went out of control, went airborne and went into the river. The body granted a franchise to Newport Utilities to offer cable TV services in the community. Members of the County Joint Industrial Development Board, Kyle Shute, Kathy Brooks Fish and Robert Green, all were re-appointed to the body.
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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!
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
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