Chris Caldwell

The board conducted a legislative session covering a wide range of administrative and budgetary actions. Key topics included the approval of various infrastructure contracts, such as road widening and traffic signal improvements, and the authorization of several grant agreements with the Tennessee Departments of Health, Education, and Transportation. The commission addressed software service renewals, utility easements, and the acceptance of grant funds and donations for schools and youth programming. Additionally, the board considered ordinances regarding the governance of the East Tennessee Regional Juvenile Service Center and property use, while also hearing public forum comments on local road conditions and immigration-related topics.

The Board of Commissioners convened for a zoning agenda session, during which they deliberated on multiple rezoning and comprehensive plan amendment requests. Actions taken included the approval of rezoning requests for various properties with conditions, the denial of specific comprehensive plan amendments and rezoning requests, and the deferral of select items to a future meeting.

The meeting agenda includes the consideration of multiple applications for retirement under the Asset Accumulation Plan and the authorization of credited service benefits. Key discussion items feature second readings of plan amendments and restatements for the Employee Benefit System, the Sheriff's Total Accumulation Retirement Plan, and the Knox County Disability Plan. Additionally, the board will review reports from the Executive Director regarding budget projections, the Investment Committee on monthly rates of return, and legal counsel on return-to-work updates. The actuary will present valuations for several retirement and pension plans, and the board will handle payments of accounts.

The Board approved various applications for retirement and credited service benefits under the Asset Accumulation Plan and the Uniformed Officers Pension Plan. Multiple plan amendments and restatements were reviewed and accepted, including those for the employee benefit system, the Sheriff's Total Accumulation Retirement Plan, and the Knox County Employee Disability Benefit Plan. The Board also approved the partial lump sum distribution procedure, a co-custodian agreement for the Disability Plan, and investment changes regarding fund replacements. Additionally, the Board reviewed legal and actuarial updates and authorized the payment of various professional services invoices.

This 2026 Annual Action Plan outlines Knox County's priorities for housing, community development, and public service needs, specifically targeting low-to-moderate-income residents. The plan's overall purpose is to provide decent housing, create suitable living environments, and expand economic opportunities for these individuals and families. Key strategic goals for the program year 2026 include increasing access to and quality of affordable rental housing, providing home rehabilitation assistance, and delivering homeless housing and services. The plan emphasizes leveraging resources and partnerships to responsibly utilize grant funding and strengthen essential aspects of daily life.