Christina Jaeger

The Commission addressed several financial and administrative matters, including the transfer of funds from the Federal Projects Fund to the General Purpose School Fund and the approval of contracts for youth services officers between the school systems and the Department of Juvenile Services. Budget amendments were reviewed and approved for school programs. Public comments were heard regarding the activities of ICE and local law enforcement. Additional actions included relieving the County Trustee of specific property tax liabilities, approving applications for airport development grants, authorizing a professional services agreement for a pedestrian bridge, adding a road to the highway maintenance system, and approving private road name changes. Several appointments to the 911 Board were confirmed, and information was provided on workforce adjustments at Adient and local recycling initiatives.

The Commission addressed various finance resolutions, including declaring items as surplus property, approving a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, renewing the Airport Maintenance Contract with the state, and authorizing a grant application for Project Safe Neighborhoods. Other business included approving budget amendments, authorizing a continuous four-year reappraisal cycle, and providing matching funds for water line extensions and fire hydrant installations. Additionally, the County Mayor provided updates on landfill engineering projects, the status of various infrastructure improvements, and potential collaboration with the City of Athens for a tire amnesty program. Notary applications were also approved.

The commission reviewed and approved several finance resolutions, including an amendment to the Securus Technologies contract for inmate telephone services, an operating lease for a postage machine with Pitney Bowes, participation in a litter control grant from the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and a DGA grant contract with the Tennessee Department of Health. Additionally, various budget amendments for the General Fund, Road & Bridge Fund, and General Purpose School Fund were approved, covering items such as grant funding, equipment purchases, and salary adjustments. The commission also approved the 2025 McMinn County Logbook and Road Map Mylar, along with a list of notary applications.

The regular session meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of a contract between McMinn County and the State of Tennessee Department of Health, detailed in Resolution #26-001, concerning health care services for FY 2025-2026. The commission reviewed and approved multiple budget amendments for the General Fund and School Funds, notably funding related to the School Resource Officer Grant and the Innovative School Models Grant. Furthermore, Resolution #26-002 was approved to participate in the State of Tennessee Short Term Rental Data Technical Assistance Program. Resolution #26-003 authorized McMinn County to receive $20,000 for the America 250th Celebration to fund an American Revolution monument. Several appointments were confirmed, including Dean Williams and Brent Carter to the Agricultural Extension Committee, Evan Thomas to the Calhoun-Charleston Utility District Board of Commissioners, and Todd Watson to the Hiwassee Utilities Board of Directors. Committee reports included budget calendar approvals, and the County Mayor provided updates on a potential Rural Fire Grant, the Opioid Council application timeline, and the location for the upcoming Planning Session.

The meeting focused on several resolutions and budget matters. The Commission declared items as surplus property, including a 2021 Kubota Long Arm Tractor, via Resolution #25-086. Resolution #25-087 approved a Grant Contract between the State of Tennessee Corrections Institute and the McMinn County Sheriff's Office for training-related equipment. Budget amendments for the General Purpose School Fund were approved, involving utilization of funds for school safety software, grant entries, bus purchases from Unassigned Fund Balance, and funding for facility improvements, including a Central High School hitting facility. The Commission also authorized receiving funds for the America 250th Celebration (Resolution #25-088), disbursed among five municipalities. Furthermore, Resolution #25-089 amended the Sanitary Landfill Rate Schedule, increasing the per-ton tipping fees effective January 1, 2026. Finally, the appointment of Rick Barham to the McMinn County Regional Planning Commission was confirmed. Updates were provided on a delinquent tax sale which resulted in over $230,000.00 from the sale of 45 lots, confirmation of a clean 2024-2025 audit, and progress on the Bicentennial Park and Health Department projects.