Melinda V King

The Commission addressed several budget amendments for the General Fund and the General Purpose School Fund, including funding for law enforcement supplies, voluntary pre-K, and summer learning camps. Key resolutions included the extension of an ambulance service contract with American Medical Response, the purchase of a 2019 Caterpillar D6 XL dozer for the sanitary landfill, the declaration of landfill surplus property, and the formal honor of McMinn County Sheriff's Office employees. Additionally, the County Mayor provided updates on a construction project involving the Health Department and the status of T-hanger building orders, and the commission processed several notary applications.

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.