Michael Chastain

The finance committee meeting addressed agenda item 5B concerning the remediation of 1770 Spring Place, which was authorized by a November 2025 court order. The committee discussed the scope of the cleanup, which requires clearing all structures and automobiles from both parcels on the property due to its designation as a public nuisance. The committee decided to obtain quotes for the remediation, provided the cost remains under $25,000 to avoid a formal bidding process, with the understanding that costs would be funded from the 116 fund balance. It was confirmed that if the cleanup proceeds, a lien will be placed on the property to recoup the costs, and the court order prohibits the responsible party from returning to or residing on the property. Furthermore, the committee addressed several budget amendments, including those for Bradley County Schools involving an increase in revenue and expenses for transportation costs, and another amendment to reclassify general fund revenue per auditor recommendations, moving amounts from extraordinary item codes. The classification change was met with resistance but approved to avoid audit findings.

The meeting included a review of 2025 operational statistics, noting 26,887 total responses and 13,858 transports, with 3,128 transports originating from Bradley Medical Center. The committee also discussed a potential donation of an ambulance from the City of Cleveland school system. A significant portion of the discussion focused on revenue trends over the last five fiscal years, highlighting an upward trend and projections to exceed budget figures for FY 24-25 and FY 25-26. Key factors contributing to increased revenue include improved billing office efficiency (reducing backlog to under 45 days) and a strategic rate increase implemented after a market study. The Director also detailed plans to expand services for non-emergency convalescent transports, estimating a $450,000 investment for an additional vehicle and staffing could yield nearly double that in annual revenue, thereby reducing the burden on county taxpayers.

The Work Session included a report from the County Mayor regarding a resolution to apply for $1,000,000.00 in Community Development Block Grant funds for turfing county ballfields, which was placed on the agenda for the subsequent Voting Session. Committee reports covered several topics: the EMS Committee meeting schedule; the expected extension of broadband access across Bradley County within 12 to 18 months; placement of the 2026 Bradley County Road List on the Voting Session agenda; a request for the Legal and Legislative Committee to tailor the Uniform County Highways Law for inter-county assistance during emergencies; and a report on the success of the Tennessee Department of Transportation Litter Grant in January. The Athletic Field Improvement Ad Hoc Committee referred project financing for turfing 22 county park infields to the Finance Committee. A resolution to rezone property at 135 Breckenridge Drive NW was also presented and placed on the Voting Session agenda.

The work session commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. The County Mayor presented a resolution for consideration in a subsequent meeting, seeking approval for a one million dollar CDBG grant with a 17% county match, intended for the turfing of fields. The Commissioner reports covered several items, including the schedule for the EMS committee meeting and the recommendation for approval of the 2026 Bradley County road list by the road committee. The road committee also discussed amending the uniformed county highways law to allow assistance to other counties during declared states of emergency, referring the matter to the legal and legislative committee. Updates on the T-Dot litter grant program showed January results for litter and recycled material collected. Additionally, the household address waste day was cancelled and rescheduled for November 7, 2026, with a tire takeback event scheduled in its place on March 21st. Committee schedule changes were announced, including the Finance Committee meeting on February 12th and the EMS committee meeting on February 13th. A member of the commission congratulated Lori Moltry for graduating from the Administrative Professional Academy. The turf ad hoc committee presented on timeframe and financing for the turf project. The agenda portion included a resolution to rezone property from forestry agriculture residential district to R2 high-density residential district, which was unanimously approved by the regional planning commission.

The finance committee meeting addressed several budget amendments requiring immediate action due to equipment lead times. Key budget actions included approving $100,000 from fund balance for library renovations, reallocating $150,000 of ARP funds from a canceled shelter project to the fire department for the purchase of three new sets of hydraulic rescue tools ("Jaws of Life"), correcting a miskeyed entry for the sheriff's account, allocating $5,000 for an insurance deductible, and allocating funds for another lawsuit deductible. The committee also processed administrative adjustments for Southeast Community Corrections and the Sessions Judge's account. A significant discussion centered on a resolution approving policies and procedures related to Tax Increment Financing (TIF) transactions between Bradley County and the City of Cleveland. One commissioner moved that the complex TIF policy document be referred to the Legal and Legislative Committee for comprehensive, section-by-section review before any action is taken.