Morgan Blevins

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.

The McMinn County Commission convened to address several key resolutions and budget amendments. Approvals were granted for a replacement hangar bid at the McMinn County Airport, advance payment of in-service/supplemental pay to eligible officers of the McMinn County Sheriff's Department, and declaration of various items as surplus property. The commission also approved grants for the Historical Society and Archives, an Alcohol Countermeasures Highway Safety Project, and a Statewide School Resource Officer Grant. Additionally, they approved a contract with Blount County Center for the Detention of Juvenile Offenders and a Memorandum of Understanding with the State of Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration for employee health insurance. Budget amendments were approved for various departments, including the Sheriff Department, Veterans Service, and school projects. The commission also discussed and approved an extension of the Ambulance Service Contract with American Medical Response (AMR), a Consent Order and Agreement with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Division of Solid Waste Management, and an agreement for participating in the development of I-75 Exit 60 for industrial development. Finally, a resolution was adopted to amend the McMinn County Regional Zoning Resolution to minimize flood-related dangers.

The McMinn County Board of Commissioners convened for a regular session, addressing various resolutions and reports. Key actions included declaring surplus property, approving a rental agreement for a copier/printer in the Finance Department, and approving several budget amendments related to school funds and capital projects. The board also discussed and approved a bid for county rental property management, a request for funds for historic building restoration in Englewood, and authorized applying for a state tourism enhancement grant. Updates were provided on the airport project, the completion of the Landfill Road Project, and progress at Bicentennial Park. Additionally, the commission reviewed and approved notary applications.