Greene County

The meeting featured the proclamation of February 2026 as Career & Technical Education Month, presented to the Director of the Greene County Board of Education. A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Greeneville High School Quarterback Caden Baugh for winning the 2025 TSSAA Tennessee Titans Class 4A Mr. Football Award. An announcement was made regarding the addition of one operational day per week for the Walkertown and West Greene Convenience Centers, effective February 1, 2026. A public hearing was held regarding a proposed zoning change for Sisk-owned property from A-1 Agriculture District to B-3, Arterial Business District. Reports were accepted from the Greene County Veterans Service Office, Emergency Chaplains, Greene County Board of Education (including financial statements for November 2025), and Greene County Solid Waste Department. Committee minutes reviewed included those from the Budget and Finance Committee (meeting of December 3rd, 2025) and the Insurance Committee (meeting of November 26, 2025). The Budget and Finance Committee considered several resolutions, including appropriations for the Department of Health grant, the Jail, and the Sheriff's Department, as well as closing out Fund #127 (ARP) and declaring county property surplus. Discussions covered the relocation of 911 services into the annex building, fire damage estimates for the Baileyton EMS Station, and selling a used truck via GOVDEALS. The Insurance Committee discussed removing the 180-day waiting period for certain Delta Dental services retroactively to July 1, 2025, and addressed concerns regarding a contaminated underground diesel fuel tank at the jail. The Greene County Courthouse Renovation Committee discussed completing core drilling, planning for restroom construction (estimated at 8 months), and scheduling repairs for the front portico to begin December 1st. Other committees meeting prior included the Purchasing Committee (August 18, 2025), Greene County Emergency Communications District-911 (October 14, 2025), Greene County Regional Planning Commission (November 18, 2025), and the Special Committee on Land/Property Issues (November 12, 2025).

The Greene County Legislative Body convened for a regular session. Proclamations were presented honoring Madge Britton's 100th birthday, the Greene Devils Cross Country Track & Field Team, and Randy Strickland for his achievements in firearms sportsmanship. A joint proclamation was made for Patriot Day and National Day of Service & Remembrance, as well as proclamations for Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Greene County Emergency Preparedness Month, and Hunger Action Month. The commission addressed zoning inconsistencies and infrastructure issues related to broadband. Reports were presented from various county departments, including Veteran's Services, Emergency Chaplains, Chancery Court, Circuit Court, General Sessions Court, County Clerk, Register of Deed's, Sheriff's Department, Trustee, Board of Education, and Solid Waste Department. Committee minutes were also approved.

The Greene County proclamations include Mental Health Awareness Month, June Dairy Month, Great Outdoors Month, Summer Meals Month and National Men's Health Week. The county also received a Home Disaster Recovery Grant for $1,000,000. Greeneville and Greene County earned the top three micropolitan designation in the State of Tennessee and the top seventy designation for the nation.

The Greene County Legislative Body convened for a session that included a public hearing where Lela Rickers addressed the Commissioners about including cats in animal control regulations, sharing her experiences with a neighbor owning over 40 cats. Judith Sexton spoke regarding the urban growth area in Greeneville and Greene County, questioning its legality and impact on citizens. Joel Hausser thanked Greene County Sheriff Wesley Holt and Greene County Road Superintendent Kevin Swatsell for their services. The board discussed rezoning certain territory owned by Jan Crum, Jeremy Crum, and Jimmie Crum. Reports were presented from the Solid Waste Department, Committee Minutes, Financial Report from the Board of Education, and Highway Department County Road List. The Budget & Finance committee discussed retirement plans for employees with Julia Ball, a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones and Greene County Solid Waste requested a budget amendment to transfer funds for overtime pay. The Insurance Committee discussed financial reports, clinic updates, results of an air study at the courthouse, and potential implementation of the Work Steps program. Allen Sheets with Nationwide discussed changes in the 457B plan. The Education Committee reviewed Work Keys Tests and Early Post-Secondary Opportunities, discussing ways to promote technical education. The Personnel Policies Committee discussed personnel policies, comp time, and overtime, focusing on the need for uniformity and fairness across departments. The Regional Planning Commission addressed property subdivisions, zoning requests, and sign regulations.

The Greene County Legislative Body meeting included presentations of proclamations celebrating Public Health Week and honoring Coach Fred Sorrells. Discussions covered a public hearing where concerns were raised about legal attorney fees and a resolution regarding nuisances. Financial reports from the Board of Education and reports from the Solid Waste Department were approved.