JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Campbell County commissioners held an online budget and finance meeting on Thursday evening. Commissioners discussed and voted on various budget funds to be approved to the committee such as the 122 drug control fund, the 151 debt service fund and the 171 general capital projects fund. Commissioner Sue Nance made a motion to change the way the $500,000 in funds set aside for blacktopping roads is allocated. This is part of the 171 fund in the county budget.  Nance asked that the $500,000 be distributed out on a monthly basis, which would equal a little over $41,000 in funds being allocated monthly. Several commissioners were concerned it could put the road superintendent in a “tight spot” should he need access to more funds in case of a road emergency. Commissioner Zach Marlow suggested doing it on a quarterly basis instead. Commissioner Rusty Orick agreed, saying he felt having the larger chunk of money to draw down from in case it is needed would be better. Nance agreed, saying she was “fine with that” and that she agreed the county needed to be “frugal at this time.” Commissioners approved the motion to amend the 171 budget. This takes the $500,000 allocated for asphalt and hot mix and distributes the funds quarterly.

Other capital projects will include work on Lonas Young Memorial Park and possible park development and courthouse improvements. Some of these funds will come from the $445,834 expected from the county’s hotel/motel tax which will be spread out over multiple budgetary funds including capital projects, the debt service fund and others.

Commissioners will continue the budget finance discussion next Thursday, May 28 at 6 p.m. via Zoom online. The solid waste fund, the ambulance service fund and the Industrial development fund will be discussed at that meeting.

The commission discussed when to begin holding public meetings at the courthouse again since the state legislature will soon be going back into session. Commission members said they hoped to hold an in person public meeting at the courthouse on June 2, at 6 p.m. According to commission chairman Johnny Bruce, social distancing seating guidelines will be established. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 05/22/2020-6AM)

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