JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – Discussion of the 101 county general fund topped the agenda at the budget and finance committee meeting held online Tuesday evening. Commissioners had questions for County Mayor E.L. Morton regarding his budget and possible left over funds from the deputy mayor’s salary. Around $44,000 is left in the mayor’s personnel budget since Johnny Vanover was hired as part time deputy mayor replacing Andy Wallace. However, Vanover can only work 20 hours per week. Mayor Morton said he would like to hire an additional part time person to fill the other 20 hours, which would use those funds. Mayor Morton also pointed out that some of the funds had been used to provide a nurse on staff at the court house during the pandemic and might be needed to do so again if “virus numbers increase and another emergency order is put through.”

Commissioner Ralph Davis suggested the funds be put into the sanitation or paving fund.  “I don’t see a reason to let these funds just sit there,” Davis said. Assistant Finance Director Richard Terry suggested if Commissioners wanted to move the funds, that they move it to the 58-900 miscellaneous fund which is in the 101 general fund budget so it would not have to be moved across funds. Commissioner Davis made a motion to move the unused $44,000 to the miscellaneous fund within the 101 fund. Commissioner Rusty Orick seconded the motion, saying he didn’t see it as a cut to the mayor’s budget, but a “realignment of funds” due to the Pandemic.

Mayor Morton told Commissioners they would “have to work with the mayor’s office if funds were needed” to provide additional nursing staff at the court house should the COVID-19 virus increase and require it.

Commissioners voted to move the $44,000 from the mayor’s budget to the miscellaneous fund with a vote of seven to three, with Commissioner Zach Marlow abstaining. Commissioners also approved the 101 general fund to committee with a vote of seven to four.

Commissioners will meet again via Zoom on Thursday evening, June 25, at 6 p.m. and again on June 30 at 6 p.m.  (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/24/2020-6AM)

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