JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Commission unanimously re-elected Johnny Bruce as chairman and Rusty Orick as vice chairman at the outset of its meeting on Monday evening. After concluding other business, the commissioners met by district to decide the composition of the various committees. The four seats reserved for commissioners on the Financial Management System (FMS) Committee were filled by Whit Goins, Dewayne Baird, Lisa Lester and Sue Nance. All other committees have one representative from each district while all 15 members serve on budget and finance.

While most votes were unanimous, the topic of redistricting voting districts in line with the 2020 census grew heated when Scott Kitts voiced strong opposition to the plan to shift some LaFollette area voters into the fifth district dominated by Jellico.

“I oppose district three voters getting stuck in Jellico,” Kitts protested. Rusty Orick, who chaired the redistricting committee, defended the move, replying to Kitts, “You gave your opinion in committee. We had to equalize the numbers.” Bruce had to gavel the argument to a close before calling for a vote. All commissioners present voted “Yes” except Kitts.

State and federal law requires that following a census, voting districts must be adjusted to allow for no more than a 10 percent differential between the highest and lowest population counts. Campbell County’s mountainous 5th District lost population since the 2010 census, to 7,001, while the 3rd District totaled 8,218 and the 1st District counted 8,582. As a result, some adjustments had to be made to all five districts, with the 5th gaining votes from the area leading into LaFollette along Highway 25 in Ivydell.

Among budget amendments that were approved was one that included an $85,000 one time appropriation from the fund balance to the Jellico Rescue Squad. The money will be combined with funds raised by the squad to purchase a used fire truck. Two members of the rescue squad presented a certificate of appreciation to the commission and asked commissioners to autograph the handle of a fireman’s axe to be displayed in the rescue squad building.

Among other actions taken by the commission were several involving construction of the future sheriff’s office annex, and designating an unused jury room in the upper courthouse as a “Safe Space” for witnesses waiting to testify. The district attorney’s office is seeking a state grant to pay for the renovation while the donation of the space will serve as the local match. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 09/21/2021-6AM)