JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Commission passed two resolutions Tuesday night honoring two former commissioners from Jellico who passed away last week. Watch the meeting on demand HERE.

William Forster Baird, who served on the commission for two terms and also served as Jellico’s mayor, was honored by naming April 17, 2022, as “Forster Baird Remembrance Day.”

The proclamation added that as Mayor of Jellico, Baird was recognized by the Tennessee Comptroller for turning around the financial standing of the City of Jellico. When Baird took office, the city was in fiscal distress and unable to borrow money without state permission. He was credited, as mayor, with resolving the city’s budget crisis.

The commission also honored Alvin Evans, who served on the commission from 2010-14 along with serving on the Jellico Board of Mayor & Aldermen. Evans was a longtime teacher and coach who, after serving for 38 years in the U. S. Army, dedicated his life to education and public service.

The commission proclaimed September 9, 2022, as “Alvin Evans Remembrance Day.” Both proclamations received unanimous support.

The commission quickly went through the items on its agenda, unanimously passing several motions, including one by Ralph Davis to approve a new solid waste contract with the City of Jellico which allows Jellico to haul waste directly to the Scott County landfill under the county’s contract.

Davis also moved to rescind his motion from last week inviting removed statues from around the country to be brought to Campbell County for display. Davis explained that he did not realize how controversial the idea would become.

Zach Marlow offered a couple of motions from the Rules & Ethics Committee amending rules of order for commission meetings, and Robert Higginbotham added three motions, one to allow expansion of natural gas lines to unserved areas, another to approve the Homeland Security grant for the Emergency Management Agency and another to declare surplus 23 expired air tanks for trade or sale.

In keeping with this “new look” county commission meeting, no debate was allowed on any motions, all passed with unanimous approval and the entire meeting lasted barely over 30 minutes, including the proclamations. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 01/19/2022-2PM)

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