TOP PHOTO: Whit Goins was honored for his 50 years of service to Campbell County at Monday’s county commission workshop.  Left to right are his daughter, Marquita, Whit, his wife, Beatrice, and then grandson Colton in the back with his son, Mark. 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The ballot for county commission seats in the August election will have one notable omission – Whit Goins won’t be on the ballot as Goins is stepping down after a half century of service representing the first district. His fellow commissioners and friends weren’t about to let him slip away quietly however.

At the commission workshop on Monday night, Charlie Curtis, Director of the Tennessee County Commissioner Association, came over from Nashville to present Goins with his 20-year service award, noting that it was more like a 50-year award since Goins was first elected in 1970 and with one or two short gaps, has represented the First District ever since.

Also attending from Nashville was Whit Goins’ son Mark, who is currently Coordinator of Elections for the State of Tennessee. Both officials, along with several commissioners joined in the presentation, pointing out that Whit Goins’ consistent goal has been to see waterline extensions bring public water to all areas of the extensive rural communities of the First District. A large number of citizens were in the courtroom to honor  the retiring commissioner, and the workshop was recessed for a short period so all of his supporters could greet and congratulate him.

When the commission got down to business, they quickly set the agenda for next week’s regular session, including resolutions to set the property tax levy at $2.0659, the same as the previous year, and a county budget totaling $103,459,110. The commission will also recess next week until June 21, when it is expected to approve a final contract with FCCA to continue operating the county animal shelter.

During the public input segment of the workshop, Roger Newport addressed the commissioners about his concerns that the commission is cutting it too close in approving a contract, with FCCA’s current contract expiring on June 30. Chairman Johnny Bruce reassured Newport and other FCCA supporters that after the 21st, “You’ll know exactly where we stand in this process.” Bruce noted that in discussions he has had with shelter director Patricia Siwinski, he voiced some concerns but felt confident “they would be taken care of.”

County Attorney Joe Coker noted that he has been in discussions with attorney Terry Basista and feels “we are very close” to finalizing a contract that can be acceptable to both the commission and FCCA.

Other concerns from the public revolved around the Department of Environmental Services and the Towe String Road facility. Walt Luttrell told commissioners that he is actively trying to clean up trash on Norris Lake, including old Styrofoam that gathers along the shore.

“The Towe String facility has announced that they will no longer accept Styrofoam after July 1. I already put a lot of effort and expense into cleaning up the lake. I can’t be hauling Styrofoam off to Scott County or other places outside the county,” Luttrell complained.

Attorney Joe Coker pointed out that the restriction applies to bulk or commercial Styrofoam and should not affect Luttrell’s work. Rusty Orick suggested setting up a meeting with TVA, but nobody really had a definite answer for Luttrell’s concerns since neither Sanitation Director Bill Rutherford nor sanitation committee chair Ralph Davis were at the workshop.

Chuck Samples, owner of Jacksboro Metals, had a different problem with Towe String. Samples complained that between the paving of the parking lots and entrances and the new entrance to the animal shelter, runoff water during hard rains is being diverted into his business. “Runoff is already directed into my storage units and the recycling facility. With the new asphalt they’re putting down, its going to get worse,” he told commissioners.

Some commissioners expressed confidence that the county could slant a berm to stop the diverted runoff, but Samples wasn’t optimistic. Joe Coker pointed out that the county could be held liable for damages to the Jacksboro Metals facility and suggested that the commission meet with Sanitation personnel and determine what needs to be done. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 06/15/2022-6AM)

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