License plate readers coming to Campbell County

By Charlotte Underwood 

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – The Campbell County Commission met on Monday evening, approving several sheriff’s department items, including the acceptance of K-9 officer Jago, as well as a resolution regarding the placement of license plate readers around the county.

TOP PHOTO: (Left to right) Commissioners David Adkins, Scott Kitts and Beverly Hall as Sheriff Wayne Barton stands by.

The Whitley County Sheriff’s department in Kentucky donated the K-9 officer to Campbell County over a month ago, but the commission’s vote “made it official so the dog can be put to work.”

According to Sheriff Wayne Barton, Jago is a narcotics and tracking dog and is two- years- old. 

The commission also approved for the sheriff’s department to apply for a Dangerous Drug Task Force Overtime Grant, which is a reimbursement grant that is capped at $13,200 per employee.

Commissioners approved a resolution of support for license plate readers that the sheriff’s department will be placing around the county. 

According to Barton, the county has already received the grant for the license plate readers which is a reimbursement grant.

At last week’s workshop, Barton told commissioners the state had recommended he come before the commission and have a resolution drafted regarding the wording that they “are for investigative purposes only.”

According to Barton, the plate readers “are not a speed trap” and will only be used used for “investigative purposes.” 

At Monday’s meeting, he reiterated that “license plate readers could not even read the speed of a vehicle”, and that it would only alert on plates from stolen vehicles or plates that had been entered into a crime data system for investigative purposes. 

In other business, commissioners approved to set aside a portion of the hotel motel tax to be used for water line extensions.

Also approved was a motion setting the rules and regulations of the new RV Park as recommended by the park and recreation committee 

Another motion approved was for the county mayor to seek an attorney in the Bill Cox litigation case. More than 10 years ago, Cox was “required by the county planning commission to post a $20,000 bond in relation to certain construction of homes.”  Cox filed the lawsuit to get his money back after unsuccessful attempts on his own, and this constitutes a breach of contract, according to the lawsuit.

It was also approved for a portable handicap ramp to be installed in the chancery court room. 

Eugene Justice is the newest member of the county planning commission.

In other business, Eugene Justice was approved to fill the vacated position on the Campbell County Planning commission after Jerry Sharp resigned.

A board of education copier lease agreement for Jacksboro Elementary School was approved as well upon the BOE’s request. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 12/19/2023-6AM)

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