Blount County Board of Commissioners approves budget items in Thursday meeting

Blount County Board of Commissioners met Thursday night to vote on several budget items.

After comments from the public on agenda items, which included comments from Shirley Rupert on the state of the Blount County Jail and Harry Grothjhan with questions about one of the resolutions, the board made their votes.

The board approved $1.5 million in funds for roof repair and replacement at William Blount High School and $256,393.93 in funds for Tennessee State Grant Summer School Program.

Blount County Sheriff’s Office received approval for a budget increase to recognize a $10,000 donation made by Pilot Company for the purchase of a new K9 and a $900 private donation for a new K9 protective vest.

$265,320 in funds were approved to renovate the two public elevators at the Blount County Justice Center.

Also on the agenda was approval of a five-year contract between Axon and BCSO which would provide BCSO with body cameras, in-car cameras and Tasers and a budget increase to recognize an Opioid Abatement Council Grant for Juvenile Court.

A three-year contract With Helen Ross McNabb and Juvenile Court was also approved for services focused on prevention, treatment and support for at-risk adolescents or those affected by addiction.

FY 24-25 Tax Rate Resolution was approved. The resolution states that starting on July 1, 2024, the combined property tax for Blount County will be “$1.59 on each $100 of assessed taxable property.” The property tax provides revenue to the general county, debt service, capital projects, general purpose schools and education capital projects funds.

FY 24-25 appropriation and capital outlay resolutions were also approved.

After the agenda items were complete, the board heard from the public a second time about items that were not on the agenda.

Speakers included Harry Grothjhan, Corrine Dooley, Forrest Erickson and Scott Josephson. Subjects covered were Blount Pride, offering transcription on commission meeting videos, Louisiana’s new Ten Commandments law and property flooding.