In a recent Hamblen County Commission meeting, a heated discussion erupted over the controversial payments made to road commissioners for meetings they did not attend. Justine Jones, a concerned citizen, brought to light the issue of wrongful payments that have burdened taxpayers. She highlighted that, despite the clear stipulation in the Hamblen County Highway Private Act requiring attendance for payment, many road commissioners received compensation for meetings they skipped.

Jones pointed out that the finance department had previously sent invoices to these commissioners, demanding reimbursement for unearned payments. However, she noted that four canceled meetings in 2020 were overlooked, costing taxpayers approximately $4,500. This situation has escalated to the point where taxpayers are now funding legal representation for road commissioners, raising questions about conflicts of interest and accountability.

Gwen Holden, another resident, echoed Jones's sentiments, expressing frustration over the lack of action from the commission. She emphasized the importance of adhering to contracts and rules to avoid legal repercussions, stating, "I don’t like suing, but when you all don’t do the right thing, I’m going to sue because that’s my money too."

The meeting underscored a growing demand for transparency and accountability within the county's financial practices, particularly regarding the management of public funds. As citizens call for stricter adherence to regulations, the commission faces mounting pressure to rectify these financial discrepancies and restore public trust.