[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6277691,"mediaKeyId","2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5","parentId",2647440,"title","Commissioners consider Monday-noon deadline for submitting resolutions to improve agenda clarity","audioSeconds",475,"startMs",3089000,"endMs",3564000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5&start=3089&end=3564","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5/thumbnail_3089000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6277691/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Commissioners-consider-Monday-noon-deadline-for-submitting-resolutions-to-improve-agenda-clarity","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277691-ee7a849a932058f39f7564f5b913ca8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1777423685&Signature=iyZs7Rbtf~mFDucj7b6wPaO8oJyZLgM7J7XmlGoQh8Db2cKhoRm4eclWqdrwcltGUaPajs~6Z-mLK0mB6cjJHUdD9TX9knnIYjxdtak~TLmS1-lHn0LyfFdZNPhthP3~OBVqGXsowG-Nn9skYs5TeqvG-IbmvAXBGwNGuVgOS11QZdV~s44PDAqi~KY9gOfWxHIBQOw105K8BFh3E422ENAYaReeV8l8wpg9l8EzMyOtPStYz18gkzo6JZT~UELHeLLjSr1kx~WVxg48EuKf7xMYtsvLjesYGlyDs64yJY8qlrhewCwqgOfIjxlRDbFCUpRZibFU0nni8Aqqj0PPOg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Sullivan County, TN","date","2025-03-15T13:24:28.473Z","article","Commissioner sponsor introduced a resolution to establish a deadline for submitting resolutions and statements of intent: all items would be due by Monday at noon before a work session and before a regular commission meeting. The measure included an exception for items deemed emergencies by Finance Director Bailey, the county manager and the county attorney.

Supporters said the rule would give commissioners and staff time to review materials before meetings and improve the quality of deliberations. \"We need to have our information sooner so that we can actually look at it,\" one commissioner said.

Opponents and questioners raised procedural concerns: what authority would determine an emergency, whether the chair should retain flexibility to add items, and the practical effect if a resolution arrives late (whether it would be refused placement on the agenda). Commissioners noted that state proposals have been made in the past to require public notice 48 hours in advance and that practice and enforcement detail would determine whether the new deadline is effective.

Several commissioners asked sponsor to refine the draft to add \"teeth\" for enforcement and to clarify emergency criteria; some suggested that late items could be placed on consent only after a waiting period. Manager Mains and other staff supported the idea as a means to improve workflow and transparency. The item will return with revised language.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Sullivan County Commission Meeting - 3/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","A proposed resolution would require that resolutions and statements of intent be submitted by Monday at noon before a work session or a regular commission meeting, with limited exceptions for emergencies.","taxTitle","Sullivan County, Tennessee","taxId",3933,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6277699,"Commission to consider $58,500 amendment to Circuit Court Clerk budget for courtroom sound systems",68,1664000,1732000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5&start=1664&end=1732","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5/thumbnail_1664000.jpg","/articles/6277699/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Commission-to-consider-58500-amendment-to-Circuit-Court-Clerk-budget-for-courtroom-sound-systems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277699-dc750b6cb1d0c783857e379e727d070c/orig.mp4?Expires=1777423685&Signature=RqH0VPECRh14Rsmj3G9MVmyNu6NuM9IIf4OAWWn~vr1XieV0iobVrTOcNSCYXu0paPSLUxX9oopm5JS~Kre7uXGY2eVa9m-XL~DTNerWSpVrMLMtPv3O~0OaQxT~l1c8V7sPlQxixGsHwhZCPI1NliOi5XNDF1pyBMblUxa8yKjFpc18B0WiwBhIl0l4CYoWPRVDkJ7itZCdWxu8F8X-aFe7QcWcLbcyVOYYi~1dWYTY~R4wGvFfqpJrQyzvwKeTpnyZ4ekvio-CFRn7bOWWx94OV7byrG5ka91EDjTlL9oGmB7FImFXmDq6FyP45ysqQ2RYeJHp-MtC9ziB57fTKQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff presented a budget amendment to increase the 2024–25 Circuit Court Clerk's budget by $58,500 to replace sound systems in the child-support courtroom at the Bogle Justice Center and the chancery courtroom in Bristol. Officials said the equipment is roughly 30 years old, beyond repair and that bids are already in hand.

Sponsor and committee members said the budget committee unanimously recommended the amendment to the full commission and that the funds are available in the general fund. The sponsor asked the commission to waive the rules to allow prompt replacement.

\"This came before the budget committee last night, and we voted unanimously to recommend it to the full commission,\" Commissioner Jones said during the meeting.

Several commissioners volunteered to be listed as cosponsors; staff said they would place anyone who votes affirmatively on the resolution as a cosponsor. No formal vote took place during the meeting; the item was scheduled for the next business calendar.

County officials said replacement is recommended because the current courtroom audio equipment is outdated and nonfunctional in places, and that completing repairs promptly is necessary for court operations.","County staff proposed a $58,500 amendment to the Circuit Court Clerk’s 2024–25 budget to replace two courtroom sound systems, saying the existing equipment is about 30 years old and unrecoverable.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6277704,"Sullivan County seeks $625,000 waste-reduction grant to expand recycling collection and processing",338,2111000,2449000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5&start=2111&end=2449","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5/thumbnail_2111000.jpg","/articles/6277704/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Sullivan-County-seeks-625000-waste-reduction-grant-to-expand-recycling-collection-and-processing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277704-02c25ac7308f1682e7319cbbfe45ebce/orig.mp4?Expires=1777423685&Signature=Mia4PuyeI67z6nyWiQAkYoRGR0hoN0eE9ioNUyJtNwGbcL0kNOKZElDHLGFBpnIvLl-iVxWTrPFUJVzD-hDTtNbyA~1j24-Dm8qAXrot0xPLBCleBPmM5Y70RNBdyuXYUR9Ve1gYNFW5PZzhkxAoQd42Rt-jT5iaaxt3TQIqduyQTGVLeBLp3JFTEG0t0zGZifihwSY-CBPMmaciPpYBBmofZ8x2OHcgayVi7A-p8AUfPDyO1ywb65EFRozcSE4Fn4j~-OFQHpPndfLtKJbb~-tenXthNlgF5y6UtePku8PWqbUcRubbGpyXikq1KP3FKRcAvSUPRNZN6qDdYBbN4w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The county presented a resolution authorizing Sullivan County to apply for and accept a $625,000 waste-reduction grant to expand local recycling collection and processing.

Solid Waste Department consultant Mark and grant coordinator Charles briefed the commission; the grant requires a 40% local match, which staff said is included in the draft 2025–26 budget. The proposal lists uses such as purchasing equipment to collect school paper for recycling, establishing new collection containers and improving processing to prepare materials for transport and marketing.

\"I think we have a great opportunity to get this,\" the sponsor said, describing previous steps the county took when it first developed its recycling program five or six years ago and noting county staff and consultants' continued work to expand capacity.

The finance committee reviewed the request; during the meeting the sponsor moved the item to the consent calendar. After an objection on the floor, the chair placed item number 6 on the consent calendar for the full commission’s consideration.

Commissioners discussed recognizing the department’s work with CTAS and the County Commissioners Association as award-worthy, and several members encouraged staff to submit the program for recognition if the grant is awarded.","Commissioners heard a resolution authorizing application for a $625,000 waste-reduction grant that requires a 40% local match and would fund new recycling collection sites, equipment to collect paper from schools and processing improvements. The item was moved to the consent calendar for later approval.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6277709,"Sullivan County commissioners debate $200,000 cap on nonprofit funding, leave decision for later",1062,452000,1514000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5&start=452&end=1514","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5/thumbnail_452000.jpg","/articles/6277709/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Sullivan-County-commissioners-debate-200000-cap-on-nonprofit-funding-leave-decision-for-later","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277709-d34d2adcf94aded15cea0354eb33c259/orig.mp4?Expires=1777423685&Signature=Czr06qj1gmOX7~hSLh8VJgdfm9W9s4PGlMf0Aq18ann83swp0q5Pzr7Zif1cpU4ya4MEN0qSEOWiheuT4ZaUXsYB0vkzRUz~6~ixA~CuHdSoRfC-H6m0UvrGc8C-87xDm-x-AWdwA3JiksTK0RJYNsBEMEVWHUG5UcA2LH2LBLh4D-IpPkUlY6jVnZN2YIxC6qM~ayfL7p2WKxQ9FE8h9agi5ZZ0rCloouCIvOr6afq0Bg6JvT0pH8IMTuT5EU-mQB5T-MyVpR~7oUdbr-wj~XEPV4~0UydllXT1nE3JsjIg-YZspjyOA5P5yQXoXXlvto5ORLKxvL7sZ4zod629zw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Harvey introduced a resolution to cap Sullivan County’s general-allocated funding to selected nonprofits at $200,000 for the 2025–26 budget year, excluding fire and rescue services.

The measure, Harvey said, would reduce nonprofit allocations from prior years — the commission approved about $403,000 for remaining nonprofits in the 2022–23 budget, $438,000 in 2023–24 and roughly $300,000 in 2024–25 — and would not require an additional tax levy because the proposed amount is lower than recent spending.

\"Following President Trump's advice, let's use a scalpel and not a sledgehammer to make the needed cuts,\" Commissioner Harvey said, urging a targeted approach that would direct parks- and museum-related nonprofits to lodging-tax dollars after consultation with CTAS (the County Technical Assistance Service), which she said confirmed that use was permissible.

Commissioners pressed for clarifications about implementation. Commissioner Cross asked that first-responder and firefighter funding be explicitly excluded from the cap; Harvey signaled she would accept that as an amendment. Commissioner Mates asked who would make final award decisions; Harvey said the administrative committee would review requests and make recommendations to the full commission, and that the full commission would ultimately approve awards via resolution.

County Attorney Street responded to a procedural question about enforceability, saying if the commission later approved allocations above the cap during the budget process, \"you could do that with your vote,\" indicating the cap could be altered by a subsequent budget vote.

Other commissioners voiced differing philosophies. Commissioner Glover questioned whether taxpayer dollars should subsidize nonprofits at all, while others emphasized that many organizations provide services to schools, courts and law enforcement — for example, weekend food backpacks for children and counseling services for youth — and that cutting funding could reduce those supports.

No vote was recorded on the resolution during the meeting; commissioners left the item for further consideration and flagged it for the coming meeting cycle.

Officials said lodging-tax revenues and the amount available in that account would require confirmation from Finance Director Bailey before any specific nonprofits were shifted to that funding source.","Commissioners discussed a resolution from Commissioner Harvey to cap county nonprofit funding at $200,000 for the 2025–26 budget year, excluding fire and rescue. Debate focused on past funding levels, who approves awards and whether lodging-tax revenues can be used for parks and museums; no final vote was taken.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6277694,"Commission hears request to equalize pay for select court administrative staff; $29,503 requested",138,2500000,2638000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5&start=2500&end=2638","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2647440-68343e0fee874f1951ea60d1ae6562c5/thumbnail_2500000.jpg","/articles/6277694/Sullivan-County/Tennessee/Commission-hears-request-to-equalize-pay-for-select-court-administrative-staff-29503-requested","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6277694-b312a5e129105730309a9e288299da52/orig.mp4?Expires=1777423685&Signature=BlIAy6rsBdraY-SuQLpIDqnBk6Q14ZYrdDX3RIkvS-4H~DyGA6A1e8lXyYFzd8cTWvCPxRx6XAfCoo7ZJLIWdAx~jNW9~WtHh5npQ9CEC7rrb~zfy8apnqSSDcFBlzUYJe6PyUqA9H4Btqvrnu2cmcBnXr48Inu-ss7DA7HCMx6qOp4z4GY95I3NtEgzmzw0tsWAlJpJGJXe12GGg9h9dimwbn7qVg63XODc9uiDBMeMlLPRLnR620L5qzmEi2EhfIlsLRvbeHtK9ZmBloTOxwbk8ulbU5KEF4knaeso81rTlxw1OuCmEG2bXiGK3QgplJ47g8t0l6lkjSQ4Gx7rFA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Judges asked Sullivan County commissioners to approve a budget adjustment to equalize pay among a limited group of court administrative staff, a request the sponsor said would cost roughly $29,503.44.

Commissioners described the issue as pay-scale inconsistency among workers whose duties have evolved from secretarial tasks to office-management responsibilities. Sponsor and budget committee members said judges and county staff negotiated a lower figure following executive committee engagement.

Several commissioners supported fixing the disparity but raised concerns about timing and precedent. One commissioner said such adjustments should be considered during budget season rather than via mid-cycle pay changes, and another urged caution about setting hourly rates in resolutions.

Supporters argued the change would remedy long-standing pay inequities that had left some workers making several dollars less per hour than peers performing similar duties. The judges' request had been considered by the executive and budget committees and was recommended to the full commission.

No final vote occurred at the meeting; commissioners discussed removing an hourly-rate exhibit from resolution language and moving the dollar figure forward for formal consideration at the next meeting.","Judges asked the commission to correct inconsistent pay among certain court administrative positions. The judges and executive committee negotiated a reduced request; the proposal would cost roughly $29,503.44 and was sent to the budget committee. Commissioners debated timing and whether hourly rates should be set outside the budget process.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commissioners consider Monday-noon deadline for submitting resolutions to improve agenda clarity

Commission to consider $58,500 amendment to Circuit Court Clerk budget for courtroom sound systems

Sullivan County seeks $625,000 waste-reduction grant to expand recycling collection and processing

Sullivan County commissioners debate $200,000 cap on nonprofit funding, leave decision for later

Commission hears request to equalize pay for select court administrative staff; $29,503 requested