[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-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],{"_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",6125165,"mediaKeyId","2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042","parentId",2677901,"title","Resident raises legal concerns over Benton County's First Bank building purchase; asks commission to negotiate corrective resolution","audioSeconds",463,"startMs",1239000,"endMs",1702000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042&start=1239&end=1702","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042/thumbnail_1239000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125165/Benton-County/Tennessee/Resident-raises-legal-concerns-over-Benton-Countys-First-Bank-building-purchase-asks-commission-to-negotiate-corrective-resolution","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125165-346812004b07fafdeda0add3ec3e16d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770909469&Signature=A1lrRACvHx2LY7HoDChCNMBK3wc9i1nlPWZcSH6v4DT7fS8~i7IYmJxqIIAtEshdhiVtIl-n4~YOkJJTt8a9z-P-xdTQZMtf3yIKPL-nnohFc6jfcwiqATPnMzwdF4PJDpMxgF~7YpV01UQ4T6V-~MTshxaTNKOB4vbL0-SRu08vrUWve89we9QTq-TYEpKK2-FMq8VyJWRKVVSgZ6224UCzuJs~GtjDL6RCTXcR6jQWVrBYj5nvpoWZwTGhel44CaAXskiiBKjYdKbKGksGJgu46-6OvPC0RjN5X-MzksnWzOJcd0ne9CBx12QltT14LpJGFlHPQ9DWpjryhg7cug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Benton County, TN","date","2025-03-19T01:34:48.993Z","article","Dr. Randy Shannon told the Benton County Commission he reviewed records related to the county’s purchase of the First Bank building and concluded the 08/19/2024 appropriation resolution should have required a two-thirds majority under the county’s private act.

Shannon described an amended appropriation resolution approved in August 2024 that he said shifted all payments to debt service over four equal annual payments. He told commissioners the county executed a loan agreement and a deed of trust dated Oct. 16, 2024, and that the state comptroller flagged the transaction in the county’s annual financial report under TCA 9-21-601 (issuance and sale of interest-bearing capital outlay notes).

Shannon said he believes the commission “failed to approve this resolution with [the] two-thirds majority” required by the private act and that the county mayor’s subsequent purchase may have violated the private act. He asked the commission to allow him to negotiate with the county attorney and mayor to draft and bring a corrective resolution to the commission in April or May.

Why it matters: Shannon’s presentation challenges the legal process the county used to finance or close on the First Bank property. He cited specific documentary evidence — a loan agreement, deed of trust recording (book 420, pages 157–168, per his statement), and a comptroller finding — and requested a negotiated remediation through a corrective resolution rather than immediate litigation.

Shannon referenced the county’s private act (adopted in 1939 and amended in 1999) and read from case-law definitions on appropriation. He said the comptroller’s review of the county’s indebtedness suggested the county had used available borrowing capacity. He asked commissioners to coordinate a corrective resolution with the mayor and county attorney so the matter could be formalized during an upcoming meeting.

The commission did not take immediate formal action on Shannon’s request during the meeting; Shannon asked to be permitted to negotiate with county officials and to return with a corrective resolution for a later meeting.

Ending: Shannon requested the commission place a corrective appropriation resolution on a future agenda after negotiation with county attorneys and the mayor. Commissioners did not oppose scheduling follow-up discussions but did not vote on any corrective measure at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Commission Meeting 3/17/25","oneSentenceSummary","Dr. Randy Shannon told the Benton County Commission that documents tied to the county’s purchase of the First Bank building indicate the transaction was effectively appropriated and that the original 08/19/2024 resolution should have required a two-thirds vote under the county’s private act.","taxTitle","Benton County, Tennessee","taxId",73395,"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},6125170,"Benton County assessor outlines reasons for large reappraisal increases and next steps for appeals",2736,1867000,4603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042&start=1867&end=4603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042/thumbnail_1867000.jpg","/articles/6125170/Benton-County/Tennessee/Benton-County-assessor-outlines-reasons-for-large-reappraisal-increases-and-next-steps-for-appeals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125170-0df1ce639af524f2676dd9ea3228e84d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770909469&Signature=Irv2Pj01e4CWx8rvVsGVfocAl4mLl91uUaOCNQp4U7ut7RXrnqDxUi267~Ns5OmmIRAdha7ydBWBC-1n5lLaApkzjePThe1IKBXtuHwmus1Wb2DqYeIIMHAPdtu9vcbg5DN4jDjlZNeYEgmq3j-JuOncXljpFse5O0XCKacndVpirmb1709F7ADvyanwdZv~EsImmP1AHnOYLFWH2sBFBYvP4A71atcgWE-IxF8Lv1RWCMG1b6hSi5rSta9RPBnHPA4uueEkTkfrRUuZX-agz6z~kEkg8NeVNEU4zObVKv02fMTdAqV0VPJPNLxjKTEu6Pn6OA7Afe8JzWZXGFG85g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ryan Hall, Benton County assessor of property, told commissioners and about 40 residents that the state comptroller conducted the county's reappraisal and that the county assessor's office lacks staff capacity to rekey all parcel changes manually.

The reappraisal, Hall said, used five years of sales data and reflected a historic jump in market activity; he told the meeting the residential sector’s average appraisal increase was “over 80%.” He said the state will issue a certified tax rate to offset much of the appraisal change and that the commission will set a new county tax rate after the appeals and certification process concludes.

Why it matters: The reassessments determine market appraisals used to compute property taxes and are prompting concerns among seniors and fixed-income households about higher tax bills and insurance costs.

Hall said Monday’s notices were a first step and described the appeal path available to taxpayers. Informal hearings with the assessor’s office will be scheduled beginning in early May; if the assessor's office changes a parcel's value, the owner receives a corrected notice. Taxpayers who remain dissatisfied can appeal to the county board of equalization, a five-member local panel, and then to state courts if necessary.

“The comptroller's office conducted this reappraisal,” Hall said. He explained the reappraisal used sales through 2024 and that many buyers moving to the area during and after the COVID-19 period pushed market values higher. Hall acknowledged the change produces “sticker shock” but repeatedly emphasized the appraisal process and the certified-rate mechanism under state law.

Hall also addressed farmland and greenbelt classifications. He said greenbelt values remain capped by statute and that many agricultural and timber parcels will see substantially lower taxable values after greenbelt adjustments. He recommended property owners review their parcels for the appropriate greenbelt status and bring documentation to the assessor’s office if they believe the classification is incorrect.

Commissioners and residents asked about timing and likely tax outcomes. Hall said he was unable to predict individual tax bills until the county has the state-certified tax rate but said the county has not adopted a countywide tax increase since the 2015 reappraisal. He also said the assessor’s office will make a prolonged period available for appointments and appeals in June and that the commission is likely to call a special meeting to set the new rate once appeals are processed.

The meeting also included multiple public speakers who described the local impact of higher appraisals and raised concerns about seniors on fixed incomes and insurance increases. Commissioners responded that the commission will work through the certified-rate process and encouraged residents to complete informal hearings and appeals if they have parcel-specific evidence.

The assessor said he and staff will be available for individual parcel reviews and urged residents to use the informal-hearing process as the first step.

Hall closed by reminding residents the state does not retain local property tax dollars: “The state comptroller's office doesn't get a dime of Benton County residents’ property tax money,” he said.

Residents seeking help were advised to contact the assessor’s office to schedule an informal hearing and to watch for second notices expected in May.

Ending: The commission took no formal vote on tax rates at the meeting; commissioners said they expect to set a rate after the assessor completes appeals and the comptroller issues the certified tax rate.","Assessor Ryan Hall told a crowded Benton County Commission meeting the state comptroller conducted the reappraisal, that sales data drove average residential increases of roughly 80%, and explained informal- and formal-appeal steps and timing for residents.",{"_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},6125154,"Benton County Commission approves multiple budget adjustments and routine resolutions",436,2683000,3119000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042&start=2683&end=3119","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042/thumbnail_2683000.jpg","/articles/6125154/Benton-County/Tennessee/Benton-County-Commission-approves-multiple-budget-adjustments-and-routine-resolutions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125154-959d77423d86c7f774e1e0944ab4c5ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770909469&Signature=Rk5W3Gi84Lh13XGEuqvrJksICshSWcZme4IhcXmmhonmK8LgAhWOpPWSa3fOi~uVmQ4Ct4~j2S10dPdN3uMJdSNWkBEh0DJkNn1PtQDpxPiyB1hUfRp0ih-A5Wpu5XFGP34-FP68Lijq7iKbouCmsiXt0mOprq95I9xViakRO0XsronBKUIPHSEdaYsE1BjuW1FLCy5QJnchCRi2KhdrjoRu8Njetv-kmBzQhQGXxIeHiQ4YLB5C2dQvR-j2EPWynQ5dxlc092cfAn83lttdItIEC20~1fE32YZB1wq7ud3z-5UPgIMkIMP-3H~TitlskABFxRTFKoeE8pjNuw2zaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton County Commission approved a slate of routine budget adjustments, appropriations and appointments during its meeting.

Highlights of approved measures (motioners and seconds recorded in meeting minutes):
- Resolution 1: Move $1,853 within the highway department budget to cover a shortfall in workers’ compensation insurance. (Motion by Commissioner Price; second by Commissioner Melton.)
- Resolution 2: Move $6,003 within the school budget. (Motion by Commissioner Melton; second by Commissioner Arnold.)
- Resolution 9: Move $40,000 within the school budget. (Motion by Commissioner King; second by Commissioner Miller.)
- Resolution 10: Move $3,749 within the school budget. (Motion by Commissioner Keane; second by Commissioner Melton.)
- Resolution 11: Budget $16,941 received from Tennessee Risk Management to the school budget. (Motion by Commissioner Price; second by Commissioner Milton.)
- Resolution 12: Move $1,000 within the school budget. (Motion by Commissioner Burke; second by Commissioner Kean.)
- Resolution 14: Appropriate $1,600 from court fees to buy a laptop for the general session/circuit clerk per Administrative Office of the Courts recommendation. (Motion by Commissioner Fowler; second by Commissioner Arnold.)
- Resolution 15: Budget $5,350 from the city of Camden to the library budget. (Motion by Commissioner Melton; second by Commissioner Fowler.)
- Resolutions by Sheriff Ken Christopher: various small appropriations (including $12,000 from TLETA grant funds and $479 from various sources) for sheriff’s budget items; motions and seconds recorded and motions carried.
- Resolution 19 (separate from airport funding listed in the airport article): Appropriate $4,000 from general fund unassigned fund balance for repairs to a backflow prevention device in the sheriff’s budget (motion by Commissioner Price; second by Commissioner Bain).
- Resolution 21: Appropriate $1,500 to Guardian Advisors LLC for debt service fees (motion by Commissioner Murphy; second by Commissioner Burke).
- Resolution 22: Budget $4,000 to community development partners (motion by Commissioner Melton; second by Commissioner King).
- Resolution 24: Appoint two notaries (Randy Shannon and Roseanne Ward). (Motion by Debbie Bang; second by Commissioner Murphy; voice vote carried.)

Where the minutes recorded votes, the clerk announced multiple motions “carry 13 yes.” For several routine items the meeting used voice votes. Commissioners did not vote down any of the listed budget adjustments at this meeting.

Ending: The commission approved minutes, appointed notaries, accepted reports and passed the listed appropriations and resolutions; several items were referred to committees or scheduled for additional reporting as noted in committee reports.","At the business meeting the commission approved a series of budget reallocations and appropriations across county departments (schools, sheriff, highway, library), appointed notaries and passed routine measures; most measures carried by recorded or voice vote (13 yes where roll call recorded).",{"_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},6125160,"Benton County approves additional airport appropriations as fuel sales climb; commissioners debate truck rental vs. purchase",358,3772000,4130000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042&start=3772&end=4130","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677901-b2470859f0beb5cde4abc4405bbca042/thumbnail_3772000.jpg","/articles/6125160/Benton-County/Tennessee/Benton-County-approves-additional-airport-appropriations-as-fuel-sales-climb-commissioners-debate-truck-rental-vs-purchase","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125160-bf501bb410df0846d3d2069a1f6d90a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770909469&Signature=aKNvEt9T0dwV~dT-jbUbBTj5u2GW~1-NRn8CWbhshTa8JQbtv-YvmUUjAg~8SzgHN58HRZ2GztMil-6bECB6xw--YkDr7sklYE3Wgm68JJm14~VYIVLlpJLg32Xklhtu0hwMzRKLoQdNgbNNrgd4~EDfKhn9m4Mv3G3EHLWvhHgAMLkSN2qxl9SoeBmdLHIw1Kj-x0h7JcWtrskiZv50WAe672AOcxbN4grQ7oth2AwG3vYFwuEZt~vguPsEyMONRDuwCOSPBAWHU911dX2rdw-MsShzjd-Lgn4ouMRaaHBXCLesTAzMObkhnSRLXyLSWsRYDs30LkUEWSnCYUuv8A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton County Commission approved supplemental budget actions for airport operations after hearing from airport staff that fuel sales have risen sharply this fiscal year.

The commission voted to appropriate $5,000 to cover a shortfall in fuel-related tax liabilities, $50,000 to cover aviation fuel purchasing for the remainder of the fiscal year, and $3,000 to pay for rental of a fuel truck. Motions and seconds were recorded for each resolution and the measures carried by voice vote or recorded roll call.

Why it matters: Increased fuel sales and jet traffic have raised both revenue and operating needs at the county airport; the commission's supplemental appropriations move money into expenditure accounts so the airport can buy and distribute fuel and maintain safe operations.

Airport staff (identified during the meeting as Bridal/Rita) told commissioners year-to-date sales through February included roughly 32,340 gallons in total fuel sold and about 19,470 gallons of Jet A sales. Staff said a fuel truck was acquired to provide safer, quicker refueling for jets and that the truck’s capacity is about 2,200 gallons. The aviation-fuel tax rate cited at the meeting was 4.25%.

Commissioners asked about profit margins and overhead. One commissioner noted published “markup” figures but several also cautioned that truck lease payments, tank rent (a $1,000/month figure was cited), maintenance and labor reduce per-gallon net receipts. County staff explained that airport receipts are booked as revenue and must be appropriated into expenditure accounts before they can be spent; that accounting practice required the commission to reappropriate funds rather than spend directly from revenue receipts.

Commissioners discussed whether the county should continue renting a truck or pursue a capital purchase. Airport staff said single-point fueling can be important for certain jet aircraft and that grant programs previously available for fuel farms no longer fund revenue-producing projects; county staff and commissioners agreed to explore options and to provide monthly airport financials and minutes to the commission so the body can monitor revenue and expenses.

The commission approved the three airport resolutions during the meeting; staff said the increased sales have reduced the airport’s historical operating losses and that the supplemental appropriations are reassigning funds already collected rather than creating new expenditures from the general fund.

Ending: Commissioners requested monthly airport financial reports and minutes from the airport board and asked staff to look into longer-term options (single-point fueling, grant possibilities and truck-purchase cost) while using rental trucks in the near term.","Commissioners approved three airport-related appropriations after staff said fuel sales rose sharply. County and airport officials discussed fuel volumes, tax treatment, a rented fuel truck, and longer-term options such as single-point or overwing fueling systems.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident raises legal concerns over Benton County's First Bank building purchase; asks commission to negotiate corrective resolution

Benton County assessor outlines reasons for large reappraisal increases and next steps for appeals

Benton County Commission approves multiple budget adjustments and routine resolutions

Benton County approves additional airport appropriations as fuel sales climb; commissioners debate truck rental vs. purchase