[{"_1":2,"_87":-5,"_88":-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],{"_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",6125685,"mediaKeyId","2676421-89eec12fa543e5b08db79bc4ef6d8c03","parentId",2676421,"title","Commission approves $88,500 skylight replacement and interior repairs for Van Buren County jail after contractor Q&A","audioSeconds",179,"startMs",1088635,"endMs",1267945,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676421-89eec12fa543e5b08db79bc4ef6d8c03&start=1088&end=1267","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676421-89eec12fa543e5b08db79bc4ef6d8c03/thumbnail_1088635.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125685/Van-Buren-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-88500-skylight-replacement-and-interior-repairs-for-Van-Buren-County-jail-after-contractor-QA","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125685-152855a267e579d6fdd6e942c1d43788/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183324&Signature=P-DjH7i88B9MK3cUs21PiGe3SLsg8FRmazh3NAitgs4z0TKYhmJPadyJVjZk3fHHLMSgbq0xpFSge-xnSJbdWCakcPD3laLBp-CQEGGidrJGsjarCrG32PCWesw2j1OQdjSJaV7nP~qYvZEAofJ0VB30onR7HWL2htBxdIMCC0kwHewNKZTWOjAg75It-9gswwa-Ew1asx6g3npHoBYo4uQyyEdxR0y4~fpMVaqEazv0F-F0K0eRuz5m9fLvdEQOt37vX2OM6KMYCr1q0R0yiPuhxPE~cKjyyGT7H8IsBJxFYhObIiQiqxksfIfL-pOK1K62T-buNLjz2VKDMRJnrg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Van Buren County, TN","date","2025-03-18T12:25:57Z","article","The Van Buren County Commission on Jan. 21 approved a bid to replace skylights and repair interior damage at the county jail, citing repeated leaks and interior ceiling damage.

The bid accepted at the meeting (stated in the transcript as $88,500) covers removal and replacement of approximately 31 skylights, interior drywall patching and repainting and related labor and materials. During a lengthy discussion, an outside contractor who prepared the bid described scope and timeline: delivery and installation scheduling, warranty coverage and contingency for any structural issues discovered during removal. The contractor said manufacturers carry warranties that cover glass failure for manufacturing defects, and the contractor planned to provide a labor warranty.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the skylights have caused interior damage that must be repaired to stop ongoing degradation of jail cells and ceilings. County officials also said they are pursuing recovery of costs from the original installer; the commission referenced a mediator and an attorney, Howard Vogel of Knoxville, who is engaged in a potential dispute-resolution process.

Key exchange and scope

- Contractor’s scope: The contractor stated the bid covered the skylight units and interior repairs, and estimated the work would take about a week to install the external skylights once materials arrived, with interior repairs to follow as staff and security allow. The contractor noted the units would be crated and freighted and that he would be on site when they arrived.

- Wind-rating and specification problem: The contractor and commissioners discussed that prior skylights did not meet the correct wind-rating for the area; the contractor said he was asked to price units rated for 120 mph winds, and that earlier units were at much lower wind ratings, which likely contributed to failures.

- Warranty and durability: The contractor said manufacturers typically provide long-term warranties for manufacturing defects in glazing, and that he would provide a labor warranty for his installation.

- Payment terms and scheduling: The contractor discussed requiring 50% up front to order materials and to begin the project; commissioners raised questions about itemized costs and whether the county could reclaim money from prior installers or manufacturers. The county reported engaging mediator Howard Vogel and representing the county’s intent to recover losses through mediation where appropriate.

Vote and record: The motion to accept the bid was recorded as approved in the meeting; the transcript records an abstention by one commissioner during the vote and otherwise records affirmative roll calls. The clerk’s roll calls that followed show the motion carried and the commission directed staff to proceed with contract execution.

Implementation notes: County staff said they will request an itemized breakdown of the bid if needed, coordinate shipping and storage so expensive skylight units are not left on site undelivered and schedule interior work with jail staff to minimize disruption. The commission asked the contractor to provide a ship date and committed to a contact person for project coordination.

Sources: Discussion and motion recorded in the Van Buren County Commission transcript, Jan. 21, 2025; remarks from contractor and county commissioners as recorded in the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Van Buren County Commission Meeting March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners approved a bid to replace 31 skylights and repair interior damage at the county jail. Discussion focused on wind-rating specifications, manufacturer warranties and the county's pursuit of reimbursement through mediation.","taxTitle","Van Buren County, Tennessee","taxId",73408,"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},6125690,"Van Buren County Commission approves multiple budget moves, equipment purchases and facility repairs; sets local fees and signage",3679,4961,3684645,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2676421-89eec12fa543e5b08db79bc4ef6d8c03&start=4&end=3684","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2676421-89eec12fa543e5b08db79bc4ef6d8c03/thumbnail_4961.jpg","/articles/6125690/Van-Buren-County/Tennessee/Van-Buren-County-Commission-approves-multiple-budget-moves-equipment-purchases-and-facility-repairs-sets-local-fees-and-signage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125690-69d85bf7b1117c784a324ab180e354a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771183324&Signature=kEoC0~qB8XQZUuMYodRcwRTSoAdezrZoYpB2dJZGMTJ-ZiyYklATviSO85SIejuas65sE0f8xYjsJrsDDWfE82qnhw0i-QshsKqDoFfnqyY8I1H6TaK7SrAS20IoTZ8UDl4cZGOKjtM9uLkyF2DPjAzVdvTs46-3jkGe2MCvP74qt4L0rPEFoa60PZA9gBG9AljoTi5SezG2sWOMOoIDXf0jECd7RjZJDcmx95DCTAUrusbWRWqKS~xcdCA0tNN7sZZ4Pf7DcmeeGFzwYuUSDVYyPDjGk-sb5ub2OsCx92S4Q1twr1wosCus-o25QEaIOTehgHmh2vMijZl6cVZEEQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Van Buren County Commission on Jan. 21 approved a package of motions that included budget transfers, equipment purchases and contracts, along with local policy items and committee reports.

The commission approved budget reallocations across several departments, authorized purchase of a 2025 Ford Interceptor SUV for the sheriff's department, authorized repairs and replacement of jail skylights through a contractor bid, funded signage at the Piney Convenience Center, approved a pay rate of $25 per meeting for the grant committee and approved multiple school and departmental line-item transfers. Several other routine items — notary approvals, quarterly reports and committee minutes — were also approved.

Why it matters: The actions reallocate existing funds rather than increasing the overall county budget and fund short-term operating needs and capital repairs (notably the jail roof/skylight work and a sheriff vehicle). The votes move money between line items for payroll, insurance overcharge corrections, custodial supplies, and equipment purchases that county staff said were required for operations.

Most significant details

- Jail skylight repairs: The commission accepted a bid for skylight replacement and associated interior repairs (contract amount stated in the meeting as $88,500). The bid acceptance was recorded as approved with one abstention noted in the transcript. County leaders said the work is necessary to stop ongoing interior damage and to preserve the county’s ability to pursue recovery of damages from the original installer; a mediator and attorney (Howard Vogel) were referenced in the discussion about pursuing reimbursement.

- Sheriff vehicle: The commission moved $58,468 to purchase a 2025 Ford Interceptor SUV for the sheriff’s department, including emergency equipment and prisoner transport cage. County officials said the purchase is part of a rotation plan to replace high-mileage patrol vehicles.

- Emergency medical services: The commission approved funding to cover an extra 12-hour shift to maintain a second ambulance as needed, with an estimated maximum additional cost described in the meeting as $6,300.

- Signage and convenience center: The commission approved up to $400 for two entrance and two exit signs at the Piney Convenience Center. Commissioners discussed sign material (aluminum) and durability as the justification for the cost.

- Grant committee pay and other routine actions: The commission approved a $25 per-meeting stipend for the grant committee and made multiple smaller budget transfers for custodial supplies, overtime reimbursements, security-system battery/UPS upgrades and school system line-item cleanups.

Votes at a glance (items recorded in the meeting transcript)

- Approve Committee A report for 02/03/2025 — approved (roll call recorded).
- Set grant committee pay at $25 per meeting and create new line item — approved (motion by Kale Crane; seconded; roll call recorded).
- Allot up to $400 for Piney Convenience Center signage (two entrances, two exits) — approved (motion by Kale Crane; seconded; roll call recorded).
- Transfer $8,000 for custodial supplies (jail) — approved (motion by Kale Crane; seconded; roll call recorded).
- Authorize cover for extra 12-hour shift to staff second ambulance (expected highest cost $6,300) — approved (motion by Kale Crane; seconded; roll call recorded).
- Accept bid of $6,580 from King of Spray Foam Insulation for Ammont Service — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Note of donated recliners (no formal action required) and arrival of a new ambulance (no vote required).
- Committee B recommended posting a 25 mph speed limit on Stony Mountain Point Road — recommended to commission and recorded as approved in committee action.
- Approve solid waste 10-year plan and annual progress report presented by Lisa Luck — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Transfer $2,011.23 for sheriff department overtime (reimbursement/grant funds) — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Transfer $5,915 for other supplies/materials for TCI Grama — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Transfer $500 to cover bureau board meetings — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Approve exclusion from solid waste sanitation fee for a property at 51 Feed Store Road (Joe Chandler) — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Move $2,740 to cover overcharges for liability and workers’ compensation insurance — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Accept bid for skylights and repairs for the jail (bid amount recorded in meeting as $88,500) — approved; abstention recorded for one commissioner on the transcript (see full discussion article for context).
- Transfer $58,468 to purchase 2025 Ford Interceptor SUV for sheriff — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Move $1,377 to communications line item for upgrades/repair of current security systems and cameras (UPS/extended runtime battery pack) — approved after rewording of the motion (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Multiple school fund line-item transfers and cleanups as presented — approved (motions recorded; roll calls recorded).
- Deny removal of Sky Distribution from the solid waste fee on electric bill — motion to deny approved (roll call recorded).
- Approve quarterly reports for ambulance, clerk and master, highway, school, solid waste and sheriff departments — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Approve resolution authorizing the sale of two unclaimed/abandoned motorcycles under Tenn. Code Ann. § 55-31-303 and disposition of proceeds as stated in the resolution — approved (motion recorded; roll call recorded).
- Approve routine notary certifications (Catherine Elizabeth Lee, Caroline Delone) — approved (motions recorded; roll calls recorded).

What the record shows and limits: The meeting transcript records each motion and multiple roll-call confirmations that items were approved. Several votes were summarized by the clerk as “all members in favor” and roll-call lists followed; where the transcript includes a specific abstention that detail is reported above (skylight bid). The transcript does not always supply a single consolidated tally for every vote; the meeting text repeatedly records “all members in favor” in roll calls rather than a numeric yes/no breakdown for every item.

Background: Commissioners repeatedly described a need to maintain county infrastructure (jail repairs, EMS coverage, vehicle rotation) and to correct budget line items that were under- or mis-budgeted. Several purchases were described as being on state contracts or state bids; in some cases staff said suppliers were chosen from state-contract vendors.

Next steps and follow-ups: Several actions require implementation by county staff (ordering the sheriff vehicle, contracting for skylight work, ordering signage and completing fund transfers). The jail skylight item included discussion of pursuing cost recovery and a mediator engaged to help with claims against the original installer; staff indicated additional documentation and scheduling will follow.

Sources: Motions, votes and discussion recorded in the Van Buren County Commission meeting transcript, Jan. 21, 2025.","At its Jan. 21 meeting the Van Buren County Commission approved a series of budget transfers, equipment purchases, contract awards and local policy items including jail skylight repairs, a sheriff vehicle purchase, sign funding for a convenience center and multiple school and departmental fund reallocations.","actionData","errors"]

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Commission approves $88,500 skylight replacement and interior repairs for Van Buren County jail after contractor Q&A

Van Buren County Commission approves multiple budget moves, equipment purchases and facility repairs; sets local fees and signage