[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,98,110],{"_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",6560770,"mediaKeyId","3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9","parentId",3310202,"title","Roane County commission approves a slate of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments","audioSeconds",680,"startMs",2634000,"endMs",3314000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9&start=2634&end=3314","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9/thumbnail_2634000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560770/Roane-County/Tennessee/Roane-County-commission-approves-a-slate-of-resolutions-appointments-and-budget-adjustments","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560770-1682d0a87a563129eb41404485deb9ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1775333976&Signature=GIBLb1LjTTyVtzXmreMpA-3E8RzD85k8Q4XVzlNPG9QCAq1wmZRDtgeIybWNl4aH3MldHn1J1fMZFkO8qvt1t43hcN3yvW7peDl67RviG3ZmTYhIktAcuBjaEzN2gzGA3L9fOzYqLhLXVMJftqJqIyLxeWGLAPKIYRCEYbBdKyhTS9GCHQ5zWAtTHhvwOvCfO~UAgj9RiSVvigo5TA6zfN6DM-DU~zrTsTUkBxmS3vRqPfUl5U7dh7xTzOdHdS48Uh2BmXWHLqVX3Tj9t6BI2eYxfQHzZDk~7PpbvxbIbmVRaTgQVAXAitEnxV-9WWXtpBXWJP1STkl~PuGJR3kFNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Roane County, TN","date","2025-05-12T00:00:00Z","article","Roane County commissioners approved a package of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments at their May meeting, including authorization for county legal action on specific tax-foreclosed properties and a $100,000 transfer to shore up ambulance service finances.

The commission voted on a series of formal items with little public debate. Most motions were moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote (recorded in the minutes as “motion carries 15”). The approved items updated revenue and expenditure lines across several county funds, confirmed one appointment, authorized property-related legal action and approved an assistance agreement for emergency services.

Key votes and outcomes

- O52501 — Resolution authorizing the county attorney to file lawsuits against listed property owners (two parcels were removed from the list before the vote). Motion by Commissioner Wilson; second by Commissioner Gannon. Motion carried 15-0.

- Appointment — Confirmation of Sherrill Action to the Roane County Board of Equalization (term through 05/30/2026). Motion by Doug; second by Hendrickson. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52502 — Resolution to name a private drive in the first school district (822 Renfro Road). Motion by Henderson; second by Cunningham. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52503 — Resolution reflecting changes to revenue/expenditures in the general fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Dove. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52504 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes for the Drug Control Fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Duff; second by Parks. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52505 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes for the Opioid Abatement Fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Duff. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52506 — Resolution reflecting changes to revenues for the Debt Service (Bond Fund 151, fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Duff; second by Gannon. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52507 — Resolution to amend the General Capital Project Fund 171 (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Doug; second by Kirby. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52508 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes in the employee dental insurance fund (fund 264, fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Berry. Motion carried 15-0.

- Surplus designation — Resolution placing listed vehicles and equipment in surplus (dated 04/30/2025). Motion by Brackett; second by Henderson. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52510 — Resolution approving an assistance agreement between Roane County, Mercy Medical Services and Whitewell Fire Department. Motion by Kirby; second by Doug. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52511 — Resolution to increase cash flow in the Ambulance Fund (Fund 118) for fiscal 2024–25, including a $100,000 appropriation to cover short-term payroll and operations. Motion by Wilson; second by Doug. Motion carried 15-0.

How the meeting proceeded

Clerical approvals were handled early (minutes and notary lists), and committee reports were accepted. Several budget- and revenue-related resolutions were presented primarily as routine adjustments after additional receipts or shortfalls were identified; commissioners generally moved the items in sequence with minimal discussion. The assistance agreement and the ambulance cash-flow resolution drew more discussion (see separate article on EMS funding). The resolution authorizing the county attorney to pursue litigation on certain properties was noted to have two parcels removed from the list before the vote.

What this means

The actions formally revise fiscal-year 2024–25 budgets and allow the county to pursue legal remedies related to specific tax-case properties. The $100,000 appropriation and immediate fee-rate adjustments for ambulance services are intended to keep emergency medical services solvent until additional revenue takes effect. The approval of the assistance agreement formalizes cooperation with Mercy Medical Services and a local fire department for emergency coverage.

Provenance

Topic introduced: \"O 5 25 0 1, a resolution authorizing the county attorney to file a lawsuit\" (transcript excerpt beginning at 2634.645). Topic finished: \"Motion carries 15\" (multiple vote confirmations throughout the record, e.g., 3194.5251–3197.8052 indicating motion carried for ambulance funding).","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Roane County Commission Meeting - May 12, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Roane County commissioners approved a package of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments at their May meeting, including authorization for county legal action on specific tax-foreclosed properties and a $100,000 transfer to shore up ambulance service finances.","taxTitle","Roane County, Tennessee","taxId",71285,"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},6560760,"County, school system prepare RFQ for long-term capital planning; commissioners press for transparency on timelines",673,1871000,2544000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9&start=1871&end=2544","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9/thumbnail_1871000.jpg","/articles/6560760/Roane-County/Tennessee/County-school-system-prepare-RFQ-for-long-term-capital-planning-commissioners-press-for-transparency-on-timelines","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560760-79cabe6dd3beaa07bf70e208de1f8660/orig.mp4?Expires=1775333976&Signature=iXHu9wAHVt5zJ-HfyX63NaQUf4wrhAvipa3X1o~GFofnP~KWySoNsJ~~SNLpjrf1LXChygY~NimUyilakTzB7cM0FOzEAnqu7BQ43GVxGkdpq6E8g3~Y3dYIVblmZWYxGwSKlO5SFiHYsFsAjIkALKPDnk365BLEYs5mPn1~ym2RwFnZ7gjEzQZK5KVUoQm~lzGJGpm6ZADddDcb~2g4KYQsCRHdSlnuazAZpuJ2Q6YPfsjbjqA7F8d~luYeWDbkZoeUbm2KxPtPV2VE1CQzND7UBOWjoKB6tTyHFLXCuWFMAQrf1~O5bC6vo5xZxVBSBO2gqdHcAd0ezhqwfINJsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County and school officials told the commission they have drafted a request for qualifications (RFQ) to hire a firm to lead long-term capital planning for the school system. The RFQ, if approved by the school board at its upcoming meeting, will be issued immediately.

County Executive and staff said the RFQ is intended to produce a system-wide study of current conditions, past plans and future needs, and to return broader recommendations about timing, scale and priorities. \"This firm will not tell the school board, build this building on this property at this time,\" a county official said, emphasizing the RFQ is for planning rather than mandating specific projects.

Commissioners questioned whether the process puts the school system on a fast track to construction and raised concerns about how any large capital program would be funded. One commissioner said a $100 million building program would likely require a tax increase and asked whether the county is prepared to make that decision; county leadership said more planning and funding work is required before any tax or bond proposal would be presented.

Several commissioners asked that the school board provide live-streaming access to its meetings and, until that service is available, consider meeting at the county chamber so more residents can view proceedings. The county executive said the RFQ includes a timeline and that short-term needs could be addressed separately from the long-term study.

There was no county vote on the RFQ at the commission meeting; the RFQ will go before the school board, which the county executive said is scheduled to consider it at its next meeting.

Provenance

Topic introduced: County executive describes RFQ scope and timeline, referencing the February 28 vote to move forward with RFQ (transcript ~1871–1923). Topic finished: Commissioners discuss funding timelines and request live streaming for school-board meetings (transcript ~2346–2424).","County and school-system leaders said they will issue an RFQ for a firm to produce a long-term capital plan; the RFQ is for system-wide study and will not direct site-specific construction.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":46,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560765,"Roane County approves $100,000 emergency transfer and immediate fee increase for ambulance services",175,3139000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9&start=3139&end=3314","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9/thumbnail_3139000.jpg","/articles/6560765/Roane-County/Tennessee/Roane-County-approves-100000-emergency-transfer-and-immediate-fee-increase-for-ambulance-services","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560765-da774259f46353d7e6a624445098b3ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1775333976&Signature=EaFZkIzGTHbAj6YAwHkwbUToWRqt~zpFZSzbeBsrkvbIbXvQ6R891gkGAFqYhXujvecPoxSxWlb6U1g14DLIriWsH0GL6C8lpyOZ8geTaCXBqpI0H~yOlSdVOkhjfbutjpREYCYL9E62-ff2k06lLXzPBepM8vnuP0xUQQb8cD~i2LIeublg8lRFCabZ9uneyXZzbfUaEgfGkcVprDlued7uNjxVh9rWbkOK8vhg~ux3q4~0~88EQtM7QBAcJKnw26P4YfZlmQpSlsqeeL3TRhnDSZ2rFtY1VH00ySkrXse2JCrZ-T7p4lN-3wS1AJYrcCsBjJ4dfy0wFSdyUb2tUA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Roane County Commission voted unanimously to transfer $100,000 into the county Ambulance Fund (Fund 118) and to make ambulance fee increases effective immediately, steps county leaders said were necessary to cover payroll and operations while revenues recover.

Commissioner Wilson presented the item, saying the county recognized a shortfall in ambulance revenues after call volumes dropped. \"To keep us afloat, we need to have a premier ambulance service,\" Wilson said during the meeting. He told commissioners that fee increases scheduled for July 1 were moved up to provide earlier revenue.

County staff explained the shortfall stemmed from continued declines in call volume countywide and lower-than-expected receipts from hospital-related transports. A staff speaker noted the fee increases adopted last year would have sufficed if call volumes had remained steady, but the county now faces a timing gap between when costs occur and when increased rates take effect.

The action approved an emergency appropriation of $100,000 to cover immediate payroll and operational expenses and directed staff to implement the revised fee schedule immediately rather than on July 1. The motion was moved by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Doug and recorded in the minutes as \"motion carries 15.\"

Commissioners and staff said the county will continue to monitor EMS call volumes and revenue, and return to the commission with updated financial reports. The motion included a directive for Finance and Emergency Services to report back after the new rates are in effect and to provide an updated fund status.

Provenance

Topic introduced: Commissioner Wilson presents ambulance fund shortfall and recommendation for emergency appropriation and fee changes (transcript ~3139–3197). Topic finished: Commission records motion carries 15 for O52511 (transcript ~3194–3197).","Commissioners approved a $100,000 appropriation to the county ambulance fund and directed immediate fee increases after officials said call volumes and revenues fell short of projections.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560752,"Public commenters raise lawsuit claims, event invitations and neighborhood concerns at Roane County meeting",465,507000,972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9&start=507&end=972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9/thumbnail_507000.jpg","/articles/6560752/Roane-County/Tennessee/Public-commenters-raise-lawsuit-claims-event-invitations-and-neighborhood-concerns-at-Roane-County-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560752-46b55cb4c24325dde6ed786afa2f016e/orig.mp4?Expires=1775333976&Signature=j4iN37-2LPICeTSrIa9ok~AJX-FHlry1tXG19RTSHttgl~1I8Kbh7aY7fti~-dDtNJBYs741cXlv~QmDa2rjDx3bGcxd5wVGLYHAAjt5xOxaJFBLjOyf5rcZbF7L5Mx2s5KqWqbR2LwUNik8bfK3FFnBRwnnA95ImHPy3djnz1puW0-uPToKi4M11iJHLBrW8g7k0-4HdXR9fMxJh9Koj~21SLgDOFiyazYH3mXarZNZ2HmkpV7OmJ2nf9l4HKjjTqWpOcLvi4PhO85MdgTXQ3fK9-wvmQGWp2P7nOal~6Y3s2wwk46cKxaQngV9d1uWoNN1TIXiM~PpFVAcVSCSvQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Speakers used the meeting's public-comment period to invite commissioners to local events, raise constituent concerns and submit documents for the record.

Dennis Walsh of Rockwood invited commissioners to a community event at the Kingston Community Center. Ed Martin raised questions about a recent county action related to trees and a prior vote; he asked staff for clarity on next steps after learning enforcement typically follows a filed complaint. Several commissioners encouraged follow-up and said staff would look into the locations mentioned.

Rocky Houston of Kansas City identified himself as the speaker who delivered a packet to commissioners and said he had filed a civil lawsuit on May 11 that alleges signature forgeries and other matters; he asked that a 25-page document and six exhibits be included in the meeting minutes. The chairman responded that the matter is a legal issue and that county staff would not comment on active litigation. Houston repeatedly characterized the issue as a federal crime and requested it be made part of the record; the meeting minutes should be checked for any attachments recorded by the clerk.

Speakers were limited to three minutes each under the meeting rules. The commission did not take action on the complaints during the public-comment period but directed staff where appropriate to follow up on constituent inquiries.

Provenance

Topic introduced: Public-comment period begins and Dennis Walsh speaks (transcript ~507–546). Topic finished: Rocky Houston's remarks and request to enter exhibits into minutes (transcript ~572–800).","During the public-comment period, speakers invited commissioners to community events, reported neighborhood property/tree concerns, and one commenter alleged he had filed a lawsuit and requested exhibits be entered into the record.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560757,"Commission authorizes legal action on listed tax-case properties; county staff to analyze several parcels that reverted to the county",2557,237000,2794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9&start=237&end=2794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3310202-463c8af761548eb8f08ad9169018a6f9/thumbnail_237000.jpg","/articles/6560757/Roane-County/Tennessee/Commission-authorizes-legal-action-on-listed-tax-case-properties-county-staff-to-analyze-several-parcels-that-reverted-to-the-county","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560757-71494cff2976e6d638a58de59deeb486/orig.mp4?Expires=1775333976&Signature=eY2tHr9ieX~oa7HHL7mdBATYRWNZkcSkG9IYm3vCaOXxGRECU4KzCBZUntl2mPx~5h5m8~slhC6-0yWdNZl-gG098wPbXkJAoBRFwhBjB7fGEoxFN9Ndwb-AGjgthMhNUNII4yLPljNguhc4ymGXdpaOjhSpdH83P2bcN30NjUIyEmPPAoAgrSdKGlvymI67324q3DAlDL2pbP2~fWjPtp4ZX8xhdASQKKcwig04dfFVZxopGZfHLmU~WKSH9QQDSZUCE0ziEHAuWQYCLYOV7UgdynaeG-Vxm2EWrx40jC6pnSvtKHfznrV6f5Q~Xwn-VDof-aonlEE7JWP3R-~3vg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Roane County commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the county attorney to file lawsuits against owners of properties listed in the attached case file; the chair said two parcel entries were removed from the list prior to the vote.

The motion (O52501) was moved by Commissioner Wilson and seconded by Commissioner Gannon and carried by unanimous vote as recorded in the minutes. The chair specifically noted that two entries (identified in the meeting record as removed) were omitted before the resolution was adopted.

Separately, county staff reported that multiple properties that were advertised for bid either sold or fell to the county; staff said the code office is evaluating 4–5 parcels that reverted to county ownership and will return with recommendations within a few weeks. The staff presentation did not list sale prices or identify each parcel in the public discussion; commissioners asked that staff provide more information at an upcoming meeting.

The county executive also said the county is coordinating with multiple agencies on a nearby property (referred to in the meeting as Carbon Rivers) and that the City of Oak Ridge is pursuing a rezoning that county officials hope may lead to a higher-and-better use of that land. The county executive said Roane County is working with state agencies on the matter.

Provenance

Topic introduced: Discussion of properties that reverted to county and code-office evaluation (transcript ~237.16–259.43). Topic finished: Authorization of county attorney to proceed with lawsuits (O52501) (transcript ~2634–2644).","Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the county attorney to file lawsuits regarding specified properties removed two parcel identifiers before the vote. County staff reported several properties from recent tax sales have reverted to the county and are under evaluation for disposition.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Roane County commission approves a slate of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments

County, school system prepare RFQ for long-term capital planning; commissioners press for transparency on timelines

Roane County approves $100,000 emergency transfer and immediate fee increase for ambulance services

Public commenters raise lawsuit claims, event invitations and neighborhood concerns at Roane County meeting

Commission authorizes legal action on listed tax-case properties; county staff to analyze several parcels that reverted to the county