[{"_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",5983083,"mediaKeyId","5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e","parentId",5774434,"title","Commission considers TDOT supplemental airport maintenance grant; airport manager explains allowable uses amid operational dispute","audioSeconds",121,"startMs",2760000,"endMs",2881000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e&start=2760&end=2881","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e/thumbnail_2760000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5983083/Benton-County/Tennessee/Commission-considers-TDOT-supplemental-airport-maintenance-grant-airport-manager-explains-allowable-uses-amid-operational-dispute","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983083-f2f5e9191ed9be101860fab66b854ac3/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556780&Signature=PET4gizoFfRC0wUm8P-Cm1GoM~~TosHwk7AMMbAnnwl9g6PhurPwi2yj01IFqTmbIOr4TdabhaWSZCruBotqejukZG5AXtTQK07WlHx4S3wJcrA5Jyt1M~qqshrLfIKcx~23WG3URf69K0F8nPBEEVgkzF6s3VwNiFluk2K74RK5iLFdUy94p9cSvmeM1nh4~XLgFvMd4hTS-GNWnSRKWITnsYPgbG3yOvwTHms1KyuLIwzuiF6s3J~a-2Zn4SELOhNLGolprZP3d6zww1iInKGMK6SDQNOUMUapOaDGRJg0zzcXl6PeOW07qlytuF9XzF-qgI4DiCAnT6ypJuqcfQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Benton County, TN","date","2025-09-16T13:16:17Z","article","Benton County commissioners approved a resolution to appropriate $5,250 in a supplemental Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) airport maintenance grant into the airport maintenance line. County airport manager Rita explained the supplemental grant is a maintenance fund previously received in May, and to use it before the fiscal year ends the county needs to move the money to the maintenance line for reimbursement. She said the grant pays for maintenance items such as runway and hangar lights, fuel filtration parts, mower blades and other physical maintenance supplies, but not payroll or fuel.

Commissioner Fowler asked whether the grant could be used for payroll or to hire contractors for tasks like brush hogging; Rita replied repeatedly that payroll and tank rental are not eligible expenses under the grant rules. She said the grant has been used in prior years for bulbs for runway beacons and other parts and that the airport maintains an inventory of runway parts.

The discussion included an extended exchange between Commissioner Fowler and other commissioners about airport management, profitability and alleged conflicts. Fowler said tenants had questioned whether he should vote on airport matters because of painting aircraft; another commissioner responded that the accusation referred to work done “30 years ago” and that the airport has been subject to litigation and contested operations in recent years. Chair and other commissioners recommended staff-level review of airport fuel and financial records if needed and noted that questions about alleged conflicts should be pursued separately from the grant appropriation.

The transcript records the grant explanation and the ensuing debate about acceptable uses and airport operations; commissioners voted on the airport grant resolution after the discussion. The meeting also included a separate, later procedural move to suspend rules and add a resolution to appropriate $15,009.25 for protective vests for the sheriff’s department; the commission moved to vote on that item during the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County Commission Meeting 9/15/25","oneSentenceSummary","Commissioners approved moving a TDOT supplemental maintenance grant into the airport maintenance line and questioned allowable uses; the airport manager said the funds cover maintenance items (lights, filters, parts) but not payroll, and a tense exchange followed over airport operations and alleged conflicts of interest.","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},5983089,"Commissioners flag upcoming Waste Management contract and permitted acreage ahead of 2031 expiration",273,3551000,3824000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e&start=3551&end=3824","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e/thumbnail_3551000.jpg","/articles/5983089/Benton-County/Tennessee/Commissioners-flag-upcoming-Waste-Management-contract-and-permitted-acreage-ahead-of-2031-expiration","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983089-d3b885f08a3b2103084660212bd2c8bf/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556780&Signature=R1TosQ4fqEQOCSBcRP55J1Ptf51rc5GsS~2ZqUXe1G-5X7hp8xYdrAif88YJAHv7qI8OzgJYHJFX-RkfJm~TOVKswXne6upvAXSIFLEeFauec9H-vNOwSC0rKBDddVI2PnWy5N48PwThhNky3WOPUpg9-TBg5UBbgsmMhmvyjL~7iZ~b~0SZsygbBo8N7VkDPPh8SCcZzTRN5gJGCdu1f8XhbnUl~xpVgxAh3omG3OyX4uaP7I7hS40CMkPTeGEk8G6QKJYLcXKm~oLBWS1ffLQ8ZIGBUKVyRyGSlhKyn3pO~RNSG2RWydsIWQp44u0XrXDIYkTuOjD4Twthl0JZpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Commissioner Rocky Preston raised concerns about Benton County’s host‑fee agreements with Waste Management and the landfill’s remaining permitted acreage, urging the county to plan ahead for contract renewal or expansion that may be sought before the existing permits expire.

Preston told the commission the county’s first host‑fee agreement with Waste Management was dated Dec. 22, 1992 and was for 20 years, followed by a 30‑year agreement that began June 1, 2001. He cited a Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation engineering report showing the landfill’s original permitted acreage was 167 acres, with some acres remaining, and said the state’s report indicated about 19 years of remaining life under the current permit profile. He noted the 30‑year contract will expire June 1, 2031 and suggested the county will need to be prepared for any future permit expansions or contract renegotiation.

Preston said county legal and environmental review will be necessary because (he quoted) “page 4 of the active agreement … shows language that protects Waste Management, that makes Waste Management exempt from the Tennessee Jackson law.” He said CTAS (County Technical Assistance Service) advised that any additional permitted acreage sought by Waste Management would require county approval and that the county should secure knowledgeable legal counsel to review existing contract language and to prepare for negotiations.

Mayor and staff responses in the meeting clarified administrative roles: the mayor said he is acting solid waste director currently and that staff were not aware of a formal change to the county’s named solid waste director on an external website. Commissioners suggested the appropriate next step is to discuss the matter in solid‑waste and related committees and to consider engaging an environmental attorney to review contract language and county options before any expansion or renegotiation discussions occur.

No formal motion to change or challenge the current contract was introduced during the meeting; commissioners agreed to raise the issue with the solid waste board and appropriate committees for follow-up work.","A commissioner urged the county to prepare for the Waste Management host‑fee agreement expiration and to review contract language and permitted acreage; the mayor and county staff recommended committee-level follow-up and possible legal review.",{"_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},5983093,"Benton County approves request to state for TVA acreage report amid PILOT payment concerns",251,2194000,2445000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e&start=2194&end=2445","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e/thumbnail_2194000.jpg","/articles/5983093/Benton-County/Tennessee/Benton-County-approves-request-to-state-for-TVA-acreage-report-amid-PILOT-payment-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983093-a8d26754d05e3a31f6b96d7b11a5b0ce/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556780&Signature=XD7F6rUOJ-Iq~tiJg39d1O~DCwn~K7pUE0WdlPnpecMOvOuEB6XweAfaE47QywteHbshbws39VP-7SJAHW6UqXmtbZlE3jSXjjIQmLhDwrGGn48qYtd1IYPNRqbnFA9n41d9IgEW6z4Sr0akI1VfGamk1JcYksk8rAGULjK6GBm4ztslu~TdcaZJp4UdUM0IYye-N9gQujaSYdngQVcJ7UAZj-iBHvjEbLrkzCIRakKTgI~3EFkYkW4m-DBPbRSOlOz-VTl9kTzfqHVzCYHJpg-B9shgufSu9wn2tfifP1qMoghZ73Hh8zk7gD9d33mNIzsPDcRhwEn5unFXLZEJ4Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Benton County Commission approved a resolution asking the Tennessee Department of Revenue to provide the county with the most recent report submitted by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) that lists TVA‑owned acreage within Benton County. The resolution, presented by commissioners Price and Preston and moved by Commissioner Keane with a second from Commissioner Bain, was framed as a transparency and review request related to TVA in‑lieu payments.

Commissioner Rocky Preston described comparative data showing Benton County receives lower recurring in‑lieu revenues for lakefront parcels compared with 17 East Tennessee counties he surveyed, and he read an email from a senior research associate (Bob Morella) in Tennessee government research that suggested changes in TVA acreage reporting between 2019 and 2020 altered certain counties’ PILOT allocations. Preston said the request should signal to the Department of Revenue and TVA that Benton County is monitoring acreage figures that feed the state distribution formula.

The resolution directs county staff to send a formal request to the Tennessee Department of Revenue for TVA’s most recent acreage report for Benton County; one commissioner asked the clerk to address the county’s request to the Department’s chief financial officer by name if the resolution passed. Commissioners discussed sending the request by registered mail to ensure receipt. No change to state law or distribution formulas was proposed at the meeting; the resolution seeks documentation so the county can evaluate whether reporting differences have influenced in‑lieu payments.

Recorded action: motion by Commissioner Keane, second by Commissioner Bain; commissioners proceeded to vote on the measure. The transcript records the resolution being advanced for signature and distribution; further analysis and any request for outside counsel were suggested as future steps.","Commissioners approved a resolution asking the Tennessee Department of Revenue for TVA acreage figures reported by TVA, a request prompted by concerns that Benton County’s TVA acreage entry may be lowering its in‑lieu payments.",{"_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},5983096,"Kenneth Miller elected chairman; Jeffrey Lee Murphy named chairman pro tem",277,149000,426000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e&start=149&end=426","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e/thumbnail_149000.jpg","/articles/5983096/Benton-County/Tennessee/Kenneth-Miller-elected-chairman-Jeffrey-Lee-Murphy-named-chairman-pro-tem","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983096-43e1730e93a6a4ca1e80de6a7ac13c51/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556780&Signature=IkMmFIIFH5Oqsc1ylz6arIkD3WML0gzT-tTEGpDcRO7JOiD~3XSYxNURW7x8YdPUDU7UYo5MlYILES1F0WZw1eM1nSjhpxdp~yBGr-Q5-agQALHdghIpJAoD3FbTY5gS-3eMKcgryK-tRKXe7L6fBhOx33JnQaseIZqfBJ-29zUvNcKucDA-tAFlqZk0CKd0cNDdoP2IlwhG7jRsc6pixCSI7u1HUTSJb1sXtC2v8Ja6aXS~TlBqmK5bMyiKjTd3wAPEHKJyW5JvKdXs4s7IHeUUj5Duo2MU3GPPEsJ2lyN8DWBkIqEjZXh0H~PPOzYHoIEa7-8hd60pT-kU7WUgFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benton County commissioners amended the meeting agenda to add an election for commission leadership, then re-elected Kenneth Miller as chairman and appointed Jeffrey Lee Murphy as chairman pro tem.

The agenda amendment to add the leadership election passed on a recorded vote (17 yes). During nominations, Kenneth Miller received the nomination and, after roll call, was elected chairman with 16 yes votes and one abstention. The vacancy for chairman pro tem was filled by nomination and appointment of Jeffrey Lee Murphy (appointed by acclamation after a motion to cease nominations).

The leadership votes followed a short public criticism of the previous presiding officer’s use of the chair. Commissioner Rocky Preston said he believed the chair “uses the chair to influence, in many cases, the commission vote” and that “the voice of the minority is not protected by this chair.” Miller responded to the criticism, saying the five‑minute rule cited by the critic is part of the Benton County rules of order and not a rule set by the chair. No formal disciplinary motion or policy change was introduced.

Actions recorded in the meeting: an agenda amendment to add the election carried (17 yes); nomination and roll-call election of Kenneth Miller carried (16 yes, 1 abstain); the pro tem appointment of Jeffrey Lee Murphy was completed by nomination and acclamation. The commission then continued to business under the new leadership.","The Benton County Commission amended its agenda to add leadership elections, re-elected Kenneth Miller as chairman and appointed Jeffrey Lee Murphy as chairman pro tem amid brief criticism of the prior chair's conduct.",{"_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},5983101,"Commission discusses and approves moving clerk, juvenile services and veterans offices to former electric building",905,1085000,1990000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e&start=1085&end=1990","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5774434-953abc641a2dbbedbc19d382decf2c9e/thumbnail_1085000.jpg","/articles/5983101/Benton-County/Tennessee/Commission-discusses-and-approves-moving-clerk-juvenile-services-and-veterans-offices-to-former-electric-building","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5983101-6eaa6f57bc4adb2035ab627750a8fb99/orig.mp4?Expires=1775556781&Signature=T-q9pgxqgYSOs8R65EYdpgCdeSQB3Zei8A3GdvntPzr36Fmv2sbCJcb-BpEwzWv5drkBweF~QRB0VT-BMseI~3Clo009TCiZDsy9JG~147fqF6c0grnjQTUaYYWjFgVGELWIBqt7YPYzhEmFN1TfHrSp3H1~TqH2272QfFX5e5CfVPF7XZ9hb4vZheNdQ6CJk3w5g-~ovm2TK~jaQEMMcYwW6stirtx9OZpne9~dKb0z4fPNzSJVSnlLU86zxmyR4HXeD83MGnFzFrEfPhl~vV3m735VCPK4Ck9vMIG1sKWJXR7iWp894IO6lt3IwhOAWsytmhgXVQFfDdNb2N2qCg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Benton County commissioners voted to give permission for three county offices — the county clerk, juvenile services and the veterans service officer — to relocate to the former Benton County Electric System building at 115 South Church Street in Camden. The property committee-sponsored resolutions opened after discussion about space needs, privacy and minor repairs needed at the building.

The moves, proponents said, would place high-traffic services in one location, free up space in other county buildings and create a drive-up window for quick transactions. Juvenile Services Director Beth Jackson told the commission the new layout would provide “privacy is a big issue for us” and allow families to use a coded back door rather than entering through public courthouse areas.

Commissioner Lashley, who helped craft the permission language, said the resolutions were written to grant permission only if the relocation is feasible and without causing undue cost, adding that staff told her the space could function “as is” until further upgrades are made. Commissioner Powell and others argued the building’s location and a drive-up window make it a practical site for the clerk’s public transactions and for colocating veterans and other services. Several commissioners recommended minor pre-move repairs — ceiling work, paint, carpet and a security glass partition — before any occupancy.

Opponents urged caution. One commissioner asked the board to postpone moves until other potential spaces become available (for example a bank building that may become vacant); that motion to delay did not receive a second. Commissioner Bain and others said the county already owns the former electric building and should make use of existing assets rather than acquire new property.

Votes recorded in the meeting transcript: the clerk office relocation was moved by Commissioner Keane and seconded by Commissioner Bain (motion carried); the Juvenile Services move was discussed at length and then approved, with juvenile director Beth Jackson stating she supported the relocation. The veterans office relocation was also presented by the property committee and called for a vote; no public objections were recorded during the discussion. The resolutions included instructions that renovations be limited and that usability be confirmed before a move.

The discussion included several practical clarifications: the building has a coded back entrance, a room described as a vault for secure storage, new central heat and air units, and some localized water-damage repair spots that property committee members said should be fixed before moving furniture. Commissioners asked staff to obtain estimates for small repairs and carpeting before any relocation occurs.

The commission’s action gives departments permission to relocate if the offices find the building meets operational needs; specific moves, renovation contracts and schedules will be handled by county staff and appropriate committees.

The meeting record shows the topic was discussed during property-committee items and during individual resolutions for each office.","Benton County commissioners debated space, privacy and costs before approving permission to relocate the county clerk, juvenile services and veterans offices to the former Benton County Electric System building at 115 South Church Street in Camden.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission considers TDOT supplemental airport maintenance grant; airport manager explains allowable uses amid operational dispute

Commissioners flag upcoming Waste Management contract and permitted acreage ahead of 2031 expiration

Benton County approves request to state for TVA acreage report amid PILOT payment concerns

Kenneth Miller elected chairman; Jeffrey Lee Murphy named chairman pro tem

Commission discusses and approves moving clerk, juvenile services and veterans offices to former electric building