Bradley County commissioners voted 3-2 to designate $1.8 million from county fund balance to a line item for construction of a running track at Bradley Central High School, fulfilling language in an earlier commission resolution.

The motion was introduced by Mister Hoff (name not specified), who referred to resolution 2020-24-18 and moved to "fulfill our obligations as detailed in resolution 2020-24-18" by moving $1,800,000 from fund 189 (account 991190) into the line for the track. The motion received a second and then drew extended discussion about whether placing the money in the fund now would accelerate borrowing for future school projects by reducing the pool of cash available to pay upcoming capital costs.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said moving the money into the designated line honors a prior commitment and keeps the funds available for eventual reimbursement to the school system when construction begins. Opponents warned the designation would reduce the county's ability to pay future school capital projects in cash and could require earlier borrowing, with attendant interest costs.

During debate, county finance staff and the mayor explained the mechanics: the $1.8 million will remain in the county fund drawing interest until the school system requests reimbursement; the county will write checks on a reimbursement basis when the school system submits invoices. Several commissioners questioned whether the school system had formally requested the money; staff said the track had been part of the prior resolution and that school and commission leadership had discussed sequencing of Hopewell and other projects.

Commissioners who opposed the measure urged the school system to submit a formal reimbursement request when ready and said they were reluctant to earmark the funds before the school moved forward with bids and contracts. Supporters said placing the money in the designated account avoids split funding and could reduce the school's overall borrowing needs because the county's contribution would be available when requested.

The roll call was taken by voice. The motion passed 3 in favor, 2 opposed. The action increases the budgeted expenses for fund 189 by $1,800,000 and reduces fund balance by the same amount; staff said the line will appear in the final budget book and that the funds will continue to draw interest until disbursed to the school system by reimbursement request.

The commission instructed staff to record the appropriation in the final budget documents and to leave the money in the fund until the school system requests reimbursement for project expenditures.