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Mayor reports Ward School remediation funded by state review; sidewalk, jail-site and EMS needs discussed
Summary
The county mayor reported that TDEC flagged Ward School cleanup and that lead/asbestos work will be handled under EPA/TDEC at no cost to the county; sidewalks, jail-site negotiations and EMS vehicle needs were also raised in the mayor's and committee reports.
In the mayor's report, county leadership said environmental remediation work at Ward School — specifically lead‑based paint and asbestos abatement — will be completed under an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-related process after Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) involvement, at no direct cost to the county.
The mayor said volunteers will begin cleaning the interior of Ward School and that the bid the county had received for lead/asbestos abatement, $7,500, will be addressed through TDEC/EPA coordination. "We had received a bid of $7,500 to do the lead based paint and asbestos work, but TDEC stepped in and said that, that would come under our EPA clause, and so we're getting all all that done at no cost," the mayor said. The mayor also told commissioners the project so far is privately funded and that Tennessee State University's band will visit for a halftime event and be fed at the school during the visit.
On transportation and public works, the mayor said a multimodal sidewalk project to extend sidewalks from the depot up to McMurray remains under negotiation with TDOT; TDOT had originally estimated a three-year project and is expected to provide additional funds at a future date. The mayor also said he is negotiating with the Holder family to acquire extra footage adjacent to the jail property and that county staff plan to clear a row of trees as part of site preparation.
Committee reports noted emergency services and law enforcement needs: EMS reported a need for a new ambulance (staff cited options including a remount at about $109,000 or a new ambulance near $300,000) and law enforcement raised continued need for a communications tower near Gravely Hill to improve radio reception. The 9‑1‑1 office reportedly has funds set aside to help support building the tower. Fire services reported higher brush-fire activity and said their staffing is at 20 personnel.
Parks and recreation committee discussion included debate about whether to open and refurbish the county swimming pool for the 2026 season; the committee recommended tabling the decision until staff could get additional figures. The pool discussion was deferred for a month to gather more data.
The mayor closed by inviting questions and noting additional updates would be provided as staff completes negotiations and project planning.
