Blount County Commission adopts budget increases for medical examiner services, school HVAC and records shelving

The Blount County Commission on Sept. 18 adopted four budget-increase resolutions to fund medical examiner services, replace school HVAC units, reserve contingencies for planned school projects and purchase high-density records shelving.

Resolution 2509001 authorized a $474,036.64 budget increase in Central Services to appropriate general county funds and enter into a multiyear contract with the Knox County Regional Forensic Center for medical examiner services. Commissioner Acard moved the resolution; Commissioner Giles seconded. The clerk announced 14 yes votes and the resolution was adopted.

Resolution 2509002 authorized a $377,975 budget increase for Blount County Schools to appropriate education capital funds to replace outdated HVAC units at ECCA. Commissioner Bright moved the resolution and Commissioner Davis seconded; the clerk announced the vote in favor and the resolution was adopted.

Resolution 2509003 authorized a $175,000 budget increase for Blount County Schools to set aside contingency funds for multiple planned projects in fiscal year 25-26. Commissioner Davis moved the resolution with a second from Commissioner Hannah; the clerk announced the motion carried with 14 yes votes.

Resolution 2509004 authorized a $156,271.22 budget increase in General Services to appropriate capital funds for the purchase of high-density shelving for county records. Commissioner Davis moved the resolution and Commissioner Giles seconded; the clerk announced 14 yes votes and the resolution was adopted.

All four resolutions were referred to the full commission with favorable recommendations from the budget committee and were adopted by roll-call vote during the meeting.