Commission moves to reestablish Public Services Committee, creates separate appeals panel under TCA 5-1-115
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Summary
The county commission voted to reinstate a Public Services Committee with rulemaking and enforcement authority under Tennessee Code Annotated §5-1-115 and created a separate five-member appeals committee to avoid conflicts of interest in enforcement of “dirty lot” regulations.
The Blount County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 12 voted in workshop to move a resolution to the full commission that would reestablish the county’s Public Services Committee and provide for the hearings and enforcement procedures required by Tennessee Code Annotated §5-1-115.
Commissioner French, who introduced the item, told the meeting the committee as originally established in 2001 and reaffirmed in 2004 had authority to adopt rules and pursue enforcement of the county’s “dirty lot” code. He said a resolution adopted two years earlier had reduced that body’s authority to appeals only, leaving the county without a committee that could adopt enforcement rules and move to remediate properties in violation.
The rewrite presented to commissioners reinstates the original committee’s authority to make rules and enforce the TCA provision and also establishes a separate five-member appeals committee. Under the proposed language no member may serve on both bodies simultaneously; the appeals panel membership would be recommended by Jeff Hedrick, the highway superintendent, echoing the original appointment process.
Commissioners said the change restores a structure they said was effective in earlier years and ensures separation between those who set and enforce rules and those who hear appeals. The resolution states the committee will follow attorney guidance on enforcement actions, and that a previously created fund — reportedly seeded at $100,000 years ago to pay for cleanup actions — exists for remediation costs.
The motion to place the resolution on the full commission agenda was made by Commissioner French and seconded by Commissioner Caldwell; the workshop recorded 19 yes votes to advance the item.
Why it matters: reestablishing the committee restores a local apparatus for enforcing property-maintenance standards that supporters say can address neighborhood nuisances and safety risks. Creating a separate appeals panel aims to improve due process and reduce perceived conflicts of interest.
What’s next: the resolution will appear on the full commission’s next meeting agenda for final action; the county clerk and legal counsel will supply the formal resolution text and membership recommendations for the appeals panel.
