Sullivan County Commission approves teacher bonus funds, jail grant, FEMA generators, appointments and a property sale

The Sullivan County Commission on Monday approved a package of resolutions and appointments that included $1,393,980 in state teacher bonus reimbursement for the Sullivan County Board of Education, acceptance of a sheriff's department grant for jail phone and video services, a FEMA grant for emergency generators, three appointments to the Emergency Communications District Board and authorization to advertise a county-owned parcel for sale.

The actions come as the county moves money and personnel into school, emergency-preparedness and detention accounts. Commissioner Manover sponsored the school funds resolution; Commissioner Crosswhite handled the sheriff's grant; Commissioner Crosswhite also described the FEMA generator award; and Commissioners Crawford, Mays, Cole and Cowden led several appointments. All recorded votes on these items passed by the required majorities.

The teacher bonus reimbursement resolution authorizes the county to recognize and accept state grant funds into the Sullivan County Board of Education general fund in an amount not to exceed $1,393,980. "We're actually just a conduit to get the money to those teachers, and we're proud to do that," Commissioner Vanover said during discussion, thanking county staff and school officials for coordinating the funding.

During discussion of the sheriff's grant, commissioners questioned what the funds would be used for and requested lists of purchases. Sheriff's office representatives and supporters said the money will be used to offset jail-related costs and purchases as needs arise, including phone and video systems for the facility. Commissioner Crosswhite said the intent is for the funds to be used for the jail and that many items have already been purchased; he told the commission the money "would offset the jail budget going into next year." The measure was approved after a brief recess and discussion about the precise…