Committee approves $20,000 purchase of mobile storage unit for circuit court clerk

The White County Budget Committee voted to buy a 24‑by‑36 double‑wide mobile building to provide on‑site storage for the Circuit Court Clerk, approving a purchase price of $20,000 and an appropriation to cover the cost.

Commissioner Derek Hutchings reported the clerk had an existing temporary storage allocation but had not used it. Hutchings said he located a vendor in Murfreesboro offering a double‑wide unit that "has heating and air conditioning, which meets the requirements for our, storage." Hutchings added he obtained a quote of $20,000 for purchase, delivery and set‑up and that Beverly (the clerk) had approved the option.

Committee discussion and vote

Committee members clarified prior allocations: there was confusion over whether the committee previously allocated $1,500, $15,000 or some other amount for temporary storage. Chad Martin, finance staff member, said purchases under $25,000 required two competitive quotes. Hutchings offered a motion to add funds and move forward with the purchase; the motion was amended on the floor to appropriate $18,500 in addition to previously allocated funds so the total appropriation equaled $20,000. The amended motion passed on voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Conditions and next steps

Martin noted procurement procedures for purchases under $25,000 require additional quotes; Hutchings said the vendor indicated several identical units were on‑site and could be held while the county completed approvals. The committee directed staff to proceed with the purchase process and appropriate the funds.