Roane County commission approves a slate of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments

Roane County commissioners approved a package of resolutions, appointments and budget adjustments at their May meeting, including authorization for county legal action on specific tax-foreclosed properties and a $100,000 transfer to shore up ambulance service finances.

The commission voted on a series of formal items with little public debate. Most motions were moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous voice vote (recorded in the minutes as “motion carries 15”). The approved items updated revenue and expenditure lines across several county funds, confirmed one appointment, authorized property-related legal action and approved an assistance agreement for emergency services.

Key votes and outcomes

- O52501 — Resolution authorizing the county attorney to file lawsuits against listed property owners (two parcels were removed from the list before the vote). Motion by Commissioner Wilson; second by Commissioner Gannon. Motion carried 15-0.

- Appointment — Confirmation of Sherrill Action to the Roane County Board of Equalization (term through 05/30/2026). Motion by Doug; second by Hendrickson. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52502 — Resolution to name a private drive in the first school district (822 Renfro Road). Motion by Henderson; second by Cunningham. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52503 — Resolution reflecting changes to revenue/expenditures in the general fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Dove. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52504 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes for the Drug Control Fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Duff; second by Parks. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52505 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes for the Opioid Abatement Fund (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Duff. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52506 — Resolution reflecting changes to revenues for the Debt Service (Bond Fund 151, fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Duff; second by Gannon. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52507 — Resolution to amend the General Capital Project Fund 171 (fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Doug; second by Kirby. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52508 — Resolution reflecting revenue changes in the employee dental insurance fund (fund 264, fiscal 2024–25). Motion by Wilson; second by Berry. Motion carried 15-0.

- Surplus designation — Resolution placing listed vehicles and equipment in surplus (dated 04/30/2025). Motion by Brackett; second by Henderson. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52510 — Resolution approving an assistance agreement between Roane County, Mercy Medical Services and Whitewell Fire Department. Motion by Kirby; second by Doug. Motion carried 15-0.

- O52511 — Resolution to increase cash flow in the Ambulance Fund (Fund 118) for fiscal 2024–25, including a $100,000 appropriation to cover short-term payroll and operations. Motion by Wilson; second by Doug. Motion carried 15-0.

How the meeting proceeded

Clerical approvals were handled early (minutes and notary lists), and committee reports were accepted. Several budget- and revenue-related resolutions were presented primarily as routine adjustments after additional receipts or shortfalls were identified; commissioners generally moved the items in sequence with minimal discussion. The assistance agreement and the ambulance cash-flow resolution drew more discussion (see separate article on EMS funding). The resolution authorizing the county attorney to pursue litigation on certain properties was noted to have two parcels removed from the list before the vote.

What this means

The actions formally revise fiscal-year 2024–25 budgets and allow the county to pursue legal remedies related to specific tax-case properties. The $100,000 appropriation and immediate fee-rate adjustments for ambulance services are intended to keep emergency medical services solvent until additional revenue takes effect. The approval of the assistance agreement formalizes cooperation with Mercy Medical Services and a local fire department for emergency coverage.

Provenance

Topic introduced: "O 5 25 0 1, a resolution authorizing the county attorney to file a lawsuit" (transcript excerpt beginning at 2634.645). Topic finished: "Motion carries 15" (multiple vote confirmations throughout the record, e.g., 3194.5251–3197.8052 indicating motion carried for ambulance funding).