Blount County commission approves grants, budget moves, appointment and schedules zoning hearing

The Blount County Board of County Commissioners on April 17 approved a package of grant applications and budget resolutions, confirmed a mayoral appointment to the county Public Building Authority and set a zoning public hearing for May 8.

The actions included approval of a Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) grant application for the Blount County Sheriff’s Office for $185,000 (no matching funds required); authorization to reapply for a Hazard Mitigation Grant of $381,945 to purchase three trailer‑mounted generators with a 12.5% local match of $47,743.12 for operations centers in Blount County, Maryville and Alcoa; and a $167,700 budget increase (Resolution No. 254001) to appropriate sheriff training funds to enter into a contract for engineering services to design a new firing range training center. The commission also adopted Resolution No. 254019 to sell inherited property as surplus and confirmed Mayor Ed Mitchell’s appointment of Kevin…