Commissioners cut school capital contingency top-up to $50,000 after questions about change orders

Blount County commissioners approved a reduced replenishment to a school capital contingency fund on March 20, 2025, voting 20-0 to adopt Resolution 253006 as amended. The commission initially considered restoring the contingency fund to $300,000, then to $100,000; an amendment from Commissioner Wells lowered the amount to $50,000 and passed 14-6 before final adoption.

The matter prompted extended discussion about how the county has used contingency funds for change orders on school construction projects and what documentation purchasing and project staff provide commissioners. Commissioner Akhart, who said the contingency fund was created in the education committee, described the fund’s original purpose: “This fund was my brainchild. We created it in the education committee ... so we would have…