White County Commission approves multiple budget and equipment resolutions; adds second building codes inspector

The White County Commission on March 17, 2025 approved a package of budget amendments and fund appropriations that included a second full‑time building codes inspector, purchases from the Highway Public Works Fund and authorization to apply for a three‑year Tennessee Recreation Initiative (TRiP) grant.

The items came under a series of motions presented by the budget committee and as separate roll‑call votes. Most measures passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous support; the Commission rejected a proposed continuing‑education stipend for commissioners.

Commissioners voted 9–4 (with one member absent) to add a second full‑time building codes inspector, a measure county staff said would be funded by fees already in place rather than an ongoing general‑fund increase. The vote followed questions from commissioners about office coverage and whether existing staffing practices matched prior descriptions of the position. The tally was reported as nine yes, four no and one absent.

Other budget resolutions approved by roll call included: - Resolution 18‑03‑2025 (General Purpose School Fund): recognize $6,000 to be received for third‑party billing for school nursing services. Vote: 13 yes, 1 absent. - Resolution 19‑03‑2025 (General Fund — EMS): recognize $122,949 from an Essential Equipment Purchases grant for the county EMS department. Vote: 13 yes, 1 absent. - Resolution 22‑03‑2025 (General Fund — TRiP grant): authorize the county executive to apply for the Tennessee Recreation Initiative Program, a three‑year grant that county staff said would require $25,000 matches in years one and two and a larger commitment in year three (total county commitment described as approximately $100,000). Vote: 13 yes, 1 absent. - Resolution to amend the fiscal‑year 2025 Highway Public Works Fund: appropriate $40,000 to purchase two pieces of highway equipment requested by county public works. Vote: 13 yes, 1 absent.

A proposed stipend for commissioners who meet continuing‑education requirements (described by staff as a $600 payment per commissioner and a $9,043 total amendment to the general fund) failed on a roll call. The clerk reported a tally of 4 yes, 8 no, 1 absent and 1 pass; the motion therefore did not carry.

A routine notary appointment (Crystal Powell) was approved by voice vote. The consent calendar was approved earlier in the meeting.

Votes at a glance (selected items) - Add second full‑time building codes inspector (Resolution 20‑03‑2025): Outcome — approved; tally 9 yes, 4 no, 1 absent. Discussion centered on office coverage, inspection delays, and whether fees will cover the position. - EMS equipment grant (Resolution 19‑03‑2025): Outcome — approved; tally 13 yes, 1 absent. - School nursing third‑party billing (Resolution 18‑03‑2025): Outcome — approved; tally 13 yes, 1 absent. - TRiP grant application (Resolution 22‑03‑2025): Outcome — approved; tally 13 yes, 1 absent. County staff described the program as a three‑year grant to aid hiring a parks and recreation director, with county match requirements. - Continuing‑education stipend (Resolution 21‑03‑2025): Outcome — failed; tally 4 yes, 8 no, 1 absent, 1 pass. - Highway Public Works equipment appropriation (2023‑03‑2025 highway fund amendment): Outcome — approved; tally 13 yes, 1 absent. - Notary appointment (Crystal Powell): Outcome — approved by voice vote.

What commissioners said and procedural notes Commissioners asked for clarification about staffing levels and office hours for the codes inspector position, noting contractors can be delayed when inspections are not performed. County staff told the commission that fee changes previously approved would cover the new position and that the office had been busier than anticipated.

The commission opened several agenda items for public comment and recognition after formal business. The meeting record shows a quorum of 13 members present and one absent; names recorded at roll call included Lenny Selby, Chris Brewington, Kane Rogers, Derek Hutchings, T.K. Austin, Dakota White, David Cranford, Larry Daniels, Kyle Gough, Becky (Vicky) Golden, Robert McCormick, Roger Mason and Jordan Coates; Thomas Markison was listed as absent.

Ending The commission completed the listed votes and moved to recognitions and public comment, including a request from county emergency management and local fire service representatives seeking the commission’s support for amendments to state law relating to assaults on first responders. The meeting concluded after a proclamation honoring the White County Middle School archery team.