Hamblen County approves multiple hires, budget amendments and a design study amid RFQ debate

The Hamblen County Commission approved a sequence of finance items that included new personnel, budget adjustments and authorization to commission a design study for renovations at the old Justice Center.

Finance Chair Rodney Long presented multiple 7c items that the commission approved: a chief magistrate/administrative assistant position for General Sessions Court (temporary to finish the fiscal year), an IT technician position, an additional grant coordinator/special projects assistant to support the county's grant work, and an additional maintenance/housekeeping position for the justice center. The mayor said the chief magistrate position will be funded for the remainder of the fiscal year and clarified that the salary figures included benefits; commissioners raised questions about promoting from within rather than creating new slots.

Under 7d, the commission authorized a design-architect study for the old Justice Center and named Barbara McMurray to prepare a design study estimate; commissioners asked whether the scope should follow the county's RFQ rules, noting that an RFQ is required for projects expected to exceed $25,000. The mayor said he would request an estimate and return the item to the commission if the cost would exceed the RFQ threshold.

The body also approved a number of budget amendments under item 7e, including a $67,300 increase to the Hamblen County Department of Education and accounting adjustments and fund transfers listed in the packet. Change orders for the Hamblen County Health Department (approximately $10,730 and $36,006.28) were approved as well.

Commissioners generally supported the hires and budget amendments but asked for more documentation on duties and the procurement process. Several members emphasized the need for transparency and adherence to adopted rules when engaging architects or awarding work above policy thresholds.