Bradley County approves multiple items: HCI grants, library payoff, janitorial contract and solid-waste approval

The Bradley County Commission approved several agenda items including adjustments to HCI funding, a library debt payoff, a janitorial supply contract for EMS, and approval for a new solid-waste processing facility.

On a substitute motion, the commission increased funding for the City Fields Community Garden upgrades from the finance committee recommendation to $25,000. Supporters pointed to food insecurity in the district and said the upgrades — including irrigation and other enhancements — would sustain garden production. Staff noted the request advances gardens previously funded with HVAC funds and that irrigation would help preserve summer production.

Commissioner Blake moved and the commission approved a $273,000 transfer from fund balance to pay off the library loan, completing a multi-year obligation the finance committee said would free the county from that debt service.

The commission also authorized the mayor to negotiate and enter a 36‑month facility service agreement with Centos Corporation for janitorial and cleaning supplies for Bradley County EMS; that item had no discussion and passed on roll call. Separately, the commission approved a resolution under the Jackson law to permit Volunds of Environmental Solutions LLC to construct a new solid-waste processing facility at a stated address; the motion passed with no discussion.

All of these routine items were approved on roll-call votes recorded as 13 in favor and one absence for the contested funding and the routine contract/resolution votes.

Commissioners thanked the HCI committee and finance committee for their meetings and work preparing recommendations that were acted on during the session.