Rhea County Commission approves package of budget amendments, reallocations and equipment purchases

The Rhea County Commission on Oct. 21 approved a series of budget amendments to reallocate funds for equipment, grant administration and operational needs.

The commission voted to approve amendment No. 32 ($32,122.53) to correct an expenditure account and amendment No. 33 ($1,532,254.56) to set up remaining Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation grant funds for four drinking-water projects. The package also included amendment No. 34 ($97,181.42) to cover items such as a heavy-duty tire changer for the bus garage, an air-conditioner replacement at the VA office, a roof replacement at the extension office, audit/legal fees and brush removal; smaller amendments addressed transfers from data-processing reserves, budget-line corrections, tourism postcards and tournament fees.

Budget committee members presented additional items, including $43,512.82 from the solid-waste fund for a new rack-and-pinion tarp system for a waste truck and a roughly $10,000 highway-department purchase for small tools and equipment. Committee representatives said the measures correct accounting lines and fund known equipment needs.

All motions were presented by the budget committee, seconded, and approved in roll-call votes called by the clerk. Commissioners confirmed allocations to cover prior-year charges and to use fund balance where necessary; the commission recorded affirmations on each motion.

The commission also approved minor reallocations to cover seasonal event fees, tourism support and part-time contracted services. Chair notes and committee recommendations documented administrative responsibility for execution; department heads will coordinate purchases and procurement as directed.

The meeting record shows the commission approved the amendment package and ordered staff to implement the allocations and bid processes where appropriate. No opposition to the motions was recorded in the meeting transcript.