Hamblen County committees approve preliminary budget plan, small health-department change order and 2026 road paving list
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Summary
The county's budget and finance committees approved a preliminary FY26-27 plan, a $5,345 construction change directive for the Hamblen County Health Department, school budget amendments including two tutoring grants totaling $88,600, and a paving list covering roughly nine miles (about 14,000 tons); commissioners amended approval to require commission sign-off before any use of remaining funds for extra paving.
Hamblen County committee meetings on Feb. 9 included approval of a preliminary FY26-27 budget plan, several budget amendments for schools and courts, a small construction change directive for the county health department and adoption of the 2026 road paving list.
Budget: Finance Director Amanda Hale presented the preliminary FY26-27 plan and schedule, noting a public budget workshop set for May 16. The commission voted to move the plan forward for printing and consideration. A commissioner questioned why the school budget documents showed an increase from about $120 million to $130 million; finance staff said much of the difference came from grant-related amendments, including a $5 million ESI program and other grants added after the initial budget.
Construction change directive: The finance committee approved a construction change directive for the Hamblen County Health Department in the amount of $5,345 to remove and dispose of steel frames that obstruct roof curbs after new mechanical equipment did not fit as expected. County project staff explained the work requires a mechanical and roofing contractor; when asked whether similar change notices were likely, staff replied additional small change orders were possible as work progresses. One commissioner raised concerns that the county was paying for portable restrooms and scissor-lift rentals in some change notices; staff said they could not answer immediately and would review contracting details.
School and court budget amendments: The committee approved Hamblen County Department of Education Amendment #7 (an $88,600 increase) largely to accept two tutoring grants — an early literacy tutoring grant for $14,000 and a Tennessee All Core Tutoring Innovation grant for $74,600 — convert some contracted RBT positions to in-house hires, and reallocate underspent construction grant funds to supplies and materials. Finance staff said this amendment does not change the county's maintenance-of-effort obligations. The commission also approved a $3,400 Circuit Court amendment to move reserve funds for additional technology purchases at the court.
Roads and paving authority: The Public Services Committee approved the proposed 2026 paving list — described as about nine miles and roughly 14,000 tons of asphalt — and discussed the road-selection process (inspections, traffic reports, school-bus and emergency access). The committee also approved, as amended, a motion allowing the highway department to use remaining funds after spring projects to pave additional sections, but the amendment requires any such use be presented to the full county commission before spending.
What happens next: Staff will process the approved amendments, execute the small change directive, and proceed with spring paving procurement. Commissioners asked for better lines of communication on upcoming change orders and contract invoicing.
