Dickson County Commission approves budget amendments, emergency-response grants, rezoning and new development corporation

CHARLOTTE, Tenn. — The Dickson County Commission on March 17 approved a slate of measures that leaders said will expand emergency-response capabilities, clarify purchasing rules and enable local economic-development projects.

Commissioners voted unanimously to authorize amendments to all county funds except those established for schools, and to adopt revisions to the county’s purchasing policies to address conflicts of interest and require that acquisitions be made only by the county’s purchasing agent. Commissioner Dwight McIllwain moved to authorize the budget amendments; Commissioner Stacey Batey seconded the motion, which passed on a unanimous aye voice vote.

The commission also approved two state grants intended to strengthen emergency response. Commissioner Becky Spicer moved to authorize the county to apply for and accept a $19,481.46 grant through the Tennessee Department of Safety & Homeland Security; Commissioner Cindi Gray seconded the motion. Commissioners then approved a separate $31,500 grant from the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, with initial payments made by the county and full reimbursement thereafter by the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Commissioner Danny…