Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Social Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Franklin County establishes victims assistance program after 9–5 vote; CASA named recipient
Summary
After earlier Legislative Committee discussion, the full commission voted 9–5 to establish a county victims assistance program authorized by T.C.A. §40‑24‑109 and designated CASA as the recipient organization; committee members had asked for attorney and prosecutor input before the full vote.
The Franklin County Board of Commissioners voted to establish a victims assistance program under Tennessee law (T.C.A. §40‑24‑109) and to designate Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA Works) as the designated recipient of the funds. The Legislative Committee had considered the resolution at its April 6 meeting, where Commissioner Stines requested attorneys' and prosecutors’ views and Commissioner Dave Van Buskirk outlined the benefits and cautioned about potential county exposure if state/federal funding did not materialize.
At the full commission meeting the resolution was adopted by roll call (the minutes record 9 ayes and 5 nays). The minutes record the five commissioners who voted no as Chairman Eddie Clark, Chuck Stines, Doug Goodman, Tim Fuller and Don Cofer. Legislative Committee minutes entered into the record show questions about how the program would be funded and requests to hear from county attorneys and prosecutors before moving forward. The county will collect a victims‑assistance assessment described in state statute and transmit the net proceeds to the program designated by the county legislative body.
Why it matters: The program creates a dedicated funding stream (the victims assistance assessment authorized by state statute) for services such as victim hotlines, counseling, shelters and related support — services County leaders and advocates said will assist crime victims and families, while some commissioners expressed concern about county fiscal exposure if outside funding was not sustained.
What’s next: The Clerks of court will collect assessments as authorized by state law once the county has formally designated the recipient and the commission has followed statutory implementation steps. The Legislative Committee minutes are part of the public record for context.
