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Cocke County Legislative Body approves budget amendments, lease extension and donation of fire truck
Summary
At its April 21 meeting the Cocke County Legislative Body approved multiple routine measures including county and school budget transfers, a lease extension for the Highway Department, MOUs with state agencies, acceptance of a donated fire truck for Centerview Volunteer Fire Department and an updated ambulance contract.
Cocke County Legislative Body members meeting April 21, 2025, in the Circuit Courtroom approved a package of routine measures including budget transfers, a lease extension for the Highway Department facility at 129 E. Hwy. 25E, and acceptance of a donated fire truck for the Centerview Volunteer Fire Department.
The actions, taken by recorded voice votes or unanimous consent during the regular meeting called to order by C.J. Ball, covered administrative approvals and intergovernmental agreements that county leaders said are intended to maintain county operations and public-safety capacity.
Minutes, reports and appointments Rick Vassar, a member of the Cocke County Legislative Body, moved to approve the minutes of the March 17, 2025 meeting; Jeff Eslinger seconded and the motion carried. The body also approved a notary renewal for Phyllis B. Douglas and accepted quarterly reports submitted by the Circuit Court Clerk and the County Clerk; copies of those reports were filed with the minutes.
Budget adjustments Commissioners approved attached transfers and amendments for both Cocke County and the School System. Rick Vassar moved to approve the county transfers and amendments and Jeff Eslinger seconded; the motion passed with 11 ayes and 3 absent. Wilma Ball moved to approve the School System transfers and amendments; Rick Vassar seconded and the motion likewise passed 11 ayes, 3 absent.
Facilities and inventory The board approved an extension of the Highway Department lease at 129 E. Hwy. 25E after a motion by Jeff Eslinger, seconded by Wilma Ball. The board also declared a listed set of Highway Department items surplus following a motion by Gayla Blazer, seconded by Jason McMahan. Both motions were reported as carrying 11 ayes, 3 absent; copies of the lease extension and the inventory list are included with the minutes.
Intergovernmental agreements and grants The Legislative Body approved an MOU among Cocke County, Westcare and the State Historic Preservation Officer on alterations to the Cocke County Memorial Building (motion by Jason McMahan, seconded by Wilma Ball). The board also passed a resolution establishing policy and procedures for the 2024 Disaster HOME Grant (moved by Jason McMahan, seconded by Rick Vassar).
Separately, the body approved an MOU outlining roles and responsibilities with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs on a motion from Gayla Blazer, seconded by Rick Vassar.
Public safety measures Tracy Stepp moved and Wilma Ball seconded a resolution allowing Cocke County to accept a donated fire truck from Emerson, N.J., to be assigned to the Centerview Volunteer Fire Department; the resolution passed 11 ayes, 3 absent. The board also approved an updated ambulance contract after a motion from Wilma Ball, seconded by Rick Vassar; the vote was recorded as 11 ayes, 3 absent. Reports from Priority Ambulance Service and Keep Cocke County Beautiful were submitted and filed.
Constable vacancy process Following the death of Carroll Crumbley, the board authorized the County Clerk to proceed with the application process to fill the 4th-district constable vacancy. Jeff Eslinger moved that the County Clerk begin the application process; Gayla Blazer seconded and the motion carried. The agenda references Tenn. Code Ann. 8-10-102(b)(1)(A) and specifies that prospective candidates must file an affidavit of eligibility and provide a letter from a licensed psychologist confirming satisfactory cognitive and psychological testing.
Other business and adjournment The County Mayor announced a proclamation recognizing the Cocke County Lady Red Basketball Team but said the team could not attend; the proclamation will be presented at the next meeting. The County Attorney notified the body that a closed executive session would take place after adjournment. The board moved to adjourn and then entered an executive session with the County Attorney.
The meeting record lists 11 members present and three absent for the roll call and most recorded votes; copies of motions, the MOU documents, the grant resolution and other supporting paperwork are filed with the official minutes.
