Benton County mayor details broadband awards, an Asian carp grant and park and market projects

Mayor Brett Lashlee used the Sept. 21 commission meeting to brief Benton County commissioners on multiple grants and infrastructure initiatives that county officials say will affect local economic development and county operations.

The mayor reported that the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency plans to award Benton County approximately $125,000 to upgrade the D&D Caviar facility in Harmon’s Creek, which the mayor said will improve local capacity to process Asian carp. The mayor said he and county staff prepared the grant application, needs assessment and compliance materials for that award.

On broadband, Lashlee told the commission the county had two successful grant outcomes. He said a firm identified as TEC received a Tennessee Emergency Broadband Fund award covering about $1.1 million of a $1.4 million project. He also said a separate USDA federal grant was awarded Sept. 9 and estimated Benton County’s portion at about $2–4 million; that project will be installed and managed by Ardmore Telephone Company, the mayor said.

The mayor outlined cultural and community projects including a Patsy Cline Memorial Park amphitheater. He said the county expects to net $67,500 from a tourism grant and combine it with $25,000 in budgeted funds to build the amphitheater and stage; plans call for most work to be completed over the next year, and the county is considering a Sept. 8, 2021 ribbon‑cutting. He also described early planning for a Farmers Market / Ag Extension civic complex estimated at roughly $1.5 million; the county’s strategy is to leverage Local Parks and Recreation Fund matching grants and other sources so the initial county cost would be primarily land acquisition (about $150,000), with additional funding coming from state grants if available.

On criminal justice facility upgrades, Lashlee said Stanley Security was the apparent low bidder for a sheriff’s office and jail camera system with a base bid of $255,385 and optional add‑ons that could increase the price to about $380,000. He said committee recommendations would inform whether to accept the base bid with fewer add‑ons or pursue other funding options, because funding the full package could reduce money available for construction of an enhanced sally‑port.

Lashlee also reviewed CARES Act funding: Benton County has been allotted $242,760 in TN CARES Act funds and planned to appropriate the money to technology, custodial supplies and building improvements. The CARES Act reimbursement timeline was emphasized in the appropriation — projects and purchases must be completed by Dec. 31, 2020 and reimbursement claims submitted by Nov. 1, 2020 under state guidance, the resolution text shows.

Mayor Lashlee’s overview also referenced agriculture as Benton County’s primary industry and singled out local efforts aimed at expanding broadband and tourism as ways to support economic growth. Several commissioners asked for follow‑up details, and the mayor offered to provide specifications, budget breakdowns and contractor recommendations to relevant committees before final decisions.

The mayor’s remarks were delivered as informational updates and accompanied multiple formal budget and appropriation resolutions on the evening’s consent and regular agenda.