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Commission questions funding and content of charter informational flyers; county attorney warns of likely comptroller finding
Summary
Commissioner Zach Mullins asked how charter informational flyers were paid for after they stated they were paid for by Claiborne County taxpayers. County Mayor Joe Brooks said about $4,000 had been spent and that the Charter Commission authorized educational spending; County Attorney Estep said the Comptroller's Office warned a state audit finding is likely because the county had no line item for the expense.
A discussion item at the July 20 Claiborne County Commission meeting centered on informational flyers about a proposed county charter and whether county taxpayers paid for the mailings.
Commissioner Zach Mullins asked for information about how the flyers were paid, noting the mailings said they were paid for by Claiborne County taxpayers even though the commission had not allocated a line item for the expense. County Mayor Joe Brooks responded that state law (T.C.A.) provides for spending to educate the public about proposed charters and said the Charter Commission believed the mailers were necessary to counter false information and to substitute for in‑person town hall meetings. The mayor reported the Charter Commission had spent a little over $4,000 on the charter effort and that bills have been paid except possibly the most recent invoice.
County Attorney Estep said the Comptroller's Office had attended the Audit Committee meeting and indicated there will be a state audit finding because no dedicated line item was created; he said the statute authorizes such spending but the absence of a line item produces an accounting issue and noted a statutory limit of $50,000 for this purpose as referenced during the discussion. Several commissioners voiced concerns that the flyers were biased and did not present full information. Chairman Mike Campbell reminded the commission that a prior June vote to create a line item for charter education funding did not pass.
No further action was taken at the meeting on the matter; the mayor and county staff may follow up on invoices and accounting treatment. The discussion is recorded in the minutes for potential review during the county audit process.
