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Claiborne County Commission overrides mayoral veto to approve $500,000 waterline plan
Summary
On March 16, 2020 the Claiborne County Commission voted 16-5 to override County Mayor Joe Brooks' veto and authorize a $500,000 capital outlay note for multiple waterline extensions that the resolution says would serve about 187 residents and enable a future CDBG application.
The Claiborne County Commission voted 16-5 on March 16, 2020, in Tazewell to override County Mayor Joe Brooks' veto and approve a $500,000 capital outlay note to finance a package of waterline extensions intended to make portions of the county eligible for a Community Development Block Grant application.
Commissioner David Mundy moved to override the veto; Commissioner Steve Mason seconded the motion. The roll-call vote was 16 for and 5 against. Commissioners Whitt Shuford, Charlton Vass, Nathan Epperson, Zach Mullins and Anthony Rowe voted against the override.
The approved Resolution 2020-021 identifies specific roads for extensions — including Pine Hill Road, Johnson Road, Shackleford Lane, Sharp Road and Mud Hollow Road, Iron Works Road, and Poplar Grove Road — and states the extension package "would have the capability of serving a total of 187 citizens." The resolution commits the county to a $500,000 capital outlay note and directs the Finance Department to administer bids for that note; Vaughn and Melton Engineering were named to perform engineering and the construction bidding process.
Supporters argued the work would connect existing lines and position the county to apply for a Community Development Block Grant in February 2021. Opponents raised concerns during discussion but the transcript records only the recorded roll-call positions. The resolution was amended to require a workshop or study with both local water utility districts to explore filling "dead spots" not covered by grants and to include all districts in that study, with the results to be returned to the commission.
Under the resolution, if the engineering and bidding proceed the county will issue the capital outlay note and accept bids for construction. The commission's vote means the county will move forward with preparatory work to pursue federal grant funding to extend water service to the areas listed in the resolution.
