Coffee County Commission approves reappraisal plan, personnel policy and multiple routine items

The Coffee County Commission on April 2026 approved several routine actions and one major county resolution, while a proposed group apology letter for conduct at a prior meeting was withdrawn before a vote.

Mayor Dennis A. Hunt opened the meeting and the commission established a quorum. Terrence Hillsman delivered the invocation and the commission recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

Commissioners first amended the agenda to remove items 5b and 5c from the consent calendar for discussion and to add item 10d (an apology letter). Commissioner Tim Morris moved the amendment, seconded by Commissioner Duncan; the amendment passed 12–1 and the agenda as amended carried 12–1.

Budget director Mariana reviewed monthly financial reports comparing budgeted to actual revenues and expenditures across county funds, saying revenues remain stable while the jail and utilities are 'up' but without 'anything highly outstanding.' The commission accepted the financial statements (item 5b) by voice vote.

Mariana also reported a required debt-obligation filing showing that the county moved $3,500,000 from the general debt service fund to capital projects to cover the justice center roof and work at the telehealth and library facilities. She described the transfer as a capital-outlay interfund loan with no interest and no repayment; the filing was required by statute and was placed on the April agenda after missing March. The debt report (item 5c) was approved by the commission.

The commission unanimously approved a proclamation naming April 2026 as 'Safe Digging Month,' with Mayor Hunt reading the proclamation encouraging use of 811 before excavation to avoid utility strikes.

On new business the commission approved Resolution 2026-04, the Coffee County reappraisal plan and accompanying memorandum of understanding required under state law. Property Assessor Alicia Fletcher explained the four-year reappraisal schedule, said the county has requested the certified tax rate from the state, and noted the next reappraisal will be in 2030; commissioners voted 13–0 to adopt the resolution.

A revised sick-leave policy that came through the policies and procedures committee was described by Commissioner Miller as containing modest wording changes intended to address employee concerns; the policy passed 12–1.

The commission also approved a rezoning related to the Old Tullahoma Highway — an urban growth boundary rezoning that Manchester City had reviewed and recommended — after the commission received the required documentation; the rezoning passed 13–0.

During discussion of item 10d Commissioner Morris moved that the legislative committee send a group apology letter to a local VFW post for conduct at an earlier meeting. Commissioners debated whether a group letter was appropriate, with one member urging individual responsibility and another saying the mayor's earlier comments had been sufficient. Morris withdrew the motion and no apology letter was adopted.

Committee reports noted budget presentations scheduled for April 23 (trustee, Hands On Science Center and others) and updates on the health department and animal control facility; commissioners announced upcoming ribbon cuttings and that the county health department will add a full-time primary-care physician to serve underinsured and uninsured residents.

The meeting ended after a motion to adjourn was seconded and passed.

"I would like to thank all these people for serving Coffee County very much," Commissioner Tim Morris said during remarks recognizing county personnel and volunteers.

The commission did not take any action on the proposed apology letter after Commissioner Morris withdrew the motion; next steps for items that passed (timelines, implementation assignments, or reporting requirements) were not specified in the meeting record.