Commission accepts multiple grants including homeland security, recovery court awards and $1.4M health grant

At its May 11 meeting the commission approved applications and acceptances for several grants aimed at public safety, recovery services and public health.

Emergency Management Director Ricky Perky requested approval to submit the FY26 Homeland Security Grant application for District 2, a federally funded, no‑match program that typically yields county allocations in the mid‑five figures. Perky listed equipment purchases funded by previous award cycles — radios, generators, turnout gear and stretcher batteries — and commissioners approved the application.

The commission also accepted a $103,000 Tennessee Certified Recovery Court Program Award and a $180,000 Tennessee Certified Mental Health Recovery Court Award, both described by the mayor as no‑match grants that help keep people out of jail by funding counseling and services.

Separately the county accepted a $284,661.75 solid‑waste mitigation grant tied to Hurricane Helen funds for purchases including a track‑hoe, two 40‑yard rolloff containers and a 40‑yard recycling compactor for the landfill and convenience centers. Finally, the commission approved a $1.4 million Tennessee Department of Health Local Health Services Grant, described as a mix of federal and state dollars used for operating costs at the local health department, including staffing for a new clinic at Oak Tree Plaza.

All measures carried by voice vote. County officials said most grants require no local match and are intended to offset operating costs or provide equipment rather than create new recurring obligations.