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Knox County approves $361,710 contract for sheriff's driving course amid calls to await incoming sheriff
Summary
After heated debate about timing and the incoming sheriff's priorities, the commission approved a $361,710.36 contract to begin Phase 1 of a county driving course for the Knox County Sheriff's Office; two commissioners voted no and several asked for future oversight by the newly elected sheriff.
The Knox County Commission approved a $361,710.36 construction contract on May 18 to clear and prepare the first phase of a sheriff's office emergency vehicle operations course on county-owned property at Foot Mineral Road.
Commissioners spent more than an hour questioning whether to proceed before the incoming sheriff takes office in September. Opponents urged delay, saying the sheriff-elect had not yet had time to review priorities; supporters said the project was already appropriated in the county capital improvement plan and that training and officer safety justify moving forward now.
Sheriff's Office training director Chris Bryant said officers currently must travel long distances to rent training tracks, which limits available driving practice time. "We are dedicated to keeping our community safe...vehicle accidents are sometimes unavoidable but sometimes we can avoid them with the proper training," Bryant said, describing annual training minimums and a gap between minimum requirements and advanced pursuit and emergency vehicle skills.
Procurement director Hugh Holt said the property is 55 acres, with 17 acres slated for clearcut and haul-off in Phase 1; the full project includes subsequent grading, paving and building phases. Finance director Allison Rogers said the project was in the FY25 capital plan and that about $153,000 has already been encumbered for the project.
Opponents pointed to risk that a new sheriff might choose not to continue the project. "I would hate to spend $361,000 that maybe the next sheriff says this is not what I want," Commissioner Russell said, arguing the money could be wasted if the new sheriff discontinues the plan.
The motion to approve the contract carried; the roll-call vote recorded two no votes (Commissioners Russell and Lee) and the measure passed by majority. Commissioners who supported the approval noted prior appropriations and emphasized officer safety and local training capacity.
What happens next: The construction contract is for Phase 1 (site clearing/grubbing and haul-off); subsequent phases will require additional appropriation and approvals. County staff said contractors will invoice progress and that approvals follow standard procurement and project controls.
Quote: "We have to use and rely on the tracks at other facilities. Our training is limited to the officers that we have," KCSO training director Chris Bryant said, arguing for local training infrastructure.
