Humphreys County administrative committee forwards multiple budget amendments — drone purchase, opioid funds and mural grant among items

The Humphreys County Administrative Committee on Monday voted to forward a slate of budget amendments, grant acceptances and appointments to the full county commission for final approval.

The committee approved a resolution to amend the fiscal 2025‑26 budget to allow the sheriff’s office to accept a $10,000 donation and appropriate $10,000 in additional drug-fund money to replace aging drone equipment. Sheriff Davis said the department operates three drones and that one older unit is “on its last leg,” describing drone use during a local explosion when the devices “protected the entire perimeter.” Committee member Tim Daniel made the motion; Kathy Mlanahan seconded. A purchase quote discussed in the meeting was approximately $21,000; the resolution was advanced to the full commission.

The committee also agreed to accept a $10,000 Tennessee Arts Commission grant to fund a 20‑by‑5‑foot mural at the hospital, with $7,000 allocated to the artist and $3,000 for supplies. Kathy Mlanahan moved the resolution; Danny Wagner seconded.

A capital projects fund amendment of $272,992.118 was forwarded to transfer Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the city of Waverly to pay contractors; committee members said the money is already in the county budget and is being moved to a line item for disbursement.

On opioid-abatement spending, the committee advanced a $141,615 allocation split among three applicants: $80,000 for the Humphreys County Board of Education to fund one counselor to serve county schools, $36,615 for the 23rd Judicial Drug Advocates for a recovery court technician and legal counsel, and $25,000 to Mid Cumberland (listed in the transcript as “Mid Cumlin”) for a 19‑unit transitional supportive‑housing project under construction in Burns. County executive Mr. Priba said the advisory board recommended prevention-focused uses and that the board of education had requested a larger sum but funding was limited.

The committee approved a $27,500 general‑fund budget amendment to settle a wrongful‑termination claim involving the former finance director; county counsel said the county denies liability but accepted arbitration terms with a 50% insurance contribution. Special counsel Mickey Schmidt attended to answer questions.

Other routine items advanced to the full commission included a $2,600 election‑commission salary line amendment to pay election workers, two agricultural extension committee appointments (Commissioner Kathy Mlanahan and Shannon Proctctor), a highway department road list approval (one speed‑limit change), and several notary renewals.

Most measures passed the administrative committee by voice vote and will be considered by the full Humphreys County Commission at its next meeting.