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Commission adopts multiple budget, contract and policy measures; recognizes vendor fraud loss
Summary
The commission approved a slate of budget and capital resolutions including funds for Dark Island bridge repairs, school projects, an interlocal payment to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open, a contract for commercial appraisal software, and recognized a $26,129.50 cash shortage linked to a vendor fraud scheme.
At its June 18 meeting the Blount County Commission adopted a range of budget, capital and administrative resolutions and took several administrative actions.
Key approved appropriations included Resolution 266010, a $249,740 highway capital appropriation to repair the Dark Island Swinging Bridge in Townsend; Resolution 266015, a $145,000 reclassification for the Heritage Middle School roof design fee; 266016, $85,024 in state opioid funds to hire a position for opioid treatment and case management in the public defender’s office; 266017, $68,635 to construct a secure entrance at Friendsville Elementary; 266018, $49,400 for flooring work at William Blount High School and Heritage High School; and 266019, $32,680 to install a guard shack at ECCA. Many of these items were recommended favorably by the budget committee and passed by recorded votes (most with 19 yes votes where recorded).
The commission also approved Resolution 266020, appropriating $215,462.62 of general county funds in an interlocal agreement intended to keep Great Smoky Mountains National Park open during a government shutdown. Several other fiscal-year 26–27 appropriation and capital outlay resolutions were adopted, and an interfund loan (Resolution 2606005) was approved to provide ARPA fund timing for reimbursement from the State of Tennessee.
On contracts and administrative matters, the commission confirmed a mayoral appointment to the Parks and Recreation Board (Mark D. Anderson), authorized a three‑year contract with TREPP Incorporated for commercial appraisals and appeal software (Resolution 2606021), and adopted Resolution 2606022 to regulate data centers and cryptocurrency mining.
Finance staff explained a vendor fraud incident and the commission adopted Resolution 266024 recognizing a $26,129.50 cash shortage. The finance director said FBI assistance helped recover $245,000 that had been held at a bank, but staff said the remaining $26,129.50 is unlikely to be recovered; the resolution formally recognizes the loss so it can be reflected on the county balance sheet.
Next steps: staff will execute contracts and implement appropriations as directed by each resolution and will process the recognized loss in county financial statements.
