Dickson County Commission authorizes up to $25 million in financing for new Justice Center

The Dickson County Commission approved two resolutions on Feb. 4, 2019, authorizing the county to incur indebtedness not to exceed $25 million to finance construction of a new County Justice Center. The measures passed by a 10-1 vote; Commissioner James C. Dawson cast the lone dissenting vote.

Ben Eberly of TW Frierson Contractor, Inc. presented to the commission on the Justice Center project and outlined areas of construction and factors contributing to the project’s cost. Eberly described the contractor-review process the firm used and said TW Frierson selected seven local contractors to participate; the firm emphasized transparency during construction. Commissioner Jeff Eby urged the contractor to use as many local subcontractors as possible.

County Mayor Bob Rial said he disagreed with the $25 million price but said officials were working to find a manageable cost. Rial also emphasized that building and maintaining the new Justice Center would not require a tax increase, according to the meeting record.

Commissioner Buford Reed moved — and Commissioner Jeff Eby seconded — consideration of funding for the Justice Center, leading to formal votes on two linked resolutions. Resolution 02-2019-01 authorized the incurrence of indebtedness by Dickson County in an amount not to exceed $25,000,000 by executing a loan agreement with the Public Building Authority of the City of Clarksville, Tennessee, to finance the Justice Center and related expenses; the motion passed 10–1. Resolution 02-2019-02 authorized one or more loans and loan agreements, approved potential bond issuance by that public building authority, and provided for application of proceeds and payment of indebtedness in the aggregate principal amount not to exceed $25,000,000; it passed 10–1.

After the votes the commission adjourned the special called meeting and convened its regular work session. The minutes were submitted by County Clerk Luanne Greer.