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Commission signs five‑year MOU with county medical examiner and approves pay increase to align with neighboring counties
Summary
The commission approved a memorandum of understanding with Dr. Tom Thompson to formalize the county medical examiner role for five years and approved an increase in his compensation from $30,000 to $35,000 annually; a $5,000 budget amendment was approved to cover the raise this fiscal year.
Hamblen County commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Dr. Tom Thompson that formalizes the county medical examiner arrangement and covers the position for a five‑year term contingent on the commission’s action.
Mayor Cutshall told commissioners the agreement reflects Tennessee Code (TCA) requirements and practices in surrounding counties. The meeting included questions about compensation: one commissioner said the proposed raise from $30,000 to $35,000 represents roughly a 17% increase and asked whether the county should negotiate. Mayor Cutshall and other supporters said the increase brings pay into parity with neighboring counties and compensates for several years without raises.
The commission approved the MOU and then approved a budget amendment of $5,000 to cover the pay increase for the current fiscal year. Sheriff’s office remarks explained that medical death investigators respond to scenes and that Dr. Thompson signs off on autopsies and death certificates; staff noted investigators are paid a small per‑call amount in addition to the ME’s compensation. The motions were adopted by voice votes.
