Commission approves Recovery Court space at 117 West Smith Street after judge’s request for secured access

On April 21, 2025 the Sumner County Commission approved Resolution 2504-09 to allocate designated space at 117 West Smith Street, Gallatin, for the Sumner County Recovery Court. Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield introduced the resolution; the Commission considered amendments about how remaining space would be allocated and ultimately approved the resolution as amended by roll-call vote YES 23 / NO 0.

During the meeting the Commission suspended the rules to permit Judge Ron Blanton to address the body. Judge Blanton asked for a design that would permit removal of a wall and extension of another wall “to allow inmates to enter through a secured area,” citing security and operational needs for Recovery Court participants. Law Director Eric Sitler said the county could implement the changes within the allocated space. The approved amendments included reverting to the original sketch agreed upon by judges and the Sheriff and allocating remaining space for the Sheriff’s Office as set out in the final motion.

Next steps identified by commissioners included coordinating with the Sheriff’s Office and county facilities staff to finalize construction sketches and to implement security modifications. The Commission’s action provides the Recovery Court permanent, designated space with the physical modifications described during Judge Blanton’s remarks.