The Union County Commission heard two requests brought by citizens at its meeting on October 26, 2026. A resident of Timber Creek 2 Subdivision asked that the county finish the road in the development. The planning commissioner related to Attorney David Myers that the road is private and possibly owned by Commercial Bank due to the foreclosure on the developer, Bobby Brown. The road lacks a topcoat that David Cox, Superintendent of Roads, estimates would cost about $30,000. Sixteen houses are on road according to the resident. Mr. Cox also commented that the road is not on the list of public roads and Attorney Myers stated a quitclaim deed would be needed for the county to own the road. The Commission approved a motion to determine the owner and send a letter asking the owner to finish the road or agree to deed the road to the county. The motion passed with two commissioners voting against the motion.

The other request was from a citizen who had developed two resolutions calling for a two year moratorium on data centers and on Flock cameras. Lengthy discussion included comments from most commissioners and the sheriff. Sheriff Carter noted that although the Flock cameras definitely had been misused in some places, they were of benefit in beginning investigations of criminal activity. He stated that the Plainview camera had been used to solve a kidnapping and a theft. The two resolutions were sent to the attorney for review and will be placed on the November agenda for further discussion.

The question of raising the cost of building permits returned to the agenda. Commissioner Cheryl Walker explained the latest proposal. Most commissioners seemed to believe the proposal was too high on the upper end. Some commented that they preferred a cap more in line with $1500 to $2000. Finally after much discussion, Commissioner Gerald Simmons moved to send the proposal to the Finance Committee to return a recommendation to Commission. Commissioners agreed with only one dissenting vote.

Other actions by the Commission included approving the Union County Chamber President as the Tourism Director of Marketing Operations (DMO). Chamber President Charlie Hamilton reported on the ribbon cutting for the opening of Union Station Sandwich Shop near the courthouse and upcoming opening of a beauty salon on November 12. He also announced the Christmas Tree lighting at the courthouse on November 28 and the possibility of a county fair in June of 2027.

In reports, Sheriff Carter stated that prisoner returns were being staggered with 40 having come back to Union County and 26 more to return. For September, 59 were booked in, 57 released, and 66 currently residing in the jail. The department had 629 calls handled, 4 drug arrests, 20 wrecks with property damage, and 7 wrecks with injuries. He remarked that even though his department had cleaned up the jail it was still “lipstick on a pig” because the basic issues with cells, etc are still there. The building addition on the front of the current jail has started. There will be a separate entrance to use the scanner and a separate visitation room. Also a lock activated from the inside will be on the entrance door. The Jail Committee has asked for an RFQ for a project manager. Commission also approved a contract for video visitation at the jail.

Mayor Jason Bailey announced that the county owns the medical building that is slated to become the new EMS Station in Maynardville. Renovations are to begin soon. The building only needs a wall, a shower, and the garage for the ambulances. He also reported the completion of the Tech Goes Home Grant which resulted in nearly 90 senior adults being awarded a tablet after two weeks of classes taught by Becky Henry and Jennifer Smith , both UCPS teachers. Mayor Bailey also noted that solid waste has met their recycling and reduction of waste goals. Commission approved the following appointments by the Mayor: Becca Hughes on Opioid Committee, Judy Freels to Library Board, Angela Conner-Murphy for the Heritage Park Committee, and Tim Cox to the Planning Commission.

All budget amendments and transfers were approved. Director Greg Clay updated the final work to be done on the new HMMS which include some cabinetry counters, kitchen equipment, paving, and sidewalks. He commented that the county funded $26.25M and the school system will have paid $20M with the initial $15M and the additional $5M for change orders and upgrades.

The next commission meeting will be on Monday, November 23, at 7:00.