County Commission completed the purchase of the Hubbs property lower parcel at the October meeting. The core borings on the lower 10-acre parcel of the Hubbs property showed no issues. No sonar services were needed. With the upper tract of 10 acres at a cost of $300K plus 2 acres donated for a drug rehabilitation facility and the lower 10 acres for $250K, the total property would be 22 acres at a cost of $550K. The new jail and rehab center would be on the upper parcel with no immediate plans for the lower parcel.
A couple who owns property adjacent to the lower parcel spoke against the property becoming commercial property. The couple was not opposed to the building of the jail but felt they had to voice their concerns regarding the property value of their own residence and 1.5 acres that are next door. County Mayor Jason Bailey assured them that a tree line buffer would divide the property from the adjacent homeowner. Commissioners approved the purchase with Lay and Simmons opposing the purchase.
Some commissioners expressed concern over the Syringe Services Program (SSP) which is a service provided by an agency, Live Free Claiborne, that uses the conference room at the Union County Health Department for the program. The program and the agency have been approved by the state to operate a comprehensive harm reduction services program including a free syringe exchange program, safe disposal of used needles, HIV and hepatitis testing and treatment options, referrals to substance treatment, education on overdose prevention, medical providers and disease prevention, No county or health department funds are used for the program.
According to state statistics, the program provides a gateway for addicts to get rehabilitation and reduces the number of infectious diseases as well as providing safe disposal of used needles. Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Jr. asked to suspend the program until more information could be given at the November Commission meeting. Bailey stated that he would have a speaker from the program at that meeting.
Director Morgan Crider gave the 911 report and noted that training had gone from no training to 80 hours of training this year. There have been upgrades to the building's power and security in addition to the community and weather alerts systems. The community and weather alert system automatically placed landline phones on the system. Cell phone users can sign up by searching “Hyper-Reach sign up Union County TN”. Crider noted that for the first time in the history of Union County 911, the first interlocal agreement has been approved with Plainview City for $5900. However, she also commented that 911 has been negotiating with Maynardville City since March of 2025 with no agreement forthcoming.
Union County will receive more revenue due to the Commission's vote to approve the mineral tax increase by 5 cents per ton. Revenue from the increase would be $35,000. Commissioners Dyer and Lay opposed the motion.
The financial report including the budget amendments and transfers were all approved. Commissioner Dyer voted against the financial report and all changes to the county budget. Commissioners Jessee and Simpson joined Dyer to vote against changes in the drug fund budget. All items for surplus were approved as well as the 10-year lease between the school system and the Union County Rescue Squad and the e-rate contract for the school system with no opposing votes.
James Acuff and Tracy Mondale came before Commission to explain the services of the TN County Commission Association. The TCCA provides a platform for commissioners across the state to collaborate on issues including legislation and services of interest to counties. Union County is the only East Tennessee county that has not joined. Commission voted to reinstate travel money for commission to join the TCCA at a cost of $1400 annually and send a representative to the meeting.
Bailey reported that the Big Ridge Community Center is ready to be bid. The ETDD Report on the status of water lines for Luttrell-Blaine-Corryton Utility (LBCU) and Hallsdale Powell Utility noted that many were out to bid or ready for construction. The mayor called attention to a letter from the TN Comptroller that complimented Union County for sending a balanced budget to the state that met all deadlines. Lastly, Bailey commented that the survey on the Speedwell Community Center property will be completed after the survey on the Hubbs property for the jail.
Schools Director Greg Clay reported that the new middle school has one wing under roof and the rest of building should be under roof by the end of December. Windows have been installed in some 6th grade classrooms, and painting has begun in those rooms. The football field has lights and is being prepared for the sod to arrive in November.
Commission approved Jackie Huddleston’s bond to enable his service on the LBCU board.
The salary committee will meet on Tuesday, November 18, at 5 p.m. The next commission meeting will be on Monday, November 24, at 7 p.m. with Vice Chair Sidney Jessee, Jr. presiding.