At the Union County Commission Meeting on August 24, 2026, Mayor Jason Bailey commended Commissioner Sidney Jessee, Jr., the Jail Committee, and all Commissioners for all of their work to secure the property for the new jail. As of August 7, 2026, Union County owns the Hubbs Property. Commissioner Jessee and the Jail Committee worked diligently for over three years to secure the property and to propose a plan for the construction of a new jail. Because Commissioner Jessee is one of seven commissioners whose term has ended, he will not be on hand to guide the committee as the final plans are made. Nevertheless, the jail proposed plan has been formulated by a certified jail architect and meets the guidelines and requirements set up by the Tennessee Corrections Institute. The next jail committee needs to fine tune the proposal, and according to Mayor Bailey, a plan should be in place soon. Mayor Bailey noted that the current jail has been recertified based on the submission of the formal Plan of Action for this fiscal year.

Other county construction projects are awaiting permits or documents. The Big Ridge Community Center is ready for construction but is awaiting the highway access permit. Speedwell Community Center is also ready for construction but is on hold for the sewer permit. The Sharps Chapel EMS Station is trying to meet the TVA requirements in the property lease. Blue Mud Boat Launch has been given its TVA 26A Permit and as soon as the state acknowledges the local match assurance agreement, the upgrades including a new boat launch and paved parking can begin.

The microphones were mostly inoperable at the meeting, and Mayor Bailey asked Commission to approve the purchase of new audio equipment. Mayor Bailey explained that Union County could use the quote used by the same company at UT since it met state bid requirements. Since no bid was required, Commission approved the $55,270.80 to come from a “very healthy fund balance” to quote Mayor Bailey. When some commissioners asked that recording the meeting be cost checked, Pam Ailor, County Clerk, offered to pay the difference from her budget.

During the Mayors Report, Mayor Jason Bailey yielded time for the Union County Chamber of Commerce to make a special presentation. Charlie Hamilton, new Chamber President, informed the Commission about recent changes and the plans for Thunder in the Park. He stated that the new officers besides himself are Secretary Heather Hoag, Treasurer Ann Dyer, and Chairman of the Board Martin Shafer. Board members are Martin Shafer, Heather Hoag, Ann Dyer, Destiny Cates, Judy Freels, Melissa Logan, and Susan Oaks. Thunder in the Park will be in Wilson Park on September 5, 2026, from 5:00 to 10:00. There will be craft and food vendors, live music, a car cruise-in, and fireworks. Mr. Hamilton asked that vendors contact Heather at 865 992-3061 or email heather.taylor@unioncountytn.gov. He invited everyone to the Grand Opening of The Diner at Jones Farm on Thursday, August 27, at 6:00 sponsored by the Union County Chamber of Commerce and Union County Business and Professional Association.

Commissioners inquired about data centers, and County Attorney David Myers explained that the Commission could not just ban data centers. He noted that current litigation regarding a ban in Hawkins County would most likely set some guidelines. In addition, since the county has no zoning, data centers could look at developing property most anywhere. In the meantime, many cities and counties are placing a moratorium on granting the zoning and the development of data centers until more knowledge is acquired and guidelines for regulations become clearer.. Mayor Bailey commented that Maynardville already has a small data center that would most likely be grandfathered in the event new restrictions were approved.

Director Greg Clay reported that the fire marshal had released the new middle school for occupancy. The Horace Maynard Middle School Ribbon Cutting and Open House will be Tuesday, September 1, at 5:00. Everyone is invited. Union County Schools will be following the amended calendar with students not attending on Wednesday, September 2; Thursday, September 3; Friday, September 4; and Monday, September 7. Students will resume classes on Tuesday, September 8, which is also when middle school students will begin classes at the new HMMS on John Deere Drive.

Sheriff-Elect Rick Carter addressed the commissioners to ask for their support and to assure them that he would do everything possible to make Union County a safe place.

Finally, Mayor Bailey acknowledged that seven commissioners were attending their last meeting. Using a powerpoint presentation, he recognized each by name, their number of years of service, and some of their accomplishments. Thank you to the following for your service: 1st District-Ashley Mike, 2nd District- Sidney Jessee, Jr., 4th District-Dawn Flatford, Fifth District-Greg Dyer and Eddie Simpson, Sixth District- Linda Effler and Larry Lay.

The new county commissioners along with other elected county officials will be affirmed in a ceremony on Saturday, August 29, at noon at Union County High School. The public is welcome.

The county meetings for September include Farmer's Market Board (8th ), Financial Committee (22nd), Opioid Abatement (25th), Planning Commission (28th at 6:00), County Commission ( 28th at 7:00). All meetings are in the large courtroom.