The Union County Commission heard two requests from citizens during its Oct. 26 meeting.

A resident of Timber Creek 2 Subdivision asked the county to finish the road in the development. The planning commissioner told Attorney David Myers that the road is private and possibly owned by Commercial Bank following the foreclosure of the developer, Bobby Brown. The road lacks a topcoat, which David Cox, superintendent of roads, estimates would cost about $30,000. The resident said 16 houses are on the road.

Cox also noted that the road is not on the county's list of public roads. Myers stated that a quitclaim deed would be required for the county to take ownership of the road. The Commission approved a motion to determine the owner and send a letter asking the owner to either finish the road or agree to deed it to the county. The motion passed, with two commissioners voting against it.

The other request came from a citizen who had drafted two resolutions calling for a two-year moratorium on data centers and Flock cameras. A lengthy discussion included comments from most commissioners and the sheriff.

Sheriff Carter acknowledged that Flock cameras had been misused in some places but said they were beneficial in initiating investigations of criminal activity. He cited the Plainview camera's role in solving a kidnapping and a theft. Both resolutions were sent to the attorney for review and will be placed on the November agenda for further discussion.

The question of increasing building permit fees also returned to the agenda. Commissioner Cheryl Walker explained the latest proposal. Most commissioners appeared to believe the proposed fees were too high at the upper end. Some said they preferred a cap closer to $1,500 to $2,000.

After considerable discussion, Commissioner Gerald Simmons moved to send the proposal to the Finance Committee for a recommendation to the Commission. The motion passed with one dissenting vote.

Other Commission actions included approving the Union County Chamber president as the Tourism Director of Marketing Operations (DMO).

Chamber President Charlie Hamilton reported on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Union Station Sandwich Shop near the courthouse and the upcoming opening of a beauty salon on Nov. 12. He also announced the Christmas tree lighting at the courthouse on Nov. 28 and the possibility of a county fair in June 2027.

In his report, Sheriff Carter said prisoner returns were being staggered, with 40 having returned to Union County and 26 more expected. In September, 59 people were booked into the jail, 57 were released and 66 were housed there at the time of the report. The department handled 629 calls, made four drug arrests and responded to 20 wrecks involving property damage and seven wrecks involving injuries.

Carter remarked that although his department had cleaned up the jail, it was still "lipstick on a pig" because the basic problems with the cells and other facilities remained.

Construction has begun on the addition to the front of the current jail. The addition will include a separate entrance for the scanner, a separate visitation room and an entrance door with an interior locking mechanism. The Jail Committee has requested qualifications for a project manager. The Commission also approved a contract for video visitation at the jail.

Mayor Jason Bailey announced that the county owns the medical building slated to become the new EMS station in Maynardville. Renovations are expected to begin soon. The building needs only a wall, a shower and a garage for the ambulances.

Bailey also reported the completion of the Tech Goes Home grant, which resulted in nearly 90 senior adults receiving tablets after completing two weeks of classes taught by Becky Henry and Jennifer Smith, both Union County Public Schools teachers.

Bailey also noted that the Solid Waste Department has met its recycling and waste-reduction goals.

The Commission approved the following appointments made by the mayor: Becca Hughes to the Opioid Committee, Judy Freels to the Library Board, Angela Conner-Murphy to the Heritage Park Committee and Tim Cox to the Planning Commission.

All budget amendments and transfers were approved.

Director Greg Clay updated the Commission on the remaining work at the new HMMS, including cabinetry, countertops, kitchen equipment, paving and sidewalks. He reported that the county had contributed $26.25 million and the school system will have paid $20 million, including the initial $15 million and an additional $5 million for change orders and upgrades.

The next Commission meeting will be Monday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m.