With only three White County Board members present at Tuesday night’s meeting, acting Chairwoman Amanda Cannon started by approving $48,864 for soundproof, cleanable windows, with an additional $2,400 for EPA-required lead containment for all 37 windows. There was talk of TIF grant opportunities that could cover up to 50% of the costs of the window replacement project.
Turning to financial updates, County Treasurer Mike Baxley shared that the county has spent 36% of its budget, which is less than at this time last year. County Engineer Brian Ray then updated the board on the Pivot Energy project in Crossville, stating that the company is now seeking approval from the Village of Crossville because it will need to use the village roads.
After the budget and project updates, the board addressed the next items on the agenda. The White County Solar and Wind Ordinances were approved, having been updated to comply with Senate Bill 25, which was passed in January. The updated ordinances expand infrastructure, allow “time-of-use” pricing for residents, adjust nuclear energy safety, and more. The timeline for approvals will be tighter, companies will have to include additional screening standards, and permit fees will be capped at more reasonable levels.
The budget amendment was the last item on the agenda and was unanimously approved. Bellwether representative Dustin Harmon went over the numbers and explained how they mainly affect the Sheriff’s Department.
“Due to the reduced tax levy, we had to lower some items in the Sheriff’s Department budget, and this is to lower total expenses to match the revenue. So we lowered the deputy salary line from $750,910 to $726,281.40. The CO salaries were reduced from $1,694,000 to $1,431,935. The jail medical line was reduced from $275,000 tp $240,000. Juvenile detention was reduced from $50,000 to $35,000.”
With no executive session needed, the board adjourned the meeting. The next White County Board meeting will be on June 16 at 7 pm.