County pledges $9

Loudon County Commission approved spending Monday about $9.2 million of the approximately $10.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding received by the county.

Under guidance provided by the federal government’s “final rule” on the use of funds, the county was authorized to spend a $10 million “standard allowance” on government services.

The “final rule” provides state and local governments “broad flexibility to pursue a wider range of uses to respond to local public health and economic needs, as well as greater simplicity so they can focus on responding to the needs in their communities and maximizing the impact of their funds,” according to the rule.

Allocation of the remaining $500,000 was subject to explicit guidelines. Commission dedicated those funds to a water infrastructure project approved under ARPA rules.

Commission unanimously voted to give $5 million to the 10 commissioners representing seven districts. The money will be divided equally among commissioners for use on non-recurring expenses in their district.

Finance Director Tracy Blair said each commissioner will present identified projects in their district to the budget committee and commission to maintain the accuracy of financial records.

Commission approved another $4 million for various county departments, including bonuses listed as pay adjustments for county employees.

Loudon County Sheriff’s Office received about $1.7 million for vehicles and equipment, including $1 million for cameras and $203,315 for a full body scanner for the jail. Commission previously voted to allocate $500,000 for 12 patrol vehicles.

During previous discussions with commission, LCSO indicated the need to acquire 70 body and 70 in-car cameras to significantly increase the ability to prosecute criminals and protect officers.

LCSO Chief Deputy Zac Frye thanked commission for the camera funding. The long-term contract includes service, accessories such as memory cards and replacement of the cameras on a regular basis.

The highway department received $360,000 for two boom mowers following a request by Road Superintendent Billy Pickel. He requested the new mowers to care for and control vegetation along county roads.

Pickel said he had recently added a mowing group to his staff to make better use of the equipment.

“This equipment will be more reliable and allow our department to be more efficient,” he said.

Commission unanimously approved $391,000 for a county employee pay increase. The one-time adjustment is based on longevity for all current and active full-time employees hired prior to Sept. 1. Employees with less than 10 years get $1,000, while those with 10-19 years experience get $1,500 and those with 20 or more years receive $2,000.

A one-time pay adjustment of $750 was approved for all current and active part-timers hired prior to Sept. 1.

Commissioners approved up to $700,000 for Loudon County Fire and Rescue for a new headquarters building on Hotchkiss Valley Road. The one-level metal building with living quarters is estimated to cost more than $1 million. The agency has $300,000 saved and requested assistance for the balance.

Commission also approved $116,400 for a Loudon County Health Department facilities grant match. County Health Director Teresa Harrill said the state will provide $465,500 and require a 25% match. Use of the funds is limited to facilities improvements.

Up to $50,000 was approved for a new phone system at the County Office Building. County Mayor Rollen “Buddy” Bradshaw told commission the county needs modern technology to provide better service to residents. The non-recurring cost of the system is estimated at $18,216, while total annual recurring costs would be $22,888.

Bradshaw said the phones have many features, including the capability to allow county employees to work from home.

Bill Satterfield, the commissioner representing District 3, which includes Greenback, made a last-minute request to fund a water pump to improve water infrastructure. The total cost of the pump would be about $1.2 million.

Commission approved $500,000 of the ARPA funding reserved for infrastructure and $200,000 not encumbered. Satterfield pledged to use the $500,000 allocated to his district to fund the balance of the project.