LOUDON — The Loudon County Commission on Monday
approved the $67.7 million 2015- 2016 budget along
with a private act that will bring another judge to
general sessions court.
Despite a strong showing of support for the schools
among the citizens in attendance, commission
unanimously approved the budget without any
discussion of a tax increase to fund a $1.6 million
board of education budget shortfall.
The lack of extra funding for the education budget
leaves the schools no other choice but to tap into
reserves to fund the shortfall, according to
Director of Schools Jason Vance. He urged the
commission to provide more funding.
“A smart gentleman once said if you think education
is expensive, try ignorance,” Vance said.
Before the vote the commission heard from supporters
and representatives of the schools. “There are few
investments as rewarding as education,” according to
Amanda Bruce, a Loudon parent and teacher.
Jennifer Roberts, a fourth-grade teacher said she
was concerned that students in the county did not
have access to necessary technology in the digital
age.
“How do we prepare students to take tests on
technology we have to share?” she asked.
Wayne Schnell of the Cross County Tea Party told the
commission he would not support a tax increase.
Loudon County has one of the lowest tax rates in the
state. “Let’s keep it that way”, he said.
Commissioner Kelly Littleton Brewster said the
county should look at other funding options
including a wheel tax to increase revenue for the
schools and other projects.
Commission also voted 8 to 2 to approve a special
act that would create a new judge for the sessions
court. Commission turned down the same request three
weeks ago.
Commissioner Van Shaver said he would not vote for
the special act because there was no way to know how
much the new judge and two new judicial
commissioners might cost the county. “It’s going to
cost everyone a lot including citizens and those who
use the courts,” he said.
Judge Rex Dale has proposed an increase in the
litigation tax from about $17 to about $68 to pay
most of the additional costs. Dale said that
collection rates on court costs were running about
74 percent on criminal cases and 95 percent on civil
cases.
Commissioner Henry Cullen said he was cautious about
paying for fixed expenses with a revenue stream that
was based on variable collections.
Commissioner Bill Satterfield said he had spoken
with local attorneys using the Loudon Court system
and believed there was an issue with regard to being
able to grant speedy trials. He said he’s been told
by attorneys that they have to wait two years to get
civil cases through the system.
The commission also unanimously voted to renew the
contract with Priority Ambulance as the exclusive
emergency and non-emergency ambulance provider for a
one-year term with a possibility of five annual
renewals.
In its initial six-month term, Priority Ambulance
has improved response time compliance by more than
40 percent over the previous year. County Mayor
Buddy Bradshaw said that Priority has been doing an
excellent job in providing services to the county.