The Cannon County Jail is overcrowded. Earlier in the day Tuesday, figures showed that 73 inmates were housed at the jail. The jail was built to house 34 males and 8 females however there were 59 males and 14 females in jail at the present time. Overcrowding is the main reason why the Cannon County Jail is no longer certified by the State of Tennessee. Not having certification can result in possible inmate lawsuits, inmate health issues and assaults. During Tuesday nights regular monthly meeting of the Cannon County Commissioners, the Commissioners gave approval for a partnership with the Tennessee Corrections Institute. Representatives will work together with County leaders, the Sheriff’s Department, CTAS and other individuals to develop a program to assist in working toward gaining certification. The partnership is free to the county and the emphasis will be on education and putting together a plan that will help solve the issues of jail overcrowding. In other actions taken by the Commission, the Commission re-elected Bob Stoetzel as chairman of the Commission. Clint Higgins did receive a nomination but Higgins didn’t hesitate to cast his vote for Stoetzel, indicating he didn’t want the position. Mark Barker was elected Chairman Pro-Tem.
The Commission made some changes to the various committees. Jackie Francis who is no longer on the Joint Economic Board was replaced by Randall Reid of the Industrial Development Board. Reid requested that the Commission hold off on finalizing the nomination until after he presented it to the full Development Board at their October meeting.
Mike Underhill who is the County Fire Board chairman was added to the Homeland Security Committee
Kevin George and Clint Higgins requested they be taken off the Cannon County Budget Committee. In their places will be commissioners Jim Bush and Tony Neal.
The Commissioners approved putting a Sales Tax increase as a referendum on the November election ballot. The Sales Tax if passed would be 9.75% just as it is in neighboring counties. It was pointed out that many residents of Cannon County already pay this type of sales tax when they shop at stores and do business in Rutherford, Coffee and Warren Counties. Half of the money generated by the sales tax in the county would go to help fund the school system.
The Industrial Development Board members and their terms were reaffirmed. Serving two year terms which expire July 21, 2014 were Randall Reid and Dean Moore. Four year term board members are Mindy Gunter and David Vance and six year industrial development board members will be Doug Bodary, Corey Davenport, and Neal Applebaum.
The Commission voted to continue the same monthly schedule as they have been keeping. The meetings will be once a month on the second Tuesday of the month and Saturdays on every quarter which starts in January.
The Commission approved the revenue anticipation notes for the REACH program based on the stipulation that chairman Bob Stoetzel will verify that the Grant Money to back the request has been actually awarded to the Reach Program. They also approved the revenue anticipation notes for the Ambulance Department as the Department is taken over their own budget and needs start up money to operate.
In other business Randall Reid of the Industrial Development Board gave a report to the full County Commission detailing some of the board’s findings. Decisions were made without quorums with past industrial boards that have resulted in big losses of revenue. The current board is trying to clean up any future losses by drawing up leases, developing a starting point and rate for rental collections on two of the three existing industries in the industrial buildings. The third existing industry, Crane Interiors have been outstanding tenant in making sure their rent was paid on time every month. Mr. Reid also noted that one of the current tenants, PC Disposal on Bryant Lane will be moving out at the end of the month. Overall with all of the mistakes of the former industrial boards, the loss of revenue is estimated to be over $100,000. The current Industrial Board is on track to get everything cleared up and back in shape
