BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
22 MAY 2025
Chair Commissioner Matt Rubelsky opened the meeting noting prayer and pledge had already been offered. The Chair then gave the order within the proposed 25-26 budget discussions that would take place given department head(s) timed appearances. The Chair then asked for a motion on the 2 May 2025 minutes. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, and was approved unanimously. The Chair asked if there were any public comments and there were not. Although not noted below, before each vote the Chair again asked for public comments and there were none. The proposed General Fund budget at this time shows estimated revenue to be $20,434,656 vs estimated expenditures of $23,527,587 leaving a net negative change in the 25-26 fund balance of $3,092,931 and the total Fund Balance as of June 30, 2026 of $7,981,931. Commissioner Roger Reedy asked if this addresses the planned courthouse and ambulance modifications/location respectively with the answer being no. The County Executive (CE) Graham Stowe noted that department heads saying most of their budgets are needed to just “stay ahead” and per Financial Manager (FM) Beth Moore-Sumners the budgets, on which she worked closely with the department heads, are not a wish list.
Motion on 141 General Purpose School Fund was made to approve “as is” noting it includes an increase to the Maintenance of Effort (MoE). Motion made by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour, and was approved 4 – 3 with Commissioners Terry Jones, David Adams and Matthew Hopkins voting no after the following discussion. Commissioner Joseph Sutton asked Dr. Beard how many (teachers) would be coming back, and Dr. Beard answered they had to lose 8 teachers due to loss of specific funding. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins asked how many teachers are now in county with Dr. Beard answering 298 and one Principal at each school with one assistant Principal at one school. RE student to teacher ratio 14:1. Re servicing the bond for school upgrades, Commissioner Evan Baddour said it would be a wash if it were within the school budget, or in the county’s general fund balance. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins however noted that if the county took over servicing the bond, which he preferred, any of the “over collection” in tax funds would come back to the county for determination. At this time the FM commented that you can’t take the sales tax but you can reduce the property tax application to schools. Further she said if adjusting the tax rate, that should be done prior to the budget finalization because the Tennessee’s state constitution requires local government to have a balanced budget at the beginning of the fiscal year, 1 July.
Cafeteria Fund Line Item (LI) 143 The FM noted this is a state and Federal funded program. A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones was made to approve and with Commissioner Matthew Hopkins providing the second the motion was approved unanimously.
Education Capital Projects LI 177 Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Terry Jones, and was approved unanimously.
Education Capital Projects #2 LI 178 Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, seconded by Commissioner Terry Jones, and was approved unanimously.
Highway Fund – The FM noted her discussion with the state about the highway 25-26 budget and was told if submitted to the state the budget would not be approved due to reducing their fund balance to zero. She added the local government cannot close a fund balance and must have at least 8% in that fund balance. Even with that, the budget would be approved but only with a corrective action. As currently proposed the highway budget shows a shortfall of $2,347,461. Per state they would approve with $667K but would like to see $1.4M in that fund balance. In other words, per FM, there needs to be more revenue or severe cuts, and the commission, due to statute, cannot tell the Highway Superintendent to cut salaries (same holds for Sheriff). She also noted there are three departments that can be funded with property tax, those being the county general fund, the school and the Highway. Commissioner David Adams asked how much to do the $667K and the FM said each penny collected on property tax assessment is worth $93, 025 (Calculation of penny collected – $954,106,019 – total assessed property; collection rate 97.50%; Assessed property at 97.5% collection $930,253,369; one cent worth $93,025). Per the FM, given that calculation and the current tax rate for highway that would mean you would need 7 ½ cent as a minimum. Commissioner Hopkins asked how many miles addressed in this budget with Superintendent Gene Barnickle answering 35 miles to be paved (county has 1,100-plus miles altogether). The FM mentioned several taxes including wheel tax which she said can be voted down again. She was asked about increasing the property tax and she said it takes an 11 vote of the 21 commissioners. A motion by Commissioner Evan Baddour to raise the collection rate to 98.5% and Commissioner Matthew Hopkins seconded. Commissioner Tracy Wilburn commented that last year there was growth over the budgeted amount and the FM noted that even with that possibility, the funding would only allow “standing still”. Commissioner Shelly Goolsby asked about the number of roads previously paved or tar & chip and was told there was a grant but that is no longer available. Commissioner Terry Jones asked about aid from the state on state roads, and Mr. Barnickle stated they give a stated percentage and no more and storms this year took some of that funding. Commissioner David Wamble asked about the $450K budgeted for equipment and Mr. Barnickle said $270K of that is for a long-arm vehicle. The FM noted the 171-capital project fund which will be going away as a line item and she mentioned an upcoming work session (the highway budget just one of several that will require additional funding and need to take an overall look before deciding how to address the shortfalls). The FM discussed in that process do you want to just get by and have to come back annually or not. She also mentioned the highway’s unique situation of having to wait until gas taxes are returned for their share from the state. Commissioner Evan Baddour said it is up to the department heads to tell us what their needs are; we as commissioners need to present to the public what those shortfalls mean in terms of day-to-day life. The CE said some of you will set back thinking you can vote no while others will vote yes. He said if you vote no you should tell all what should be cut, e.g., not repair roads, cut more teachers so I encourage you to stay together. Commissioner Terry Jones in looking at possible cuts mentioned raises, did we miss any revenue, with the CE saying he had shaved his but the cuts do not provide significant dollars and the costs continue to go up. Commissioner Gayle Jones mentioned how personally everything people expense they pay more and some cannot afford food and medicine. Others noted there will always be for some that problem. A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour, was made to approve with understanding will have to adjust once the total budget has been considered. Motion approved 6 – 1 with Commissioner Terry Jones voting no.
Drug Control LI 122 – This line is funded from drug fines, forfeitures and penalties per the FM. Sheriff Joe Purvis described $20K part of the budget is for Flock license Plate Readers and he mentioned several surrounding counties, Home Depot and Lowe’s are already using the readers. He commented that use will be for tracking drug dealers, amber alerts, silver alerts and will not be used to target specific groups. He also mentioned no data will be sold. Commissioner Evan Baddour said that some will see this as invasion of the public with several mentioning some of the surveillance already in place for shopping. Sheriff Purvis noted that a recent murderer in Lewisburg was tracked with these devices. A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, was made to approve and was approved unanimously.
Courtroom Security LI53920 – A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, was made to approve and was approved unanimously. Commissioner Evan Baddour commented this LI is reduced from previous year with FM noting newer employees are now scheduled for this effort and results in less cost.
Sheriff’s Department LI 54110 – The FM noted this budget includes two new officers for training purposes and patrol cars, a recurring expense, now shown in operating budget too. She also noted that retirement was at 7 1/8 and is now at 7 6/8 showing an increase in 25-26 budget, and that health insurance (for all budgets) is based on who actually chooses which options, or no option. A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Terry Jones, was made to approve and was approved unanimously after the following discussion. Commissioner Evan Baddour confirmed that the county is still paying a higher county share of the insurance. Commissioner David Wamble asked if the county could operate well with only one new hire rather than two. The Sheriff discussed the overall job description specifically mentioning policy review and use of force and reviews for that as well as other actions and then makes changes in training.
LI 54160 Adm of Sexual Offender Register – The FM noted this is a revenue producing line and there is a specific fund to cover. A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was made to approve and was approved unanimously.
LI 54200 Jail – A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was approved unanimously after the following discussion: Commissioner Gayle Jones asked about overtime since the jail is budgeted as fully staffed with Sheriff Joe Purvis discussing paying holiday time in that line where before the holiday pay was a flat $50. Now the pay is for one day pay if scheduled to work that day which amounts to the increase in “overtime”.
LI 53400 Chancery Court – A motion by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, was made to approve and was approved unanimously.
LI 53100 Circuit Court – A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, was made to approve and was approved unanimously. Commissioner David Wamble asked if the previously approved timekeeper software was part of this budget with the FM noting no, that would be in her department’s budget.
LI 52400 Trustee – A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, was made to approve and was approved unanimously. Trustee Tony Risner noted an increase to the 25-26 budget based on a new part-time employee. Since the space for a new hire might be limited, the Trustee was asked where that hire might be located and was told a space shared with the register of deeds would be used.
LI 52300 Property Assessor – A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Terry Jones, to approve was made and was approved unanimously. Commissioner Terry Jones said while not in “concrete”, the budgets reflect raises in keeping for all in concert with those mandated for elected officials and he suggested that could be addressed in a Resolution, possibly after budget deliberations.
LI 55130 Ambulance -Commissioner Evan Baddour noted this budget shows pay raises of 8% increase for EMTs and a 10% increase for paramedics so that the county doesn’t lose more people to surrounding counties. A motion by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, was made to approve. Commissioner Terry Jones re above resolution discussion asked how the ambulance raises might be addressed in such a resolution. The FM said the wording could read “as a minimum” equal to elected official pay raises. Commissioner Joyce Woodard asked about the equipment line with Director Willow Chavez discussing the supervisory vehicle reuse and a remount. Commissioner Terry Jones suggested contacting state representative Clay Doggett to have more dollars coming back to the county rather than staying in state coffers. He noted there is not even enough money to cover standing still and the state has a considerable fund chest. The CE mentioned a past state action where the sales tax rate was raised but those dollars went to state. Commissioner David Wamble asked re revenue coming in, are we charging medical as we should. Personnel doing billing was praised in her efforts and it was stated she has helped increase revenue. Currently there is $2.69M in planned revenue which helps with the $5.262 M expenditure. Commissioner Baddour discussed approving this LI the same as the Highway budget and amended his above motion, to show approved contingent on requirements and decisions for the total county budget approval. With Commissioner James Lathrop again providing the second, the motion was approved unanimously.
LI 51600 Register of Deeds – A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was made to approve and was approved unanimously.
LI 54490 Other Emergency Management – A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop was made to approve and later was amended by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby and seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour to remove $55K from Motor Vehicle and put in LI 171 Capital Projects. Motion as amended was approved unanimously. The amended motion resulted from discussions on recurring vs non-recurring as well as the sale of replaced heart monitors which funding had been considered as to be showing in LI 171 for future equipment purchases. Other Contracted Services was questioned by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, i.e., since the line covers annual camera support to assist in search and rescue operations can you charge for those services with Director Myers stating no legal process in place.
LI 55710 Sanitation Management – A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins to approve and was approved unanimously.
LI 55720 Litter and Trash Collection – The FM said this is funded through a grant. Commissioner Terry Jones moved to approve and with Commissioner Matthew Hopkins providing the second the motion was approved unanimously.
LI 55731 Waste Pickup – A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins and was approved unanimously.
LI 55732 Convenience Centers – The FM said this includes two grants requiring a county match of 25%. Director Julie Phillips discussed the Centers now doing clear glass, which is then purchased by a private individual. Re one of the grants will not allow for a new site but will allow an upgrade to existing. The proposal is to provide a hot mix pavement and if get approved will do the egress to the Bodenham center. Motion to approve by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Terry Jones and was approved unanimously.
LI 52500 County Clerk – A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby and seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins and was approved unanimously. Budget shows reducing one full time employee to part time. The County Clerk was questioned about people coming here to get their REAL ID compliant driving license and she said she has seen an increase in out-of-town applicants. She also said she has a space problem to include more full-time employees. Commissioner David Wamble asked about fees vs expenses and the FM said $427K revenue vs $638,629 expense.
Commissioner David Wamble asked about an analysis to reduce all 3% raises in this budget to 2% and have available at next meeting.
LI 52100 Accounting and Budget – A motion by Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, was made to approve and after discussion was approved unanimously. Discussion re data processing with the FM noting this service is paid annually and is currently building the data base. She expects 1 July for the data base to be available.
LI 51100 County Commission – A motion by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby was made to approve and with Commissioner Terry Jones providing the second the motion was approved unanimously. Noted – same as last year although the following year, after the election, a raise will be included.
LI 51300 County Executive – Increases discussed were increase to advertising and a raise for the IT specialist. Benefits also discussed i.e., how many hours required to work to receive benefits and the CE said 30 hours are required. Motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, to approve was made and motion was approved unanimously.
LI 51400 County Attorney – A motion by Commissioner James Lathrop, seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, to approve and was approved unanimously. The CE commented on the reduced budget noting he uses CTAS where possible, and the County Attorney does not have a fixed “salary” billing only on hours worked.
The Chair noted the budget reviews will begin again on 27 May at 0900. Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour and was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the committee – Chair Commissioner Matt Rubelsky and other commissioners Evan Baddour, Matthew Hopkins, James Lathrop, Terry Jones, Shelly Goolsby, and David Adams / Other commissioners in attendance Joyce Woodard, Gayle Jones, David Wamble, Carman Brown, Annelle Guthrie, Tracy Wilburn, Roger Reedy, Tim Risner/ Others in attendance Financial Manager Beth Moore-Sumners and Shana Woodard, Department Heads for their individual LIs, member of the Public
