Staff Writer

Claiborne County Commissioners met in regular session on Monday, April 19 and faced a lengthy agenda. The primary topic of concern is the unemployment office in Tazewell.

County Mayor Joe Tyler Duncan was notified that the unemployment office is scheduled to be closed and its functions moved to Talbot. According to Duncan the action is a cost saving move on the part of the state government. Second District Commissioner Juanita Honeycutt sponsored a resolution that would cause the county to provide office space or pay rent on the current office if that move will keep the service here. Commissioners in general agreed that loss of the office would be a hardship on local residents and employers. The resolution passed unanimously. Duncan will seek letters of support from local employers and organizations in an effort to keep the unemployment office open. Details regarding the exact method of providing office space will be available at the regular May commission meeting.

A representative from Vaughn and Melton Engineers reported that plans for the courthouse elevator have been approved and bids will be requested as soon as possible. The completion date is scheduled for September. Duncan told commissioners that the annex building is near completion in order for the Chamber of Commerce to occupy it. The total costs are around $25,000 instead of the $18,000 planned for renovations. However, the extra costs include a heat pump and flooring that was not originally planned.

Duncan and County Attorney James D. Estep III reported on the recent audit by the state. Both agreed that the purchase of the convenience center was a legal transaction and that the audit comment dealt more with administrative functions between the county and state than with incorrect procedures. Apparently state officials wanted the county to issue capital outlay notes and pay interest. Instead, the county obtained money from the sanitation department at no interest, thus saving money.

Estep will respond to the state but added, "Once it's in the audit we'll never get it changed."

Duncan reported that tree trimming at the library is nearing completion at no cost to the county. He received three bids for a shingle roof for the library but continues to seek roof repairs at a lower cost.

Commissioners approved the proposed Three Star Committee progress report and the Strategic Economic Development Plan. They also approved the statement of non-discrimination required by the federal Title VI regulations.

Seven budget resolutions passed, none of which required new expenditures. Five for the Board of Education, one for the Sheriffs Department, and one for the South Claiborne VFD. Commissioners also approved transfer of $1,500 from undesignated funds to the Litter Program Budget.

McBee Road received designation as a county road on the first of three readings. The old Highland View School property was conveyed to the original owners owing to the schools disuse for any county purpose.

Duncan requested that commissioners meet with school board members to discuss potential disposition of the old high school and Midway school. Duncan said that the current school debt, including interest, is 90 million dollars. He wants to ensure that those school buildings are used or sold in a way that is most cost effective for the county. Duncan will arrange the requested meeting after conferring with the school board.

Ed Baldwin is a staff writer for the Claiborne Progress. He can be reached via e-mail at ebaldwin@claiborneprogress.net.