TAZEWELL—A representative from the Census Bureau was present at the January Claiborne County Commission meeting to discuss the upcoming 2010 census and the temporary jobs it will bring.

Susann Bobbet from the United States Census Bureau spoke to the commission about the 2010 census urging them to encourage citizens in their district to participate. She also asked commissioners to spread the word that the Census Bureau was hiring temporary Census Takers.

The Census Takers will be hired to go door to door in their communities asking residents to update their addresses. Bobbet noted the Census Takers will receive competitive pay and will be reimbursed mileage for their travel.

Bobbet also requested a location to test those applying for the positions. The commission decided to let County Mayor Joe Duncan work out a location with Bobbet for a testing site.

For more information about applying for a Census Taker job you can contact the US Census Bureau by phone at 1-866-861-2010 or visit their website at www.census2010.gov. Bobbet can be contacted directly at (423) 215-3353.

In other business, the commission approved a resolution to submit a waterline extension project for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Each year the county is able to submit a project for possible funding from the CDBG.

Some concern was expressed at the Dec. commission meeting as to which district would be submitting the project. Since the county is only able to submit one project for funding, the commission is required to decide which area is in most need.

Commissioner Bill Keck announced that project engineer Hatfield, Allen and Associates reviewed several potential project areas in several districts and deemed the Second District in the Midway area the best project for the CDBG. The commission voted unanimously to submit this project for the grant.

C. L. Overman with Morgan Keegan & Company spoke to the commission regarding three resolutions on the table to be passed. The resolutions discuss the county’s current bonds for the Justice Center, Claiborne High School, and Claiborne County Hospital. The resolutions will allow the county to refinance their loans on the three projects. All three resolutions passed unanimously.

In New Business, the commission voted to take the recently auctioned Board of Education Central Office off the market. The bids on the building did not reach the minimum bid of $200,000 the commission set in previous months so commissioners chose not to sell the building but to keep it and take it off the market for a while.

County Mayor Joe Duncan informed the commission that there have been some concerns with one of the constables in the county. The mayor said it had come to his attention that this constable was acting as a law enforcement officer with out having the proper certification.

Mayor Duncan went on to say that according to state law constables must have certain certifications and training before they can take office. Duncan said he would have the constable requirements for all the commissioners at the Feb. meeting.

Duncan also asked that County Attorney Jimmy Estep send a letter informing the constables they would be evaluated to see if they had proper certification.

Mayor Duncan announced that work had temporarily halted on the elevator in the courthouse because the contractors were waiting on the actual elevator to arrive. Duncan said the elevator is expected to arrive in March.

Also during the meeting the commission discussed or approved the following agenda items:

The commission approved five resolutions to amend the Board of Education budget.

The commission approved a resolution to accept the Claiborne County Highway Department Road List submitted by Road Superintendent Mike Sharpe.

The commission approved a resolution regarding Ethics Laws. They approved a resolution regarding the Interest and Penalties of Delinquent Property Tax.

The commission approved a resolution to amend the Election Commission budget to allow them to lease some certified voting equipment.

After brief discussion, the commission approved a resolution to stay with Aetna Insurance for county employees.

They approved a resolution to destroy expired wheel tax decals and the commission appointed Erlinda McMeel to the Solid Waste Board and re-appointed Mike Russell to the board.

The commission will meet again for their regular monthly meeting on Feb.23 at 7:30 p.m. at the courthouse.