Issue: Upcoming meeting on first Tuesday in August
Summary: Chairman announced the meeting will focus on vision planning and zoning restrictions, with public comment period available
B. Solid Waste Committee
Issue: Purchase of new truck for $30,082
Summary: Committee unanimously approved using reserve funds (5% of fees collected annually) to purchase equipment. No new money or budget amendment required. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
II. Health, Safety & Properties Committee
A. Animal Shelter Project
Issue: Release of $50,000 for site preparation
Summary: Friends of the Shelter ready to begin dirt work. Contract not yet finalized but site prep can proceed. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
B. Pavilion Management Contract
Issue: Payment of $3,000 to current pavilion management group
Summary: Contract extended until February county commission meeting. Group missed June payment due to contract being in limbo. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
C. EMA Tower Removal
Issue: Authorization to remove obsolete tower on Hornertown Road
Summary: Tower only has weather station, rescue squad no longer uses it. Land lease increased to $2,000/year, owner wants $3,600. EMA director has budget to remove tower. Cost of removal equals about 2 years of lease payments. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
III. Finance Committee
Issue: Approval of June financial statement
Summary: Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
IV. Budget Committee
A. Budget Amendments 2601-2603 (Grouped)
2601: $12,500 from tourism funds for Banana Pudding Festival
2602: $8,375 homeland security grant
2603: $59,362 for jail position
Summary: All three amendments passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
B. Budget Amendment 2604
Issue: $111,829 balance carryover for EMS station in Pinewood
Summary: Funds already budgeted, carrying over for use in current year. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
C. Budget Amendment 2605
Issue: $784,716 for school model grant
Summary: Approved by school board. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
D. State Budget Process Letter
Issue: Letter received regarding budget completion timeline
Summary: Information provided to commissioners about meeting state deadlines.
V. Economic and Community Development
A. Business Development Updates
Issue: Local business expansion discussions and job opportunities
Summary: Working with businesses on incentives and PILOT agreements. International company purchasing property on Highway 46 for cement coloring/bagging operation with robotics. Three-star status application pending.
B. Broadband Accessibility Grant
Issue: $100,000 grant application for free Wi-Fi project
Summary:
Non-competitive grant specifically for Hickman County
No matching funds required
Project deadline: October 26, 2026
Proposed Project: Free Wi-Fi in public square and A-pavilion to support vendors and events
Will also support digital hub for entrepreneurship center
Motion for verbal approval passed unanimously
VI. Other Committee Reports
Health Foundation Corporate Extension Committee (meeting August 19)
Public Records Committee
Board of Zoning Appeals
Industrial Board
Opioid Settlement Board
Animal Shelter Advisory Board
Library Board
VII. New Business
A. Resolution 2524
Issue: Authorize $12.50 charge by clerk
Summary: Sponsored by Commissioners Thompson and Mayberry. District Attorney called to recommend approval. Perry and Lewis counties already approved. Motion passed 12-0 with 2 absent.
B. Future Resolutions (August Vote)
2523: BCA authority on vehicle weight limits and home occupancy
2525-2527: Rezoning resolutions
VIII. Technology Discussion
A. Live Stream Issue
Issue: No live stream for August meeting due to clerk absence
Summary: Commissioner raised concerns about current technology setup and suggested modernization committee to improve efficiency and transparency.
B. Technology Modernization Proposal
Issue: Suggestion to form committee to modernize meeting technology
Summary: Discussion about improving digital access to meeting materials, voting systems, and public transparency. Mention of improved tablet systems for roll call voting.
IX. Meeting Calendar and Administrative Items
Review of meeting calendar
Reminder to notify chairman of absences
Announcement about August meeting live stream cancellation
X. Adjournment
Motion to adjourn passed
Meeting concluded
Key Themes and Issues:
Infrastructure Investment: Multiple equipment purchases and facility improvements
Economic Development: Focus on business expansion and broadband accessibility
Budget Management: Multiple amendments totaling over $1 million
Technology Modernization: Discussion of improving meeting transparency and efficiency
Public Services: Animal shelter, EMS, and pavilion management
Regulatory Compliance: Zoning changes and state requirements