Commission OKs financial plan for future

By MIKE WEST
Courier Editor

During a lengthy meeting, Cannon County Commissioners enacted four new policies designed to resolve issues outlined by the Tennessee State Comptroller's Office.

But first came a public apology from County Executive Mike Gannon to citizen Paul Morgan, who was on the receiving end of an angry outburst at the January 14 County Commission meeting.

"The last meeting I made a mistake by asking Paul Morgan to leave the meeting," Gannon said. "I've already apologized to Paul and tonight I apologize to the County Commission."

Discussion then quickly turned to the case of Lynn Foster, who recently rescinded plans to retire from the post of Circuit Court Clerk.

Gannon said he had checked with CTAS (County Technical Assistance Service).

"They told me that she could rescind her retirement. It's entirely her decision," he said, adding a letter from Foster was to be placed in the County Commission meeting's minutes.

Discussion then moved quickly to the county's new proposal financial policies.

Part one was a lengthy plan of action that gives the County Commission total control over budgetary issues.

The new policy "was solely up to them," Gannon said, "and was the result of Saturday morning meetings and workshops" by the County's Budget Committee. "It's a good plan in my opinion," he said.

The plan of action tightens Cannon County's financial policies and adds a final step.

"I can't borrow one penny unless the County Commission and the Comptroller approves it," Gannon explained. The measure also blocks the borrowing of funds from the County's Debt Service budget.

The measure also includes a new, strict cash management policy.

"You can spend as you like but you have to have the money," he said.

Commissioner Mark Barker said the plan also includes a strict budget calendar.

Commissioner Russell Reed moved for acceptance of the plan. Karen Ashford seconded. The measure passed with seven for, two against and one absent. Voting no were Commissioners Jim Bush and Brent Bush.

The Commission then turned to approval of a fund balance policy calling for a $1 million balance within five years.

Jim Bush moved for approval and Russell Reed seconded. That measure passed with eight for, one against and one absent. Voting no was Commissioner Brent Bush.

The panel then turned to a strict budget calendar.

"What the comptroller is wanting for us to get a budget on time," Gannon said.

Mark Barker moved for acceptance and Commissioner Glenn Steakley seconded. It passed with eight for, one against and one absent. Voting no was Brent Bush.

The Commission then turned to a proposed cash management policy.

"Again, it's strict but nothing is wrong with that," Gannon said.

Commissioner Karen Ashford spoke against the measure.

"It's so strict, I'm afraid we can't work with it," Ashford said.

The cash management policy is subject to approval from the Comptroller's office.

Mark Barker moved for approval with Adam Melton seconding. The measure passed with six for, three against and one absent. Voting no were Commissioners Karen Ashford, Jim Bush and Brent Bush.

In other action:

Commissioners agreed to meet with County Attorney Mike Corley on Monday, February 13 to hear about possible actions on an ethics complaint filed by a county employee.

Commissioners heard from Commissioner Glenn Steakley on the issue of centralized finances.

"I urge each of you to find out yourself and let's make a knowledge-based decision," Steakley said.

"We need to have a conversation about this," he said.

A group of citizens is collecting signatures to place the question up for vote on a public referendum.