Commission OKs probation plan
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 9:42 am Votes to blockgun range
By MIKE WEST/ Courier Editor
"I'm advocating _very much _ that this happens," said Judge Susan Melton, pointing out that "the revenue will start immediately." "There was some discussion to allow the sheriff's office to handle probations," said Commissioner Glenn Steakley, who expressed concern about the possible cost of the program. "It's a conflict of interest for the sheriff's office to handle this according to CTAS (County Technical Assistance Service)," Gannon said. The sheriff would also have to hire additional employees to handle probation. It is also a conflict of interest for Judge Melton's office to administer it, he said. Under the plan, the county will hire PCC's current officer Jessica Duncan to run the office using equipment donated by PCC. "We are getting free furniture, the computers ... everything," explained Commissioner Richie Hunter. Ultimately, the Commission voted 7-2 in favor of the Probation Committee's recommendation. Voting yes were Commissioners Mark Barker, Karen Ashford, Jim Bush, James Holloway, Brent Bush, Richie Hunter and Adam Melton. Voting no were Russell Reed and Glenn Steakley. In other action, the Commission passed a resolution blocking plans to build a gun range near Roach Hollow Lane due to concerns about homes and public areas like Saint Thomas Stones River Hospital, Dillon Park and the Cannon County Jail. "You don't have to be a rocket scientist to know this is a bad site," said County Executive Gannon. The site is 4/10s of a mile from the Woodbury City Limits. Commissioner Hunter moved to block construction. Commissioner Adam Melton seconded. The measured passed 7-2 with Commissioners Russell Reed and James Holloway voting no. Voting yes were Mark Barker, Karen Ashford, Jim Bush, Glenn Steakley, Brent Bush, Richie Hunter and Adam Melton. During her presentation to the Commission, TNECD's Carlton outlined funding for various state programs including Rural Task Force block grants, Tennessee Downtown, the Main Street program and various tourism grants that are available. No action was taken by the Commission, however, it did unanimously approve a resolution for the 2016-17 litter grant. "They require us to approve this every year," Gannon explained.
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