Brownsville Radio News Archives
Revised charts depicting the most discussed parts of Haywood County Government’s budget.
September 29, 2011
These charts are updated based on the county’s recent adoption of the 2011/2012 budget.
Cost of running the jail — click here
Comparison of property taxes with our neighbors — click here
Total county spending — click here
Estimated fund balances — click here
More people working in Haywood County in August than in July
September 29, 2011
County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for August show that the rate decreased in 57 counties, 28 counties increased, and 10 counties remained the same.
Tennessee’s unemployment rate for August was 9.7 percent, down from the July revised rate of 9.8.
Lincoln County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 6.4 percent. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.7 percent followed by Obion County at 17.2, up from 11.4 percent in July.
So what about Haywood County and our neighbors? While rates remain higher than we’d like, the new was good news for all as rates continued to trend down. Haywood County’s August rate is 13.7% — a month ago the rate was 14.5% and a year ago September was 14.3%.
Tipton, 9.7%
Fayette — 10%
Madison 10.4%
Crockett — 11.9%
Hardeman 12.7%
Lauderdale 14.4%
Click here to see the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce’s August data
Jailers won’t be hard to hire
September 29, 2011
Sheriff Melvin Bond said Wednesday morning that finding the right persons for the two new positions at the jail should be fairly easy. Bond said he’d hire the two new jailers sometime around the first of October.
“With the number of applications I already have,” Bond said, finding two qualified people should not be a problem.
In the county budget passed earlier this week, commissioners approved adding two jailers to the 21 employee jail staff.
Kids charged with church burglary
September 29, 2011
Investigators say, “evidence left behind” by at least one of the accused burglars led sheriff’s investigators to arrest four children in connection with the burglary and vandalism of Lebanon Methodist Church. The church is located on Fulton Road. The church was discovered trashed late last week.
Sheriff Melvin Bond said charges are being filed against a 12- year-old, two 15-year-olds and one 16-year-old.
Two of the four are also charged with the burglary last weekend of Koko Grocery. The sheriff said his department is acquainted with the kids having dealt with some of them earlier this year in connection with other criminal incidents.
Teenager arrested with stolen pistol
September 29, 2011
Police say they seized a 9mm semi-automatic handgun from a teenager late Wednesday night. Answering a “shots-fired” call on Lynn Drive, police discovered a 17-year-old boy with the gun.
Officers say the pistol was reported stolen during a burglary in Covington. Nobody was hit by the gunfire.
Man arrested earlier this week now faces new charges
September 29, 2011
Hywon Reed was arrested this week and charged with the burglary of EW James. Police say Reed is the man that tripped the grocery store’s burglar alarm after hiding inside while workers closed.
Now, investigators say, Reed has confessed to being the man a police officer surprised a couple of weeks ago behind Tobacco Super Saver on North Washington. An officer, on patrol, drove behind the store and saw a man trying to break-in. The suspect fled and got away.
Girls invited to compete for "Miss Hatchie" title
Girls up to age 21 are invited to compete for the title of "Miss Hatchie" during the annual Miss Hatchie Pageant Saturday, October 22, in Brownsville, Tenn. The competition will be held at the Ann Marks Performing Arts Center, 127 North Grand. Competition begins at 10 a.m. Doors will open at 9:15 a.m.
A queen and three alternates will be chosen in each category. Trophies and crowns will be awarded. You do not have to be a resident of Brownsville or Haywood County to participate. This competition is a preliminary for the 2012 West Tennessee Strawberry Festival for ages 6-21; all festival rules apply.
Entries will be taken at the door or contestants can pre-register by downloading an entry form at www.hatchiefallfest.com. For more information, contact Melanie Jacocks at 731-780-0828.
32nd Annual Tennessee Trash Car Show October 16
BROWNSVILLE, TN (September 28, 2011): The Tennessee Trash Car Show in Brownsville, Tenn., will celebrate its 32nd anniversary Sunday, October 16. The show is one of only a handful in the area that has been held consistently for over 30 years. This year's event will take place at the WOW/Elma Ross Public Library, 100 Boyd Ave.
The club began in 1978 when Tim Sills, David Duke and Jim Mayer began fixing up old cars and traveling to areas show, some as far away as Indianapolis. Eventually these three decided they should organize their own and the first Tennessee Trash Car Show was held in 1979. The title “Tennessee Trash” is taken from the old Tennessee Dept. of Tourism song about keeping Tennessee beautiful.
While the actual ‘club’ no longer exists, former members and a few newcomers continue the tradition that raises money for Haywood County charities. The Multiple Disability Class has been the beneficiary of the show’s proceeds for most of the 32 years.
“This is something we love and it’s a way for us to give back to our community,” says Sills. Over the years, the event has contributed more than $100,000 to local charities.
For the past few years, the show has been held in conjunction with the annual Hatchie Fall Fest during the third weekend of October.
Participants are asked to register between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Entry fees are $25 per car and includes an event t-shirt. Judging will begin at 1:30 p.m., and winners will be announced during an awards ceremony at 2:30 p.m. There will be classes for all entries.
With 100+ cars participating, Sills estimates that crowds reach well into the thousands during the daylong event. There is no admission fee for spectators. Concessions and t-shirt sales will be available. For more information, contact Tim Sills, 731-780-6061; Wayne McCool, 731-772-9276; or Joe W. Sills, 731-780-1356.
“Scare”ing up fun on the Square October 8
The scarecrows will soon be making their yearly appearance on the lawn of the Haywood County Courthouse in Brownsville. The annual scarecrow competition will be held Saturday, October 8, beginning at 5 p.m. This year's event will also include live entertainment by Hannah Company. Winners will be announced and prizes awarded during the evening when judges have made their final decision.
The annual contest is free and open to all age groups. Judging will be in two categories; children and adults, with cash prizes awarded for 1st ($100), 2nd ($75) and 3rd ($50) place in each. A gift package will also be awarded to the overall "Most Creative" entry. All participants are encouraged to be present at the time of judging.
Groups and organizations are encouraged to participate, as well as school classes and individuals. You do not have to be a Haywood County resident. Scarecrows can be made of any natural materials, but cannot depict an actual person. A complete list of rules and regulations can be found online at www.hatchiefallfest.com.
While the out-of-town judges are busy making their decisions, the community is invited to join the fun by bringing your lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of music on the lawn. Hannah Company, a local rock group will begin performing at 5.
If you have a great idea for a scarecrow, there is still time to enter. Entry forms will be accepted until noon, Friday, October 7. Enter online at www.hatchiefallfest.com, stop by the UT Extension office, 130 South Wilson, or call 731-780-5144 for more information.
Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation captured the favor of the judges last year with their scarecrow "lineman." More than 30 scarecrow of various character and sizes surround the Haywood County Courthouse during the annual contest to be held Saturday, October 8. Scarecrows remain on exhibit for the Hatchie Fall Fest on October 18.
Murder conviction brings life sentence
September 28, 2011
Michael Allen Gibbs could spend the rest of his life in jail. He was convicted of a 2009 Brownsville murder yesterday after a two-day trial in Haywood County Circuit Court.
Gibbs murdered Daniel Bradford two years ago in August. Bradford was 78 and lived in a house on Margin Street located behind Anderson School. His body was found in his home and police speculated he was killed during a home invasion.
Gibbs trial started Monday. He was convicted on charges of first-degree murder, attempted especially aggravated robbery and attempted especially aggravated burglary.
Yesterday, Judge Clayburn Peeples sentenced Gibbs to life with the possibility of parole for the murder. Peeples set a sentencing hearing for November 28 on the additional charges.
Gibbs, who was 19 at the time of the murder, has been held in the county jail since his arrest shortly after Bradford’s murder.
Scary time on Cooper Street
September 28, 2011
Brownsville Police say a Cooper Street man who was raking leaves yesterday was assaulted and robbed. Jimmy Morris was doing yard work Tuesday at 905 East Cooper. He told police two men confronted him, roughed him up and stole his wallet and cell phone. The police report did not provide a detailed description but said the two suspects were black males
Other police reports of note
At 412 North Bradford Tony Sweat told police somebody burglarized his house. The burglar left with a computer and video game.
Tywon Love and Kimberly Williams were returning to their home at 1158 S Washington when they happened on to two men exiting their house carrying their television. When the burglars realized they’d been discovered, they dropped the TV and ran.
The police report does not provide a detailed description but describes the burglars as black males.
No charges in dog bite
September 28, 2011
Sheriff Melvin Bond said his investigators have conferred with the district attorney’s office and have decided not to file any charges against the owner of a dog that allegedly bit a child this weekend. We started reporting this story yesterday.
The incident occurred on Southhall Lane in rural Haywood County. The child was bitten on the leg and required treatment at Lebonheur Children’s Hospital.
Tax rate set — from $2.38 to $2.58 — property taxes going up
September 26, 2011
There’s no question that “the people” were heard. County commissioners passed a spending and tax plan considerably lower than one earlier considered, and much of their last minute decisions were made as a result of public outcry for lower taxes.
At a specially called meeting of the county commission last night commissioners passed a tax rate of $2.58 — up more than 8% but a far-cry from the 21% increase first considered by the county’s budget committee.
The budget year ended in June, and last night’s vote headed off a cash crisis that would have occurred had the budget not been set before October 1.
Two public hearings, comments by citizens and the county’s largest personal property taxpayer unquestionably swayed the outcome.
Here are some of the highlights of Haywood County’s 2011/2012 budget.
• County general workers will give up some health insurance benefits, pay more for their insurance and forgo any raises.
• The budget does not include a much-discussed $5 hike in the rural sanitation fees. Mayor Franklin Smith said Tuesday that the raising the fees would almost certainly be revisited.
• The county’s debt service will absorb the entire 20-cent tax increase (about $660,000). The money is required to fund the new $15 million debt.
• Significant increases in budget went to “county buildings” to fund the cost of the new justice complex.
• Two jailers were added to the county’s payroll despite insistence from jail experts that up to 20 are needed.
Not everybody willing to vote yes
Still not every county commissioner was in agreement with the plan.
Passing the budget required two votes. One vote was to decide the spending plan, the other to set the tax rate. Commissioners voted exactly the same on both resolutions.
Fourteen commissioners voted for the tax rate and budget
Kathy Chapman, Robert Green, Janice King, Leonard Jones, Jeffry Richmond, Jerry Smith, Allen King, Richard Jameson, Joe Stephens, Robert Earl Thornton, Charles Wills, Becky Booth, Bob Hooper and Marjorie Vaulx
Six commissioners voted against the tax rate and budget
Teddy Waldrop, Wally Eubanks, John Gorman Jr., Chris Lea, Larry Gene Stanley and Sam Mathes.
Some quick facts about the budget
• The budget is a deficit budget, meaning the estimates predict county government plans to spend more than it takes in.
• Total expenditures, including schools and roads, is $46,734,338.
• Deficits predicted in the budget are:
General fund— $171,147
Solid waste/sanitation — $20,674
Highway/Public Works — $1,998,047
General Public Schools — $220,100
General Debt Service — $92,628
• The county’s total fund balance, if the 2011/2012 spending and tax plan runs according to budget, will reduce the county’s available funds from $8,647,569 to $6,163,489.
Concerned citizens set next session
September 26, 2011
Larry Fitts has, so far, done most of the talking for the so-called concerned citizens group that has played a significant role in last minute influence of the county’s budget.
Fitts said Monday night that the next meeting of the group is planned for this Thursday night. He told Monday night’s county commission audience that “they’ve told us what their move is — we need to decide what our next move is.”
The meeting is Thursday night at 7pm at 311 West Main Street.
Mayor Smith says he’ll have citizens involved in the next budget
September 26, 2011
Taking advice from Haywood Company’s Steve Correa, Mayor Franklin Smith said he’d name a committee of citizens to “work with” the county’s budget committee on the next county budget.
Correa was probably the most influential of outsiders in the months long budget crisis. He is Haywood Company’s plant manager. Haywood Company is Haywood County’s largest taxpayer.
Correa encouraged Mayor Smith to appoint graduates of the county’s leadership program to the committee.
Mayor Smith said he would begin the 2012 budget process in January.
Dog bite seriously injured child
September 26, 2011
A child is in the hospital and sheriff’s investigators are considering charges — the result of a dog bite.
Sheriff Melvin Bond didn’t have the official report immediately available, but told Brownsville Radio that a child suffered a serious dog bite to the leg after a pit bull dog attacked him.
The incident occurred in a Southhall Lane neighborhood.
So far no charges have been filed but the case remains under investigation. The child is being treated at Lebonheur.
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Murder trial enters second day
September 26, 2011
Back in September of 2009 a Margin Street neighborhood
was rocked by the news that an elderly resident was found dead — murdered — in his home.
Daniel Bradford was 78 and lived right behind Anderson School.
Michael Allen Gibbs, then 19, and Michael Bachelor, then 20, were both arrested within a few days of the murder.
At the time police suspected Bradford was killed as the result of a home invasion gone very bad.
Now, Gibbs is on trial — charged with first-degree murder. The trial started yesterday in Haywood County Circuit Court. Sheriff Melvin Bond told me Gibbs has been in jail since his 2009 arrest.
CITIZENS GRILL BUDGET COMMITTEE AT PUBLIC HEARING
September 23, 2011
Once again a packed courtroom of determined, sometimes-angry citizens greeted the Haywood County Commission Budget Committee last night. The session was a public hearing on the county’s proposed budget hosted by County Mayor Franklin Smith at the Courthouse.
Mayor Smith and Committee members Allen King, Jerry Smith, Becky Booth, Joe Stephens, and Leonard Jones, Jr. fielded questions from citizens about the proposed 2011 - 2012 Haywood County budget and property tax rate of $2.58 set for Commission vote on Monday, September 26. Budget Committee member Robert Green was absent, but most commissioners and elected county officials were in attendance for an hour and a half dialogue between those that govern and the public.
Mayor Smith listed a number of additional budget cuts totaling well over $300,000, which were made as part of Commissioner Joe Stephen’s plan. Most county general departments were trimmed, with the biggest cuts being $94,000 in the Jail budget, $92,000 in Parks and Recreation, and $38,000 from County Buildings.
But it quickly became apparent that those were not enough to satisfy the crowd.
Here are a few notes from those that made comments Thursday night.
• According to Freddie Smith, the Concerned Citizens Group that started with five people now numbers over fifteen hundred.
• Concerned Citizens Group member Larry Fitts asked the Committee if they had considered a budget using the current tax rate of $2.38, if any committee member had proposed such a budget, and if not, why not? Budget Committee Vice Chairman Jerry Smith responded that the Committee had attempted to calculate a budget at the current tax rate and that his first directive received from chairman Allen King early in the budget process was to try to keep the tax rate the same. King stated that after making all the spending cuts they could, the committee still had to propose a tax increase in order to service the county's indebtedness with the added obligation of the new justice complex.
• Fitts wanted the Committee to admit that the proposed 20-cent increase is just the first step in servicing the debt, and that another tax increase is in the offing without further budget cuts. Commissioner Joe Stephens essentially conceded Fitts’ point but indicated his willingness to look for areas to amend the budget with further cuts once a budget is passed.
• Several people wanted to know why there was a continuing budget of over $155,000 for the county farm when the old Jail has closed and prisoners moved to the new Justice Complex. Mayor Smith explained that the county farm was and is a separate entity from the jail, and that the county farm still raises corn and hay and provides public services to nonprofit organizations. A lot of those thought the farm ought to be shut down.
• Mayor Smith gave Haywood Company Manager Steve Correa the last word. Correa received a round of applause when he stated that Haywood Company had been in Brownsville for 41 years and would be here another 41 years. He noted that instead of spending 8% more than the citizens advocating the $2.38 rate wanted, the County government should shrink 8%. "Do I think the County can spend less? Absolutely. If we had six months, we could keep hammering at this, but we don't. We have six days. We have to vote 'yes'. " But Correa strongly advocated continuing efforts to amend the budget once passed to cut more spending and find revenue. " I guarantee you we can cut another 10% out of this budget," said Correa, and offered Haywood Company's expertise to help.
• On the subject of revenue, Correa asked the Budget Committee to change its mindset about the Justice Complex as just a big liability and to try to think of it as a revenue-raising asset. Specifically, he suggested housing federal prisoners there, as the facility capacity is considerably more than the number of inmates currently housed.
"What I see here is young, old, black, white. What I really see is a grass roots effort of people drawing a line in the sand. Enough is enough. May God bless America and give us the strength and wisdom to meet these challenges before us. "
The county commission meets Monday night to vote. Mayor Smith said, " I'm not going to adjourn the meeting until we have a budget passed. "
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Brownsville Police get indictments in violent crime investigations
September 23, 2011
The Haywood County Grand Jury has reviewed a number of investigations and arrests made by the Brownsville Police Department and returned indictments on nine adults.
Police say two juveniles are implicated in two of the cases.
Police spokesman Chuck Willis said the arrests and indictments come “as the result of an ongoing and lengthy investigation by our Criminal Investigations Unit and newly formed Gangs and Street Crimes unit.”
Here’s the list of recent indictments:
• For 7-29-10 shooting incident on Cobb Circle
Eddie Louis Kinney III
Attempted 1st Degree Murder
Use of a Firearm during the commission of a violent felony
Aggravated Assault with Serious Bodily Injury
• For a shooting incident that occurred at 1006 Ingram on 04-08-11
Trevor Jones (DOB 12-12-1990)
Marques Owens (DOB 07-18-1988)
Both have been charged with 3 counts of Aggravated Assault/Fear, 2 counts of Vandalism between $500 and $1000, and 3 counts of Reckless Endangerment/Deadly Weapon Involved in the Commission of a Violent Crime
• For a drive by shooting incident that occurred at 1050 N. Grand on 04-17-11
James Tevin “J.T.” Shaw (DOB 08-25-92)
Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon involved in the Commission of a Violent Crime
• For a stabbing incident that occurred on Highland on 06-22-11
Anthony Anton Tyus (DOB 12-07-84)
Attempted 1st Degree Murder
• For a shooting incident on Houston St. on 06-30-11
One adult, Lakendrick Deshawn Deberry (DOB 07-07-92), and a juvenile
Both charged with 3 counts of Attempted 1st Degree Murder and 3 counts of Use of a Firearm during the Commission of a Dangerous Felony
• For a drive by shooting on N. Bradford on 08-22-11
2 Adults and 1 juvenile
Matthew Hunter Freels (07-16-92)
4 counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Criminal Responsibility and Reckless Endangerment
Christian Shaquille Delk (DOB 06-02-93) and the juvenile are both charged with 4 counts of Attempted 2nd Degree Murder, Reckless Endangerment with a deadly weapon involved in the commission of a crime.
• For the shooting incident on Lark on 08-24-11
Lakendrick Deshawn Deberry (DOB 07-07-92)
1st Degree Murder, Attempted 1st Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony.
Both juveniles have been charged in Haywood County Juvenile Court.
University of Memphis delivers Brownsville on the Move results
September 22, 2011
Graduate students and their advisors delivered and reviewed a 22-page Executive Summary draft of their Brownsville on the Move research. The pages are packed with findings and short and long term plans the researchers believe will “put Brownsville on the move.” They say they will publish a more detailed 200-page report soon.
The project started in the fall of 2009 when then-Mayor Webb Banks asked University of Memphis experts to help find ways to make Brownsville grow economically. The process started in the spring of 2010 and ended earlier this year. The U of M’s graduate planning program worked on the project. Dr. Ken Reardon, Director of the University of Memphis’ Graduate Program in City and Regional Planning, led the group.
The executive summary was unveiled yesterday at the Brownsville Planning Board meeting.
Major research findings include positive notes about our agricultural economics, our success in attracting new industry over the past several years, Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge, rich social history, diverse cultures, citizen support for projects and committed political leaders.
The group says there are problems, too. Among them a weak public image, less than ideal location, bad first impressions at our entrance ways, ongoing population loss, educational attainment levels, increasing competition from nearby communities, recurring flooding in some sections of town and “persistence of racial and class-rooted tensions.”
Most of the pages of the document describe short and long-term solutions that range from building greenways, walking and bike riding trails, improvements to historic areas to building a new high school and even turning the courthouse into a place for educational opportunities. The researchers suggest a time-line for implementation in Near –Term (1 – 5 years), Short-Term (6-10 years) and Long Term (11-15 year) goals.
Brownsville Radio plans to publish the entire report on the Internet upon release by city officials.
Fire drill at jail went well
September 22, 2011
Sheriff Melvin Bond surprised his staff and jail inmates with a fire drill yesterday conducted at the new jail. The sheriff ordered the test about 8am.
Bond said the drill, which included evacuation of inmates and a response by local firemen, went smoothly. Bond is preparing the jail for a follow-up inspection expected at the end of October.
Clergy can’t meet with inmates
September 22, 2011
For years local preachers and lay leaders have met with inmates at the Haywood County Jail. Sheriff Melvin Bond says he has had to curtail or halt most of those sessions because of short staffing.
He told Brownsville Radio Tuesday that because of the limited staff, and danger it poses to the volunteers and jailers, he has prohibited most of the sessions.
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Budget makers to hold another public hearing tonight
September 22, 2011
How satisfied are you with a tax rate of $2.58? The county’s budget committee once discussed raising the rate from $2.38 all the way to $2.90 — but public outcry sent them refiguring.
The latest budget was crafted using a formula of budget cuts crafted by Budget Committee Member Joe Stephens. Stephens’ plan was not fully realized but the committee believes it attained enough savings to make the $2.58 tax rate work.
Tonight Mayor Franklin Smith and the budget committee will again host a public hearing at which citizens may comment.
Features of the new budget include:
• Reduced benefits for some county employees.
• No raises for many employees while school and highway department workers will enjoy some new money and no reduced benefits.
• Two new employees for the jail.
• All of the twenty-cent increase will be earmarked to pay back county debt.
• The rural sanitation fees will be raised $5 monthly.
• The predicted deficit in county general, where most of the most recent cuts took place is about $220,000. The overall deficit is about $2.5 million.
Tonight’s meeting is at 7pm.
Bill Haslam welcomes Marathon Heater to Brownsville
September 21, 2011
Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has joined with local officials in cheering the arrival of Marathon Heaters. The company, as you know, is the latest arrival to the Brownsville Haywood County Industrial Park and moves into the space formerly occupied by Haywood Element.
Haywood County and Brownsville chipped in $50,000 to help bring the company here. The money was used by Marathon to move equipment into their new plant.
Haslam and the state are taking some credit, too. He says the Jobs4TN economic development plan contributed to the successful location of Marathon.
The press release from the state says Marathon will invest $1m in Haywood County and employ up to sixty workers.
University of Memphis economic study to be unveiled today
September 21, 2011
So what would make Haywood County grow? Better industrial recruiting incentives? A better school system? Should we set ourselves up as a bedroom community or maybe a retirement center?
We’ll get some of those answers today as the University of Memphis begins unveiling the results of months of study of the Haywood County economy. U of M students and advisors will brief the Brownsville Planning Commission on the study today
County commission raises litigation tax, elects Smith chairman
September 20, 2011
The Haywood County Commission met in regular session on Monday night at the courthouse before a large crowd of observers.
Smith reelected chair
One of the first items on the agenda was the election of the position of Chairman of the Haywood County Commission, a post currently held by Mayor Franklin Smith.
Last night Mayor Smith was reelected by an 18 to 1 vote. County Commissioner Larry Stanley cast the lone no vote. Stanley said the $19,000 compensation paid to the commission chairman was too high. Commissioner Allen King countered that no one but the county mayor possessed the breadth of knowledge about county business to assume the role of commission chairman, and that the amount of work required warranted the compensation.
No vote but lots of talk
Though the budget was not on the agenda for a vote, aspects of it were discussed at Monday night's meeting.
When Chairman Smith called for committee reports, Chairman John Gorman, Jr. of the Solid Waste Committee said his committee is in disagreement with the budget committee. The budget committee is recommending the county raise residential sanitation fees $5 monthly, and to place back into the county general fund revenues, currently estimated at about $75,000, from the beer tax.
The Solid Waste Committee voted last week to oppose the budget committee on the issue. Last night there was a motion to undo the budget committee’s plan but it failed by a 13 to 6 vote.
Some commissioners expressed the view that solid waste disposal costs should be paid from revenues generated from customers - that the department of solid waste should pay for itself, and that beer tax money generated by both city and county residents should not be part of the solid waste revenue stream as has been the case for years.
End result — the $5 rate increase and allocation of beer tax revenue to the county general fund remains part of the budget package set for vote next Monday night.
Cutting commissioner pay
Since the county commission may impose a greater tax burden on the citizens of the county if the current proposals pass next Monday night, Commissioner John Gorman, Jr. thought it appropriate for commissioners to exemplify shared sacrifice by cutting their own pay in half.
Despite objections from Mayor Smith who said he believes the compensation fair, Gorman made a motion to cut commissioner pay by 50% to $50 per meeting, and to reduce committee member pay by 50% to $25 per meeting.
Budget Committee Chairman Allen King, who earlier said he would introduce the pay cut himself, quickly stated that he was not in favor of the timing of Gorman’s motion. King said he wants to get the budget passed and not "muddy the water" with the matter of commissioner compensation. Commissioner Jerry Smith seconded King’s motion to table Gorman’s motion. King’s motion passed by a 16 to 3 margin.
After the meeting, Commissioner King told
Brownsville Radio that he was "100 percent " in favor of the principle of Gorman's motion to reduce commissioner pay; he just wants to save that vote until after a budget and tax rate have passed.
Litigation taxes are going up
Court related litigation taxes are going up. The county commission passed three resolutions raising the cost of doing business with local courts. Litigation taxes in criminal and traffic cases in Circuit and General Sessions Court will increase by one dollar effective October 1, 2011. Litigation taxes in General Sessions Court will increase by $6.75.
The dollar increase is expected to raise 12 to 14 thousand dollars annually, and the $6.75 hike could generate as much as $40,000 per year.
Concerned citizens spoke
As a member of the concerned citizens' group, Larry Fitts addressed the County Commission last night and expressed his disappointment that the current proposed budget and tax rate continues to include a twenty-cent hike in the property tax. He noted that the current proposed 20 cent increase, along with another 20 cent increase passed just a few years ago, and the $29 recently enacted increase in the wheel tax, will cumulatively suck $2 million dollars per year from the local economy, capital that otherwise could be spent locally for goods and services but which will not be available if the Commissioners pass the proposed tax rate. He implored commissioners to consider the adverse impact of these tax increases on the economy and to seek to balance the budget with the current tax rate.
Megasite encouragement
Two other guests made presentations before the Commission on Monday night. Brownsville resident and Jackson Chamber of Commerce Board Chairman Kathy Gruenewald Watts, along with Jackson Chamber Executive Director Kyle Spurgeon, addressed commissioners. They emphasized the importance of the megasite to Haywood and surrounding counties and stated their continuing support and efforts for the project. Watts and Spurgeon encouraged local government to do everything in its power to improve education and reduce crime, as these are two criteria industrial executives will weigh heavily when choosing a site for construction or expansion.
Next meetings
The county’s budget including the tax rate is slated for vote at a called meeting next Monday evening, September 26th. A public hearing on the proposed budget and tax rate is set for later this week on Thursday night, September 22nd, at the courthouse.
Jim Parks has retired from the BPD
September 20, 2011
A reception was held yesterday at the Brownsville Police Dept. honoring the retirement of Lt. Jim Parks.
Between the Haywood County Sheriff's Dept. and the Brownsville Police Dept., Lt. Parks has served the citizens of Haywood County for the last 39 years as a police officer. His career started in 1972. “Jim is always a joy to be around and will be greatly missed,” Brownsville Police Chief Chris Lea said.
Former Police Chiefs, Lucian English and Gil Kendrick were among guests at Park’s retirement reception.
Brownsville Police Chief Chris Lea (left) congratulates Jim Parks at his retirement ceremony Monday.
No extended discounts for Brownsville property taxes
September 16, 2011
Mayor Jo Matherne said yesterday the city wouldn’t be extending discounts for early payments on property taxes. The conversation started Tuesday at the Brownsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen with a suggestion that might happen.
Brownsville can’t send its tax bills at the usual time, by the first of October, because of the county’s delay in setting their budget. It is unclear exactly when tax notices will be delivered — but the hope is they will be sent by mid-October.
Mayor Matherne said Thursday that the two early payment deadlines aren’t likely to be extended. “At this time, we do not anticipate extending the deadlines,” Matherne said. Taxpayers enjoy a 2% discount if their taxes are paid by the first of November.
Haywood County’s solid waste committee just says no to hiked fees
September 16, 2011
As a part of budget committee member Joe Stephens’ county budget plan, Haywood County Commissioners will be asked to raise the solid waste fees $5 monthly. Most of the county commissioners serving on the commission’s solid waste committee don’t like that idea.
During a meeting late Thursday, the committee voted to pass a resolution in opposition of the new charges. Only member Bob Hooper voted against the measure.
Stephens’ plan strips the county’s beer tax income, for decades assigned to the solid waste department, from solid waste and reassigns it to county general. The additional $5 monthly fee is designed to make up the difference.
Soil Conservation board finds additional savings
September 16, 2011
Another $4,000 may be ticked off the county’s spending after a meeting yesterday of Soil Conservation’s board. County government has been contributing about $100,000 annually to the program that provides services to farmers and farm owners.
In Commissioner Joe Stephens’ recent budget cutting plan, Soil Conservation was on the list to receive 12% less money from county taxpayers but when the budgets were finalized the next day, Soil Conservation reduced spending by only $900.
Yesterday’s additional reductions still don’t achieve the budget committee’s plan, but decreases Soil Conservations’ funding by a total of $4,900.
Keeping the meetings straight
September 16, 2011
Mayor Franklin Smith hopes to get the county’s budget passed at a meeting late this month, but county commissioners are likely to participate in at least two meetings in between.
Below is the schedule for important county meetings.
• September 19 the county commission will meet in its regular monthly session. The 2011/2012 budget vote will not take place at this meeting.
• September 22, Mayor Franklin Smith and the budget committee will hold a public hearing on the budget. The 7pm meeting at the courthouse will allow members of the public to comment and ask questions about the new budget.
• September 26 the county commission will meet for the purpose of considering the 2011/2012 budget.
What will county departments get in the new budget?
September 16, 2011
County general has been the recent focus of county commissioner’s budget cutting ax. The latest rounds of cuts have apparently achieved an overall 5% reduction from original requests.
Click here to see each department’s original requests and the budget appropriation presently under consideration.
Tax rate headed for vote at $2.58
September 14, 2011
At one time county leaders thought they’d have to raise the property tax rate a whopping 22%, but that’s been headed off by a new plan developed amid outcry from taxpayers. County Commissioners will vote on a twenty-cent increase, elevating the property tax rate from $2.38 to $2.58.
Tuesday, Mayor Franklin Smith ordered published a revised budget that includes a new round of budget cuts. The new budget was developed in a proposal authored by Commissioner Joe Stephens suggesting all County General departments slash their planned spending from 3% to 12%.
Details of the latest numbers are still being sorted out, but the original budgetary estimates were not achieved according to Mayor Smith and Commissioner Stephens. Some departments submitted additional cuts and some did not. Notably, Mayor Smith said, Parks and Recreation cut its budget the prescribed 12% while Soil Conservation, also on the budget committee’s list to cut 12%, submitted a new budget with only a tiny cut.
It is unclear whether the budget committee resolution required the budget cuts or asked for the cuts. Mayor Smith says he published the budgets as submitted by elected officials and department heads.
The latest changes will predict a deficit of $220,000 in the county general budget. Prior to the cuts, and at the $2.70 rate, the deficit was estimated to be $177,000.
The county commission will meet in regular session next Monday night but won’t take up the budget until a special sessions set for September 26
City’s tax notices will be delivered late
September 14, 2011
The City of Brownsville Mayor and Board of Aldermen quickly dispatched city business in a meeting lasting less than an hour on Tuesday afternoon at City Hall.
City clerk Jessica Snell Frye reported that city property tax notices will not be mailed on time this year due to the county's delays in establishing a tax rate and budget. The state of Tennessee's procedures do not allow for the city to send out its notices until the county has resolved outstanding issues and has certified its tax rate to the state.
If the county passes a tax rate in late September, Frye expects the city to send out notices sometime in early or mid October.
Because tax notices will be mailed later than normal this year, taxpayers will likely get an extended deadline to take advantage of the two per cent discount to provide an incentive for payment prior to the February due date.
Frye emphasized that Brownsville has more than adequate reserves to fund normal accounts payable until revenue from this year's taxes becomes available.
Mayor Jo Matherne updates
• The court square landscaping grant project will not prevent the upcoming homecoming festivities or the Fall Fest. This project stems from a matching grant applied for by the Webb Banks administration in 2007. The City obtained $735,000 in grant funds and must match that amount with a twenty percent contribution of around $184,000. All but $34,000 of the City's part has been paid, and the current City Budget provides that remaining sum this year. Completion of the project is expected sometime around December first.
• FEMA has approved the first of two phases of a grant to purchase flood-damaged properties in Brownsville. $464,000 for phase one will be used to acquire properties already designated by the agency.
• The $550,000 project to extend city utilities across interstate 40 at exit 56 is expected to be finished by the end of September.
Parades planned — candy throwing nixed
On the city’s agenda were applications for three parade permits, all of which were passed unanimously. The first was by the Fifteenth Review Club for the annual Marla Angotti 5k / 10k walk and run to be held on Saturday, October 22, 2011, at 9:00 A.M. to raise funds for St Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. For more information, contact Mary Anne Gorman at 780 - 5055. The second permit concerned the March of Dimes Biking for Babies event scheduled for Saturday, October 1, 2011. Interested people can contact President Joanna Morris of First South Bank in Brownsville. The final permit on the agenda went to Haywood High School for the homecoming parade slated for Friday, September 30, beginning at 4:00 P.M. Alderman John Simmons expressed concern for the safety of young children attempting to get candy thrown from the homecoming parade vehicles. There is an ordinance prohibiting the practice, and participants in the parade will not be allowed to do it this year.
Brownsville’s economic future? U of M report may help determine — to be released next week
September 14, 2011
Remember that economic study being conducted by the University of Memphis? The results are about to be released.
City Planner Sharon Hayes told Brownsville Radio that a draft of the findings would be reviewed at the Brownsville Planning Board meeting next week.
The study is designed to help Brownsville and Haywood County plan economic growth.
The planning board meets next Wednesday at 4pm at City hall.
Summer concert season winding down
September 14, 2011
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center’s summer concert series comes to a close this month with two weekends of great music. Blues artist Dr. David Evans and Elmo Lee Thomas will perform “on the porch” this Saturday, followed by the Gospel Stars and Total Praise September 24. Both concerts will begin at 6 p.m.
Evans has been performing country blues (guitar and vocals) since 1962, having learned directly from many of the old southern blues musicians. One of those musicians was Brownsville bluesman Hammie Nixon. Evans toured with Nixon for five years. He is currently Professor of Music at the University of Memphis and has taught at the University of Mississippi. Joining Evans for the September 17, “Concert on the Porch” is Elmo Lee Thomas.
Brownsville’s own New Gospel Stars will take the stage on Saturday, September 24, for the final concert in the series. This band has been performing across the region since the 1990s and will perform many of the old gospel favorites. The group features the talents of M.C. Cliff Jr., Mary Maclin, Felicia Walker, Johnny Bond, Robert Bryant and Jerry Miller.
Opening the evening for the Gospel Stars will be Total Praise, a group of Brownsville women who began their journey as a gospel group about a year ago. This group includes the vocal talents of Hazel Walker, Sheketa Holmes, Tiffany Tolivar, Keisha Walker, Ti-Anna Wiley and Christy Henderson.
And this note — we learned this week
September 14, 2011
Residents in Lexington Tn approved a liquor
referendum that will allow retail package
stores to sell alcohol in Lexington. The
measure passed 1,015 to 952.
(Officers pictured from left to right)Lt. Barry Diebold, Ptl. David Culver, Lt. Jason Haynes, Ptl. Darren Jenkins, Lt. Mark Covington,Ptl. Mike O'Connell, Cpl. Anthony Rankin
Brownsville PD Wins top Traffic Safety Award
“Best of the Best in Traffic Safety”
On Friday September 9th, 2011 the City of Brownsville Police Department received top honors at the 7th annual Tennessee Law Enforcement Challenge Awards Presentation Ceremony in Nashville. The Police Department received the “Top” Tennessee Traffic Safety Championship award. This award was the culmination of seven years of outstanding traffic safety programs. The Brownsville Police Department has won seven state awards and one national award over the past seven years for their efforts in traffic safety. The combined efforts of specialized enforcement with community education, has been instrumental in reducing crashes in the City of Brownsville by over “50%” in the past seven years. This award is a testament to the officers of the Brownsville Police Department and their commitment to make the City of Brownsville a safer place to live.
“Concert on the Porch” series ends with two weekends of blues and gospel
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center’s summer concert series comes to a close this month with two weekends of great music. Blues artist Dr. David Evans and Elmo Lee Thomas will perform “on the porch” Saturday, September 17, followed by the Gospel Stars and Total Praise September 24. Both concerts will begin at 6 p.m.
Evans has been performing country blues (guitar and vocals) since 1962, having learned directly from many of the old southern blues musicians. One of those musicians was Brownsville bluesman Hammie Nixon. Evans toured with Nixon for five years. He is currently Professor of Music at the University of Memphis and has taught at the University of Mississippi. Evans’ first musical partner was Alan Wilson, who went on to become a member of the blues-rock group Canned Heat. Since 1980, Evans has been touring in Europe and is a member of the Last Chance Jug Band, a five-piece group based in Memphis since 1989.
Joining Evans for the September 17, “Concert on the Porch” is Elmo Lee Thomas. Thomas, also a member of the Last Chance Jug Band, has been the driving force behind one of the Mid-South’s most popular bands, Elmo and the Shades, for over 25 years. He is a Memphis native and has a reputation of being a high-energy blues shouter and soul singer. Thomas has long been recognized as one of the region's top harmonica talents.
Brownsville’s own New Gospel Stars will take the stage on Saturday, September 24, for the final concert in the series. This band has been performing across the region since the 1990s and will perform many of the old gospel favorites. The group features the talents of M.C. Cliff Jr., Mary Maclin, Felicia Walker, Johnny Bond, Robert Bryant and Jerry Miller.
Opening the evening for the Gospel Stars will be Total Praise, a group of Brownsville women who began their journey as a gospel group about a year ago. This group includes the vocal talents of Hazel Walker, Sheketa Holmes, Tiffany Tolivar, Keisha Walker, Ti-Anna Wiley and Christy Henderson.
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center presents "Concert on the Porch" May through September and features a different artist and genre each month. For more information about the concert series, call 731-779-9000 or visit www.westtnheritage.com. The Center is located off of Interstate 40, Exit 56 behind McDonald's, in Brownsville, Tenn.
Stephens’ suggestions wins budget committee approval
New cuts — $2.58 tax rate recommended
September 8, 2011
After hearing more comments from Haywood County’s largest personal property taxpayer and undoing what they did Wednesday, the county’s budget committee settled on a fairly complicated formula estimated to balance the county general budget with an overall property tax rate of $2.58. The tax rate, if approved, will increase twenty cents from the present $2.38. The committee took the actions Thursday.
The new proposal means, however, that rural solid waste customers could see their bills go up by $5. Residential customers presently pay $15 — the new rate would be $20.
Click Here for Details of the Stephens’ Budget Cut Plan
Summary of yesterday’s actions
• Two actions that passed Wednesday were rescinded. Thursday, the committee reversed their decision to add five jailers to the county jail staff. They also reversed their vote to require county workers take a day off monthly without pay.
• They passed five to one (Robert Green voted no) to a complicated budget recommendation made by Commissioner Joe Stephens. Stephens’s motion includes
• 3%, 6% and 12% reductions in appropriations for select budget categories. Click here for more details.
• Transfer the beer tax income now assigned to the solid waste department and put it back into the general fund.
• Add two new jailers to the budget using the beer tax money.
• Raise the solid waste assessment $5 per customer.
• Stephens believes the changes could save nearly a half-million dollars. Click here for Stephens’ estimates
Click Here for Budget calculation based on Thursday's actions
What didn’t come up?
County commissioners learned Wednesday that no law prevents them from reducing their own pay. Budget Chairman Allen King said Wednesday he’d make a motion to cut the pay but he won’t do so until the county commission meets.
Making it work
Stephen’s work seemed to win favor with much of yesterday’s audience including some county commissioners not on the budget committee. At least one commissioner, Sam Mathes, who voted no to the budget last week, said this was a measure “he could support.”
But the big complication, as pointed out by Mayor Franklin Smith, is getting department heads and elected officials to go along with Stephens’ proposal. The measure requires department heads to review their budgets and decide the cuts themselves — and they have to do it today (Friday).
Mayor Smith said time is of the essence and those in charge of the effected budgets must submit their new estimates immediately so they may be published in accordance with Tennessee law. To pass a budget by the important October 1 deadline, the budget must be published in next week’s newspaper. Smith said Thursday night he needed the new numbers from department heads by Friday at noon.
Correa’s influence
Haywood Company’s plant manager Steve Correa addressed the budget hearing prior to their Thursday deliberations. Correa reiterated earlier comments that government must behave like private business and determine how it can “do more with less.”
Correa also presented some new county data —
• From 2000 to 2010 the county’s population has decreased 5%.
• From 2000 to 2010 household income has increased 11.5%
• From 2000 to 2010 the local tax rates (not including the current proposals) have increased 27%.
• From 2005 to 2010 local taxes have increased 91%.
Correa said correcting the problem was going to take “a major shift in the way we think and do business.”
Jail could still be looming issue
September 8, 2011
The budget committee’s recommendation seemingly flies in the face of Wednesday’s report from the Tennessee Corrections Institute, the state organization that certifies jails.
Robert Kane, the same inspector pivotal in the county commission’s decision to build the new jail, went on record Wednesday saying that personnel issues are forcing the jail operation into non-compliance.
In an earlier inspection, Kane said the new jail needs 42 workers.
Brownsville Radio obtained a copy of Kane’s report, which states in ten separate places that “lack of staff” attributed to or caused the deficiency.
Kane concludes by writing, “I would strongly recommend the county commission hire at least 10 correctional officers to work toward getting the staffing levels where they need to be. To do nothing could lead to possible “Deliberate Indifference” on the county’s part and make TCI Certification unachievable…”
Sheriff Melvin Bond told the budget committee “my number is 10” in response to a question from Commission Robert Green who asked Bond how many workers he believed were required to satisfy inspection.
Thursday’s action recommends the county hire two new jailers.
TCI says they will revisit the jail October 31 to conduct a follow-up inspection.
The Haywood County Budget Committee will meet Thursday afternoon at 4pm to discuss the county's budget and tax rate. The meeting will be held at the Haywood County Courthouse
Press Release
On 08-19-2011 at approximately 6:30 pm, a vehicle was burglarized at Christ Church 2120 Anderson Ave., here in Brownsville. The victim is Joy Mann 4639 Hwy 19W. Two credit cards were stolen and several thousand dollars rang up on these cards at our Wal-mart and one in Jackson.
We have included some photos from the Wal-Mart in Jackson. We are asking that anyone with any information to contact the Brownsville Police Department, or call our local crime stoppers at 731-772-CASH.
Lt. Willis
Admin. Commander
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County commissioners can cut their pay
September 8, 2011
In the final minutes of Wednesday’s budget committee meeting Mayor Franklin Smith told budget planners that the county attorney confirms that it is legal for county commissioner pay to be cut.
Budget Committee Chairman Allen King said it would be his plan to make a motion at the next meeting to recommend cutting commissioner pay. Budget committee member Robert Green said he would oppose.
County Commissioners are paid $100 for every county commission meeting they attend and $50 for attending committee meetings.
Budget makers under gun to come up with new plan
September 8, 2011
The Budget Committee of the Haywood County Commission met for nearly three hours on Wednesday afternoon in the upstairs courtroom at the Courthouse. There were several commissioners in attendance in addition to those on the committee, as well as a gallery of about fifty citizens watching the proceedings. Among them were also several county elected officials and General Sessions Judge J. R. Reid.
The Committee spent most of the meeting evaluating in detail proposed budget cuts outlined in a document submitted by group of concerned citizens. They did so with a view to submitting a proposed budget and tax rate, which can garner the required majority of eleven votes necessary for passage by the full Haywood County Commission. At the most recent County Commission meeting, their previous recommendations failed to pass in very close votes.
County Mayor Franklin Smith yesterday emphasized the gravity of the situation. Unless the Budget Committee recommends and the full Commission passes a budget and tax rate prior to October first, the county will have to borrow money to meet regular accounts payable, and the state will withhold funding for local education.
Mayor Smith repeatedly noted that the absolute earliest any recommended budget and tax rate can be approved at this juncture is September 25, just 5 days prior to the potentially catastrophic October first deadline. This is because state law requires a ten day advance notice in the local paper prior to any vote on the budget and tax rate, and the earliest such a notice can be published in the States Graphic is September 15. But it won't be published then unless the Budget Committee can submit its recommendations to the paper by early on Tuesday, September 13.
Though unstated formally, there seems to be an emerging goal among some Committee members to make enough additional spending cuts such that a tax rate of $2.58 will fund their budget.
Budget Committee Chairman Allen King stated that he would not vote for " a penny less than $2.58. " His reasoning is that adding an additional 20 cents to last year's tax rate of $2.38 will provide just enough revenue to meet the county's existing debt obligations, obligations that have soared recently due to the $15 million borrowed for the new Justice Complex. Since their most recently proposed budget based on a $2.70 tax rate failed, a $2.58 rate - 12 cents less - requires spending cuts of around $420, 000 to be deficit neutral. This is so because each cent on the tax rate generates over $35,000. So a twelve-cent reduction, or 12 times $35,000, equals a $420,000 reduction in revenue.
While the Committee did not make additional cuts of $420,000 yesterday. they did make almost half that amount with two unanimous votes . First, they voted to cut the costs of five additional correctional officers to the Jail Budget. They had previously voted to increase the current jail staff from 21 to 26 on the recommendation of a consultant. With those additional 5 axed, spending is reduced approximately $120,000. Second, they cut about another $100,000 with work reductions.
Though not on the Budget Committee, County Commissioner Richard Jameson attended the Wednesday session and made the suggestion to require every county employee to take a mandatory unpaid vacation day each month. The Budget Committee voted to do adopt his suggestion, but made an exception for employees of the ambulance authority, sheriff's department, and county jail. The Budget Committee roughly estimated that this measure would save between 8 and 9 thousand per month, or about $100,000 annually. So with those two votes, the budget cuts made on Wednesday were approximately $220,000.
The Budget Committee will meet again on Thursday afternoon at 4:00 P.M.
Prior to the conclusion of Wednesday's meeting, Mayor Smith stated that he was mistaken in his assertion last week that County Commissioners could not legally change their pay for their current term in office. Upon consultation with the county attorney he said that he had learned that the commissioners could vote to change their compensation .
Budget Committee Chairman Allen King then announced that he was going to move at the next County Commission meeting to cut Commissioner pay by at least half from the current per diem of $100. Commissioner Robert Green stated that he would oppose any proposed reduction in Commission compensation.
Sheriff says jail inspector plans to decertify
September 8, 2011
At yesterday’s county commission budget committee meeting Mayor Franklin Smith said the state’s jail inspector visited the county jail last Tuesday but, yesterday, his report had not yet been received.
Brownsville Radio talked to Sheriff Melvin Bond Thursday morning. Bond is in Nashville attending the Tennessee Corrections Institute Board meeting and he told us the jail inspector hand delivered to him a copy of his report late yesterday afternoon.
Inspector Robert Kane says in his written report he plans on decertifying the county jail for multiple reasons. Sheriff Bond says every one of the failures can be tracked to staffing. The sheriff said in his letter Kane states; “I will advise you to hire 10 people immediately.”
Bond said, “every infraction we have has to do with staff.” The letter, Bond said, states if corrections are not made, Kane will recommend decertification. Kane gave Bond until October 31 to right the ship.
The Haywood County Commission's Budget Committee will meet Wednesday, September 7th at the Haywood County Courthouse for the purpose of discussing Haywood County's 2011/2012 county operating budget. The meeting is at 4pm and will be located in the county mayor's conference room.
Waiting on budget planners to act, some residents chime in
September 6, 2011
A week ago today the county commission rejected their budget committee’s spending and taxation plan for 2011/2012. So far no new budget committee meetings have been scheduled and there’s been no word from the courthouse about plans to reformulate.
The new budget year began July 1, so the budget is now two months overdue and county leaders say tax notices are unlikely to be sent at the usual time; the end of October.
Meantime a so-called “concerned citizens” group has met and published a long list of thoughts for county commissioners. Brownsville Radio received an e-mail yesterday with details from a meeting held last Thursday night. Former Brownsville Mayoral candidate Larry Fitts announced the meeting at the end of last week’s county commission meeting.
The e-mail expresses many opinions about the county’s leadership but also lists 26 specific suggestions for budget makers. Some of the ideas have been discussed including cutting the cost of healthcare at the jail but others are more radical and include cutting the county mayor’s pay by slashing a stipend paid to him as chairman of the county commission and ending what they call the “department of development”, switching that role to the Brownsville/Haywood County Chamber of Commerce.
The group has other ideas including dropping $9 off the wheel tax earmarked to pay a contribution to Hospital Wing and instead hold a “fund drive” to support the helicopter air ambulance service. The group wants to end all charitable giving, which has topped $300,000 in the county’s budget.
Click here to see the complete, unedited e-mail from the concerned citizen’s group.
Unemployment rate ticks down in Haywood County
September 6, 2011
County non-seasonally adjusted July unemployment rates for Tennessee counties show the rate decreased in 90 counties.
Five counties increased including Houston, Obion, Overton, Smith and Weakley.
Haywood County ticked down by one percentage point from the month earlier.
Tennessee’s unemployment rate for July was 9.8 percent.
Lincoln County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 6.2 percent. Scott County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 19.8 percent.
Though Haywood County’s unemployment rate remains high, a few more people were at work in Haywood County this July than a year ago. Our unemployment rate is 14.5% — a year ago it was 14.7% and just a month ago it was 15.5%.
Unemployment data from neighboring counties
Fayette: 9.7%
Tipton: 10.3%
Crockett: 11.9%
Hardeman: 12.8%
Lauderdale 14.8%
Haywood County Election Commission Informs Voters of New Law
The Tennessee General Assembly recently passed a law to make the elections process more secure. Beginning in 2012, voters must present identification bearing their names and photographs in order to vote, just as if they were boarding an airplane or cashing a check.
The process is simple: voters who do not have valid photo IDs may obtain free photo IDs for voting from any participating Department of Safety driver service center across the state. And voters over the age of 60 who have driver’s licenses without photos and no other form of valid photo IDs for voting may have their photos added to their licenses free of charge.
County election commissions are making efforts now to get the message out about the changes well in advance of the 2012 elections.
“Our staff is prepared to help voters learn about the new requirements, and, if necessary, how to get a photo ID,” said Andrea Smothers, Administrator of Elections. “We will do our best to ensure every voter is informed in plenty of time.”
Examples of acceptable photo IDs, even if expired, include: a Tennessee driver’s license with a photo, a United States passport, a Department of Safety photo ID, a United States military photo ID, a state-issued handgun carry permit, or any other photo ID issued by the federal or state government, except college student IDs.
“Local election administrators are working hard to prepare voters and poll workers,” said Secretary of State Tre Hargett. “I am confident this law will be beneficial and can be implemented smoothly.”
Some citizens will be exempt from the new law, including: absentee voters, residents of nursing homes or assisted living centers who vote at the facility, people who are hospitalized, people who have religious objections to being photographed and those who are indigent and unable to pay for photo IDs. Voters who do not bring photo IDs to the polls may vote with provisional ballots that will be counted if they return to their local election commission office and present a valid photo ID within two business days of the election.
For more information about the voting requirements, contact the Haywood County Election Commission at 731-772-1760 or call Mark Goins, Coordinator of Elections, or Andrew Dodd, Elections Specialist, in the state Division of Elections at 1-877-850-4959.
Grant money to help equip BPD
September 5, 2011
The Brownsville Police Department has won a grant that will fund much needed safety equipment, according to Police Chief Chris Lea.
The money comes from the Department of Justice. The police department will be getting a check for $14,464.
Lea says the department will buy new high visibility light bars and electronically secured gun racks for patrol cars and additional back-up Tasers equipped with attached high -definition video recorders.
The JAG Program provides states, tribes, and local governments with critical funding necessary to support a range of program areas including law enforcement, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation, and technology improvement, and crime victim and witness initiatives.
