Bradley County Commission meeting recap

The Bradley County Commission met yesterday. 

County Mayor Gary Davis suggested a resolution authorizing the county to participate in an interlocal purchasing system. The resolution passed 12-0. 

Fourth District Commissioner, Howard Thompson, announced he will not seek re-election. He thanked his fellow commissioners and the community for their support over the years. 

Commissioners had a lengthy discussion about a potential state-run mental health facility possibly locating near Exit 20 in Cleveland. Mayor Davis said county leaders were not part of inviting the facility, contrary to reports circulating on social media.

First District Commissioner Mike Hughes raised concerns about the location, which sits near residential neighborhoods and an industrial park. He made a motion to draft a letter to the state opposing the location. The commission approved the motion 12-0.

The discussion over the facility continued, and after hearing from concerned citizens and the proximity to local schools, the commission voted again to formally go on record opposing the facility. That motion also passed unanimously.

3rd District Commissioner, Milan Blake,  noted the passing of Mary Francis Armstrong, former chair of the Bradley County Election Commission, who served for 23 years.

Several agenda items passed with limited discussion:

The commission approved two annexation interlocal agreements with the City of Cleveland. One was for 0.34 acres on Strawberry Lane. The second, a 5.8-acre tract near Exit 33 intended for commercial development, passed 9-3.

The commission voted to support a project that would install turf infields at all four county parks.

A new rule was approved requiring all PILOT and TIF agreements to go through two work sessions before a vote.

The commission’s next meeting is January 5th at 7:00 p.m.

County offices will be closed December 24th through 26th for Christmas and January 1st and 2nd for the New Year holiday.