NEWPORT-If funds allow, Cocke County employees could soon receive as much as a $300 bonus.
Cocke County Legislative Body voted to approve the bonuses, if funding allows, during Tuesday's meeting.
CLB member Bill Costner had first suggested bonuses at last week's Finance Committee meeting.
"If there's money left, I would like to see them get a bonus," said Costner. "For the 200 employees, it would take about $60,000. If we have less, then we'll give them what we can. It's not much, but I'm sure it would help some."
Costner said the CLB would need to go ahead and approve the measure before the end of the fiscal year.
Cocke County Finance Director Anne Williams said she will look at the situation, but pointed out she will also have to examine the county's revenues, which have been lower this year.

Budget transfers

Several budget transfers presented by the Finance Committee were also approved Monday.
Among the transfers were one for the Sheriff's Office for more than $37,000 from various line items that will allow the department to obtain new guns, vehicle cameras, fire extinguishers and first-aid kits.
While in Finance Committee, the proposed transfer included the purchase of new vests. Committee members, however, recommended the Sheriff's Office use Drug Fund money to purchase the vests, which will be assisted by a grant.

EDC report

Sherry Butler of the Economic Development Commission reported the county is preparing for the state's Three-Star recertification.
Butler said the county had hoped to reach Benchmark Level II this year but said it will not happen because of graduation rates. She said the state has changed how graduation rates are calculated concerning adult high schools, which hurt Cocke County.
Butler also advised the state is continuing the environmental process on the proposed Exit 438 and added the assessment should be completed in late summer or early fall.
Finally, Butler reported the Partnership is working to update it Web site to help in attracting new industries to the county.

Road issues

After a lengthy discussion, CLB members voted to accept Stevia Way and Cayanne Way into the county road system.
The roads are paved up to county specifications. Members, however, rejected accepting Blessing Way, which is gravel.
All roads had been rejected last month and the issue sent back to the Finance Committee, which last week voted to only accept paved roads or roads where errors were made until after the 2009-10 fiscal year budget is approved.
A .56-mile extension of Schishandra Lane was also approved, along with Clearwood Road and Cedarwood Road, which had been accepted but had wrong length measurements listed.
Green Leaf Road was also approved because it had been errantly left off the new road list.

Animal Shelter Report

Newport Animal Shelter Director Dr. Carol Hood presented her monthly report and stated that adoption figures for April were down to 60 percent.
Hood said the shelter received more than 50 additional animals than the previous April, contributing to the lower number. She said, however, the county's adoption and placement rate is still 69 percent for the first four months of the year.
Hood also advised CLB members the first Big Fix of the year is scheduled for July 18 and July 19 at Cocke County High School. The event is a free spay-neuter program that should help 200 low-income families have their pets fixed. She said another Big Fix is scheduled in October and that she hopes to have four such events next year.

KCCB update

Keep Cocke County Beautiful Director Elizabeth Reed presented the county's litter index to CLB members.
Reed said the index was higher in the city of Newport and Cosby this year, pointing out that much of the litter the result of fast food.
Reed, however, said the index showed improvement in the Bridgeport and Parrottsville areas.

RID

David Veridal of Remove Illegal Dumpsites (RID) advised CLB members that tire dumping has become a major issue.
Veridal said 200 tires were collected during a recent lake side cleanup and pointed out other dumpsites have also netted more than 100 tires.
"It's costing the county to get rids of these tires," he said. "Our current tire policy isn't working well and think we need to address it."
Veridal also introduced local developer Gary Spann who urged members to work toward plans to help keep the county clean.
In addressing unsightly properties last year, some CLB members stated that those complaining were from out of state.
Although he acknowledged selling several properties to out-of-state residents, Spann said many of those residents are of families from Cocke County.
He also praised KCCB, RID and the NJROTIC program for their cleanup efforts. Spann said keep the community clean helps in attracting new people and new jobs.

Ambulance Service Report

Butch Jarnagin of Allied EMS presented his monthly reported and advised members the service answered 494 calls in April, its fourth busiest month since coming to Cocke County.
He pointed out, however, that the increased calls are not resulting in more revenues. He said, because more people are without jobs and insurance, the are now requesting to be transported to the emergency room instead just going to the doctor's office.

Citizen speaks

Jefferson County resident Christine Stewart approached CLB, saying three businesses in the county have told her she "isn't welcome" because she has health problems.
Stewart said she does not like be discriminated against and said her being rejected does not reflect well on the county.
CLB members advised they have no control over private businesses and there was nothing they can do to assist her.

Recognitions

Three proclamations were presented during Monday's meeting. Recognized were the Cocke County High School NJROTC program for its participation in the national competition; CCHS Athletic Director Larry Williams for being named state Athletic Director of the Year; and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which is celebrating is 75th anniversary.