By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–At a busy meeting Monday evening, the Henry County Commission approved a budget request and a resolution approving two reappointments to the hospital board of trustees following lengthy discussions and with several ‘no’ votes from members.
At the meeting’s outset, however, the commission celebrated the No Fly Zone shooting team and its accomplishments. Commissioner Marty Visser and Coach Lee Whitehead reported on the dedication to the sport by its members. “We have 51 kids on the team this year,” Whitehead said, “and this sport is their heart’s desire. They’ve made lifelong friends and their sportsmanship is like nothing I’ve ever seen.”
Their parents are just as dedicated behind the scenes, he said. “I’m just so proud of these kids. You’re getting the upmost representation from them.”
Visser said the team has brought home countless awards and both said it provides a great opportunity for the kids.
After a proclamation praising the team was read by County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway, commissioners gave the team a standing ovation.
–Prior to voting on the reappointment of Jamey Tosh and David Webb to the hospital board, several commissioners questioned the method used for this go-round of board of trustee appointments. They questioned why the appointment process was opened up to the public the last time and why that wasn’t done this time. Several commissioners said they were unaware that there were even board openings now.
Voting no on reappointment of Tosh and Webb to the board were Patrick Burns, Missy Hamilton, Tater Hayes and Ralph Wiles, with Webb abstaining. Both Tosh and Webb were reappointed to the board for four-year terms which expire November 2027.
–Four commissioners voted no on a resoution to authorized changes in the budget for the Safe Baby Court grant which is administered by Judge Vicki Snyder. Snyder gave a presentation and fielded questions on the Safe Baby Court, which she said is doing a good job for children and families and which has 13 children being served.
Voting no on the resolution were Dell Carter, Tater Hayes, Ralph Wiles and Patrick Burns, with Missy Hamilton abstaining.
Several revisions in the budget for the program were sought by the Juvenile Court , which Snyder said were requests from the state. Key point of contention among commissioners were changes to salaries for employees in the juvenile court which were not in line with previous action taken by the county regarding deputy clerk salaries.
–Hospital CEO John Tucker confirmed that the hospital has been reorganizing pre-and post-op care. He also confirmed that billing is now caught up to November 1 and that the financial outlook has been going so well that “we may not have to take a last draw” on the $4M line of credit.
–Sheriff Josh Frey announced that Investigator Gary Vandiver is retiring and a reception for him will be held from 1-3 p.m. December 15 at Maplewood.
Photo: Members of the No Fly Zone were given a standing ovation by commissioners. Shannon McFarlin photo.