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Archives
01-25-2006
Sheriff's suit against county to be settled By DEWAIN E. PEEK, OCN staff The action came in the Tuesday, Jan. 17 regular monthly meeting, which had been rescheduled from the usual second Monday of the month in anticipation of an agreement being made. Commissioner Gail Arney was absent. In bringing the subject before the County Commission, County Attorney Daryl Colson said, "Subject to your approval tonight, we have a settlement proposal. "The sheriff will be getting four additional employees, two of which will be additional road deputies to pay at current annual budgeted salaries. One of those deputies will be paid out of the Drug Fund. "He will receive one additional criminal investigator at the current budgeted annual salary, and one warrant officer at the current budgeted salary. "Those positions are in addition to the current personnel at the jail. Those are effective immediately, those positions. "Effective budget year July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, the sheriff will receive two fully equipped patrol vehicles with the standard law enforcement package. "And finally, all employees of the Overton County Sheriff's Department, including jail staff, custodial staff, deputies, and other employees, will receive a guaranteed pay raise of 4.5% for fiscal year 2006-2007. That's July 1, 2006, to June 30, 2007. "And of course, we will pay the attorney fees for the sheriff's attorney. "That's the settlement we've been able to discuss, and that will conclude and terminate the litigation filed by the sheriff against the county." A commissioner asked where the money would come from and was told it could come from depleting the fund reserve or from raising taxes. Commissioner David Dorminey said, "I feel we should settle this thing tonight. I believe it'll be a lot cheaper on us." Commissioner Ben Danner speculated that the settlement could add 10 cents to the property tax rate. "I think that's a lot to ask of the people," Commissioner Danner said. When the vote was taken, only Commissioner Danner voted against the settlement. The Legislative Body approved an $850,000 capital outlay note over 12 years for the new industrial park. The county has received an $850,000 matching grant. Commissioners Ben Danner and John Phillips voted against the note. Commissioner Jean Moore said, "I realize how much time and effort went into trying to get this grant from the federal government, and it really affords an opportunity for growth for Overton County, whether we get an industry in right away. "Just to have the utilities in in that part of the county, it's going to mean a lot to our future." Circuit Court Clerk's office employee Susan Robbins was approved as a judicial commissioner to assist Circuit Court Clerk Johnny Brown. She will receive no extra compensation for the position. The following were approved as notaries at-large: Susan Robbins, Daryl L. Colson, Ashley J. White, Collette Dishman, John Officer, Karl Niles, Jennifer Harris, Beverly Linder, Amy Warren, Sue McGee, and Hosea Winningham. Before the meeting adjourned, County Mayor Kenneth Copeland informed the commissioners that the Overton County Highway Department garage had been broken into that morning. "They cleaned all the tools out, the chainsaws, impact guns, welders," Mayor Copeland said.
Retired teacher dies in two-vehicle collision A retired Overton County teacher died in a two-vehicle collision Wednesday, Jan. 18. According to reports, Robin Vaughn Adkins, 30, of Alpine, was driving a 2002 Chevrolet Silverado south on Rickman Road (Old Highway 42) around 8:20 p.m. when the truck left the roadway on the right shoulder. The truck was apparently overcorrected and crossed the center line into the path of a 2005 Ford 500 driven north by Sharon (Qualls) Peterman, 56, of Rickman. The vehicles collided head-on north of Hillsboro Subdivision Road. Peterman, who was wearing a seatbelt, died in the collision. Adkins sustained injury and was transported to Livingston Regional Hospital for treatment. The Tennessee Highway Patrol report states that Vaughn is suspected of drinking, and that criminal charges are pending. At the time of the collision, Adkins had an outstanding warrant on a probation violation. She was convicted of DUI, 2nd in 2004. Involved in the investigation are THP Lt. Jimmy Beaty, THP Trooper Neil Matthews, THP Critical Incident Response Team Sgt. Keven Norris, and THP Criminal Investigation Division agents Eddie Farris and Marty McGinnis.
County receives $323,766 in TVA tax equivalent payments Overton County received a total of $323,766 from TVA in tax equivalent payments for 2005. The state of Tennessee received more than $218.2 million in 2005 TVA payments made in lieu of taxes. TVA Chairman Bill Baxter said on behalf of the TVA Board, "TVA's tax equivalent payments benefit local communities that use the funds for schools, roads, and other important programs and services. The total payments are up 8.1% from the previous year, reflecting continued economic growth in the TVA region and increased power sales." TVA makes tax equivalent payments to eight states and to local governments within those states in accordance with the TVA Act. The tax equivalent payments made during 2005 were based on TVA power sales revenue in 2004 and TVA-owned power property in each state. During the fiscal year, TVA makes monthly payments based on preliminary forecasts. TVA has been making tax equivalent payments since 1933. Most of the money is paid directly to state governments; however, all or part of the amount paid by TVA is redistributed to local governments according to formulas in each state. TVA is the nation's largest public power producer,
and its power system is self-financed. TVA provides power to large
industries and 158 power distributors that serve 8.6 million consumers
in seven southeastern states.
Overton County News
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