The Newport Plain Talk

NEWPORT-The Finance Committee of the Cocke County Legislative Body voted Monday night to reimburse the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for costs incurred in this year's delinquent property tax sale.

Clerk Peggy Lane submitted the request to the committee, citing that she had to pay $4,960 for non-resident notice and had to pay an additional $1,600 for publication of the notice and order of sale.

"This is not something she would have budgeted for," said County Finance Director Ann Williams. "She could possibly have absorbed $1,600 but there's no way she could absorb the $4,960."

Williams pointed out that proceeds from the tax sale benefit various funds and the committee could either reimburse one or both of the bills.

Following a motion by Bill Costner, the committee voted to reimburse the full amount.

Also presented during Monday's meeting was a letter from a Cocke County grand jury requesting law enforcement agencies improve the collection and safeguarding of evidence for trials and responding to inquiries from the district attorney general's office.

Sheriff Claude Strange said he has received no complaints from the DA's office about cooperation.

The grand jury letter also urges the addition of mobile videotaping by officers.

"That can get very expensive," said Strange. "Right now, the county owns one camera."

Some committee members questioned if grant money or drug funds could be used to purchase cameras. Strange said he would check into the matter and see what funding might be available. Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. said he, too, would see if any grant monies are available.

In other business, the committee approved budget transfers for the Records Commission, Chancery Court, Property Assessor, County Clerk's Office, Recreation Department, Animal Control, Election Commission, Landfill, Sheriff's Office, and Fire Prevention and Safety.

Subscribe to The Newport Plain Talk by clicking SUBSCRIBE. Sign up for Breaking News emails from The Newport Plain Talk by clicking EMAIL ALERTS and inputting your email address next to "Add Me" near the top right corner.