NEWPORT-In an ongoing effort to address courthouse overcrowding and security, members of the Cocke County Legislative Body's Finance Committee on Monday approved the hiring of both a fulltime and part-time bailiff.

The discussion was initiated during the approval of budget amendments and transfers. The Sheriff's Office requested a budget transfer to help cover overtime costs associated with providing 24 hours a day, court-ordered security on a highly infectious person. Sheriff's Office Administrative Capt. Derrick Woods pointed out the security effort has eaten up most of the overtime line item.

Woods, however, pointed out the county should soon receive about $12,000 reimbursement from the state. After approving the transfer, Committee Chairman Phil Killion brought up the issue of courthouse security.

For more details, please see the Tuesday edition of the Newport Plain Talk.