The Bradley County Commission on Monday, having second thoughts about a sizable pay increase for firefighters, sent the matter back to the commission's finance committee for adjustment.
With many seats at the courthouse chambers again filled with firefighters, Vice Chairman Jeff Yarber asked that the finance panel "come back with the proper amount."
The raises approved recently amount to 31 percent for first-year firefighters, an $8,000-$9,000 increase over the $24,000 they agreed to when hired. Administrative assistants would also receive a 26 percent raise.
Commissioner Dan Rawls earlier said the increase would put the county in a hole and require a five-cent tax increase in the fire rate.
David Sims of the county fire department said the beginning pay has been $24,000 for over a decade, and he said low pay causes frequent turnover. He said that can "break down the department's ability to function properly."
The commissioners also quizzed interim County School Director Scott Humberd about travel expenses.
Commissioner Thomas Crye said he was concerned about excessive travel expenses and "fabulous trips to Las Vegas, Orlando and elsewhere" while not enough money was going to the classroom. He said teachers were having to take $1,000 or more from their personal accounts to fill instructional needs.
He said it appeared that travel expenses were being shifted from one area to another in the budget. "No one is being fooled by a shell game."
Mr. Humberd said the new accounting measures were required by the comptroller's office and were not "a shell game."
He said educational trips are not often offered in places like Gallatin, Tn., but are more likely to be in areas such as Las Vegas and Orlando.
Mr. Humberd said the Lewis Group, with a Cleveland office, has begun drawing up plans for a new Lake Forest Middle School at the current site.
Commissioner Rawls questioned by a school system with some 1,200 employees did not have a human resources department. He said litigation that is costly to taxpayers might be prevented by having HR. Mr. Humberd said there is a need for that department and it may be a priority of the next director, who is set to be chosen on May 26.
County Mayor D. Gary Davis noted that the county school budget is up $2.2 million without a tax increase. He said $1 million of that includes natural county tax growth.
The commission agreed to allow the sheriff's office to begin selling E-cigarettes to prisoners on grounds they would help calm down inmates and also be a money-maker.
County Attorney Crystal Freiberg acknowledged there could be liability issues with the sale, but she said "there is not a lot of information out there on" its effects on users.
Voting no were Mike Hughes and Mark Hall.
Daniel Gilbert was named to the Bradley County Nursing Home Board.
The commission voted to deny a rezoning request to widen a manufacturing zone around a former bush hog facility at White Oak Valley.
Several speakers said the section is mainly farmland with narrow, winding roads.