The County Commission on Wednesday failed to go along with a request by Commissioner Joe Graham to use $2,500 of prior discretionary funds for up to $2,500 in painting and cleaning materials for the John A. Recreation Center in Lookout Valley.
Commissioner Graham last year turned back in his $100,000 in discretionary funds, and he routinely voted "present" when other commissioners made requests to use theirs.
On the rec center paint, Chairman Chester Bankston voted "present" as did Vice Chairman Randy Fairbanks.
With Commissioners Tim Boyd and Warren Mackey absent, it left Commissioner Graham short of the needed five votes. He got support from himself, Sabrena Smedley, Jim Fields and Greg Beck.
The District 3 seat is vacant after Marty Haynes became assessor.
After the vote, Commissioner Graham said, "I'll be sure to let my residents in Lookout Valley know. Thank you."
Commissioner Graham said at the regular meeting next Wednesday he plans to ask support for use of $32,275 in prior discretionary funds to remodel some rooms at the Patten Center.
He commented he will go forward "if I can put five votes together."
Commissioner Smedley asked where the funds were coming from since Commissioner Graham returned his $100,000 last year and the discretionary funds were cut out this year.
He said it was money he has had "for a very long time."
Commissioner Graham said a large number of citizens had been planning to volunteer on Saturday to use the new paint and cleaning materials. He said, "In light of the vote today, this will obviously have to be canceled."