With the $100,000 in discretionary spending no longer available to the members of the County Commission, the panel took the first step on Wednesday of dipping into the bond fund for a special project.
Chairman Chester Bankston won approval to use $3,400 in bond funds to pay for a paint machine to stripe the lines at sports fields at Ooltewah High School.
He invited other commissioners to take the same route, saying other commissioners "can use this for a project you've got. You can do the same."
Commissioner Greg Beck asked what would be the spending limit for such bond fund items. Chairman Bankston replied, "I have no idea."
Commissioner Joe Graham, who earlier eschewed discretionary spending, said the new practice was putting the commission "down a slippery slope" and would mean less money for major projects.
County Mayor Jim Coppinger also discouraged the practice, saying the bond money was for larger projects, including building new schools and making additions to others.
He said the commissioners could still come to his staff and the finance department when they see special district needs, such as to help out a volunteer fire unit.
County Mayor Coppinger said if the use of the bond money becomes commonplace "when you go to sell bonds it could be a problem."
He said, "Going forward, I hope we don't do this."
Voting in favor were Commissioners Bankston, Sabrena Smedley, Randy Fairbanks, Warren Mackey and Tim Boyd.
Opposed were Commissioners Beck, Graham and Jim Fields.
Commissioner Smedley said, "We can't do anything for the schools unless we use bond funds."
Commissioner Fairbanks noted that the schools have $240 million in deferred maintenance needs.