Commissioner Boyd, Coppinger Chief Of Staff Clash Over Discretionary Funds

  • Wednesday, June 24, 2015
County Commissioner Tim Boyd, standing, and County Chief of Staff Mike Compton, seated, have a confrontation
County Commissioner Tim Boyd, standing, and County Chief of Staff Mike Compton, seated, have a confrontation

County Mayor Jim Coppinger's chief of staff on Wednesday took strong exception to comments by County Commissioner Tim Boyd about discretionary funds.

In a clash between the two just after the close of the commission meeting, Mike Compton told the commissioner, "You're full of s---. Get the h--- out of here."

Commissioner Boyd had stated during the agenda session that he was "very, very disappointed" by some of the comments of the county mayor regarding discretionary funds.

He cited some of the uses of discretionary funds made by Mr. Coppinger, when he was the commissioner for District 3.

And he pledged to working more closely with the county mayor and his staff.

The comments came after Commissioner Boyd and five other commissioners voted to override a Coppinger veto of the budget because the commission put the $900,000 in discretionary funds back in and took the money from county savings.

County Mayor Coppinger had already left to go to another meeting when Commissioner Boyd made his comments.

As soon as Commissioner Boyd finished his statement, Mr. Compton asked for recognition. He said, "Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, please."

However, Chairman Jim Fields let other commissioners speak before recognizing Mr. Compton.

The top Coppinger aide said concerning the Boyd statement, "There's about 15 things he said that are incorrect. It's just ridiculous what you said. I challenge you to say that when the county mayor is here."

As soon as the meeting was over, Commissioner Boyd walked over to Mr. Compton and said, "Mike, everything I said was absolutely true."

They had several exchanges before Commissioner Boyd left.

During the meeting, Commissioner Boyd said of the Coppinger statement at a Monday press conference, "Not only was it misinformation given to the public, it showed a lack of communication between the commission and the mayor's office."

He said that communication "has got to improve."

Commissioner Boyd said there was no prior discussion with the commission that their discretionary funds had been cut. He said he found out by reading it on Chattanoogan.com.

He stated, "It wasn't discussed at all."

Commissioner Boyd said the commissioners are able to have $100,000 each because the county is so fiscally strong.

He said the commissioners are able to use the funds "for tangible real items that can touch the community and provide results." He said that is not "shameful or a slush fund."

Commissioner Boyd cited uses of discretionary funds for such items as helping schools, for Loftis Middle School cheerleaders, and for helping a volunteer fire company. He said all were laudatory. He said those were by Jim Coppinger in 2006.

He said County Mayor Coppinger has $4.4 million for his own discretionary money. He said, "We respect that and don't call it reprehensible."

Commissioner Randy Fairbanks said when he explains the use of discretionary funds to constituents, they understand the need for it. He said the funds helped build a new road for Daisy Elementary that likely would not have happened otherwise.

Commissioner Chester Bankston said after the Sandy Hook school shooting, it caused great concern at the rural Bakewell School. He said he provided funds that put locks on doors and a camera system so the secretary could see who was at the door.

Commissioner Sabrena Turner said, "It's hard to hear charges that we are 'buying votes.' This money is there for when there is a real need." She said she has a list from District 7 principals on dire needs at their schools.

She said, "In no way at all is it used to buy votes."

For his own part, County Mayor Coppinger told reporters he was "disappointed but not surprised" by the veto overrule.

He said, "It's played out. It's time to get back to work. The decision has been made. We'll move forward."

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