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Home›Counties›Hamilton County›Meetings›Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-07-16

VOTING SESSION

Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-07-16

15 agenda items, 15 approved, 0 rejected.

July 16, 2025

MEETING SUMMARY

Approved

Rejected

Tabled

Total Items

Attendance roll pending

AGENDA & VOTES

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ITEM 1·GENERAL

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 1 STATE OF TENNESSEE ) Regular Meeting COUNTY OF HAMILTON ) July 16, 2025 BE IT REMEMBERED that on this 16 th day of July 2025, a Regular Meeting of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners was begun and held at the Courthouse in the City of Chattanooga, in the County Commission Room, when the following proceedings were held, to wit: -- Present and presiding was the Honorable Jeff Eversole, Chairman. County Clerk Bill Knowles called the roll of the County Commission, and the following, constituting a quorum, answered to their names: Commissioner Chip Baker, Commissioner Greg Beck, Commissioner Mike Chauncey, Commissioner Joe Graham, Commissioner Lee Helton, Commissioner Steve Highlander, Commissioner Warren Mackey, Commissioner David Sharpe, Commissioner Gene-o Shipley, Commissioner Ken Smith, and Chairman Jeff Eversole. Total present - 11. Total absent -0. Also in attendance were County Mayor Weston Wamp, members of his administrative staff, County Attorney Janie Varnell, and County Auditor Chris McCollough. Time Code Position 0:16 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 2 Attached hereto is a copy of the Public Notice for this meeting, which was published in a local newspaper and made a matter of record of this meeting. Commissioner Highlander introduced Nancy Harrison, First Church of Christ, Scientist, to offer the invocation. Commissioner Highlander led in the pledge to the flag. Commissioner Hig…

APPROVED

ITEM 10·CONTRACTS

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Without objection, Commissioner Smith asked for Resolution Nos. 725-19 and 725-20 to be read together. RESOLUTION NO. 725-19 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR ON BEHALF OF HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, THE HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION, OPERATING AS THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO SIGN A CONTINUATION CONTRACT WITH THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IN THE AMOUNT OF $338,600.00 TO PROVIDE TUBERCULOSIS CONTROL SERVICES IN HAMILTON COUNTY FOR A TIME PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2025, THROUGH JUNE 30, 2026. Time Code Position 30:50 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 16 RESOLUTION NO. 725-20 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR, ON BEHALF OF HAMILTON COUNTY, TENNESSEE, THE HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION OPERATING AS THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, TO ENTER INTO AND EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH RENAISSANCE LIFE & HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY OF AMERICA FOR THE PROVISION OF DENTAL SERVICES EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2025. Commissioner Smith, Chairman of the Finance Commit…

ITEM 11·CONTRACTS

RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Commissioner Mackey stated the federal government is pushing programs down to the state level and not sending enough money. He noted republicans believe you Time Code Position 33:19 37:30 38:43 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 18 should have a strong federal government and a weak state government. He stated this administration has given power to the states without providing them with enough resources. Without objection, Commissioner Smith asked for Resolution Nos. 725-21 through 725-23 to be read together. RESOLUTION NO. 725-21 A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BIDS OF TALLEY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. AND WRIGHT BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC. FOR ONE (1) YEAR CONTRACT UNIT PRICING, WITH THE OPTION TO RENEW FOR (3) ADDITIONAL ONE (1) YEAR TERMS, BEGINNING AUGUST 1, 2025 THROUGH JULY 31, 2026, FOR IN-PLACE HOT MIX ASPHALT SERVICES FOR HIGHWAY AND VARIOUS COUNTY DEPARTMENTS AND AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN ANY CONTRACTS NECESSARY TO IMPLEMENT THIS RE…

APPROVED

ITEM 12·BUDGET

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, Time Code Position HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 20 “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-28 A RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE UP TO $2,250,000 IN BOND FUNDS TO THE HAMILTON COUNTY SCHOOLS, PENDING SCHOOL BOARD APPROVAL, FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MULTIPURPOSE BUILDING AT MCCONNELL ELEMENTARY AND A PLAYGROUND PARTNERSHIP PROJECT AT HARDY ELEMENTARY IN COLLABORATION WITH THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND. Commissioner Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 725-28 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Highlander, to adopt Resolution No. 725-28. There were no questions from the audience. Time Code Position 41:46 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 21 Commissioner Smith commended Mayor Wamp and Deputy Mayor of Education and Workforce Development, Tucker McClendon, for putting this together. In response to Commissioner Sharpe’s question, C…

APPROVED

ITEM 13·BUDGET

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. LATE ITEM RESOLUTION NO. 725-29 A RESOLUTION TO APPROPRIATE AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $850,000 FROM THE HAMILTON COUNTY ROADS IMPROVEMENT Time Code Position 42:28 43:01 43:49 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 22 CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND TO IMPROVE AND REPAIR SAM POWELL TRAIL ROAD. Commissioner Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 725-29 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution No. 725-29. Commissioner Baker commended Brandon Mauracher, Director of Highway Maintenance, Mayor Wamp, and Chief Roddy for working on this long-overdue project. In response to Commissioner Sharpe’s question, Chief Financial Officer Lee Brouner stated the Hamilton County Road Improvement Capital Project funds came from the General Fund Balance. There were no questions from the audience. Time Code Position 44:19 44:52 HAMILTON COUN…

APPROVED

ITEM 14·ZONING

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-24 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE FIRM OF HK ARCHITECTS FOR THE DESIGN OF THE BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS AND UTILIZE A CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT RISK PROCUREMENT PROCESS AND CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION. Commissioner Helton, Chairman of the Building and Economic Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 725-24 and stated the Building and Economic Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Beck, seconded by Commissioner Shipley, to adopt Resolution No. 725-24. Time Code Position 46:08 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 24 There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 15·ZONING

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Commissioner Mackey stepped away during the vote. Total present – 10. Total absent – 1. Total “Aye” votes – 10. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-25A A RESOLUTION TO REZONE FROM A-1 AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT TO R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 2925 (PART) SANDRY LANE AND 2927 DEXTER LANE. No action was taken. Time Code Position HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 25 RESOLUTION NO. 725-25B A RESOLUTION TO REZONE FROM A-1 AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT TO R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT WITH CONDITIONS FOR THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 2925 (PART) SANDRY LANE AND 2927 DEXTER LANE. Commissioner Chauncey, Chairman of the Zoning Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 725-25B and stated the Zoning Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Chauncey, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution No. 725-25B. Bryan Shults, Director of Development Services for the RPA, presented details on the rezoning request. He stated that the staff's recommendation was to deny it due to the increasing density…

APPROVED

ITEM 2·GENERAL

APPLICATIONS FOR NOTARY PUBLIC POSITIONS, THE BONDS AND OATHS OF

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Time Code Position 0:44 5:43 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 3 TRUSTEE UNCOLLECTED DELINQUENT PROPERTY TAXES REPORT The Trustee’s annual Uncollected Delinquent Tax report for the 2024 levy was submitted as a matter of record. RESOLUTION NO. 725-10 A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND ACCEPT APPLICATIONS FOR NOTARY PUBLIC POSITIONS, THE BONDS AND OATHS OF NOTARIES PREVIOUSLY ELECTED, AND THE OATHS OF DEPUTY SHERIFFS. ON MOTION of Commissioner Baker, seconded by Commissioner Highlander, to adopt Resolution No. 725-10. There were no questions from the Commissioners or the audience.

APPROVED

ITEM 3·GENERAL

THE CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD FOR RECREATION FOR A TWO (2) YEAR

APPROVED

ITEM 4·GENERAL

THE HAMILTON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO FILL THE

APPROVED

ITEM 5·HEALTH

MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE FIFTH DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Time Code Position 8:06 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 6 Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-13 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE DEVIATION FROM THE COUNTY'S DISCRETIONARY FUNDS POLICY AS TO THE APPROPRIATING OF FUNDS TO THE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION UNITED ACTION ALLIANCE AS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE FIFTH DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF ONE THOUSAND FOUR HUNDRED NINETEEN AND 29/100 DOLLARS ($1,419.29). ON MOTION of Commissioner Mackey, seconded by Commissioner Shipley, to adopt Resolution No. 725-13. In response to Andrew Jones, residing at 607 Timber Ridge Dr, Commissioner Beck stated United Community Action Alliance is a non-profit that works with seniors, young people, and mothers of murdered sons. There were no questions from the Commissioners.

vote

APPROVED

ITEM 6·BUDGET

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Time Code Position 8:47 9:31 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 7 Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-14 A RESOLUTION TO CONFIRM THE APPOINTMENT BY THE COUNTY MAYOR OF REBEKAH BOHANNON AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE HAMILTON COUNTY HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES DIVISION. ON MOTION of Commissioner Graham, seconded by Commissioner Shipley, to adopt Resolution No. 725-14. Commissioner Sharpe stated he is very pleased to see this has all been worked out, and that the Tennessee Commissioner of Health has appointed Ms. Bohannon to this position. He noted public health is a significant concern in our communities, particularly after reading that 173,000 Tennesseeans will be kicked off their healthcare in the following year. He stated he believes this will cause the Health Department to see more individuals and believes Ms. Bohannon is up for the task. Time Code Position 11:40 12:15 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 8 In response to Commissioner Sharpe’s question, Chai…

vote

APPROVED

ITEM 7·CONTRACTS

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Hamilton County General Sessions Court Judge Christie Sell commended Ms. Bohannon for her efforts on behalf of the county, including her work with Hamilton County Recovery Court. She noted she is excited for the community and what she will do for our public health. Ms. Bohannon spoke about how humbled and grateful she is. She thanked everyone for believing in her. She noted this is an exciting era for health services in Hamilton County. She stated the judges present in the audience have been great friends and colleagues, and she appreciated their support. Sonia Calvin, Director of Administrative Services for the Health Department, thanked Chief Roddy and Mayor Wamp for appointing her as the Interim Administrator Time Code Position 23:16 23:40 25:19 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 11 of the Health Department. She stated it took a team to maintain the operations of the Health Department, which consisted of Chief Roddy, administrators, all Health Departmen…

APPROVED

ITEM 8·CONTRACTS

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. RESOLUTION NO. 725-16 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE COUNTY MAYOR TO SIGN A CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $60,000 WITH THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA FOR THE HAMILTON COUNTY COURTS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM WITH A TERM BEGINNING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026. Time Code Position 27:44 28:30 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 13 Commissioner Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution No. 725-16 and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution No. 725-16. There were no questions from the audience. Commissioner Highlander thanked everyone involved in this program. He stated the amount of trash in our county is unacceptable and encouraged everyone to be mindful of their trash disposal so we can maintain a beautiful county.

APPROVED

ITEM 9·CONTRACTS

JULY 16, 2025

on a Roll Call vote, with the following members of the County Commission being present and voting as follows: Commissioner Baker, “Aye,” Commissioner Beck, “Aye,” Commissioner Chauncey, “Aye,” Commissioner Graham, “Aye,” Commissioner Helton, “Aye,” Commissioner Highlander, “Aye,” Commissioner Mackey, “Aye,” Commissioner Sharpe, “Aye,” Commissioner Shipley, “Aye,” Commissioner Smith, “Aye,” and Chairman Eversole, Time Code Position 29:02 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 14 “Aye.” Total present – 11. Total absent – 0. Total “Aye” votes – 11. Total “Nay” votes – 0. Without objection, Commissioner Smith asked for Resolution Nos. 725-17 and 725-18 to be read together. RESOLUTION NO. 725-17 A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE TO APPLY AND ACCEPT A GRANT FROM THE TENNESSEE STATEWIDE SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER (SRO) GRANT PROGRAM, WITH DETAILS TO BE PROVIDED AT A LATER DATE. RESOLUTION NO. 725-18 A RESOLUTION WITH THE INTENT TO APPLY FOR A GRANT FOR THE HUMANE TRANSPORT OF PATIENTS FROM THE MENTAL HEALTH TRANSPORT PROGRAM FOR THE HAMILTON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE. Commissioner Smith, Chairman of the Finance Committee, provided details regarding Resolution Nos. 725-17 and 725-18, and stated the Finance Committee reviewed and recommended approval. ON MOTION of Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Baker, to adopt Resolution Nos. 725-17 and 725-18. Time Code Position 29:52 HAMILTON COUNTY COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 16, 2025 15 There were no ques…

APPROVED

Hamilton County Commission Voting Session — 2025-07-16

AGENDA & VOTES

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

JULY 16, 2025

RENOVATIONS AND ADDITIONS FOR AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

APPLICATIONS FOR NOTARY PUBLIC POSITIONS, THE BONDS AND OATHS OF

THE CITIZENS ADVISORY BOARD FOR RECREATION FOR A TWO (2) YEAR

THE HAMILTON COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BOARD TO FILL THE

MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FROM THE FIFTH DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

JULY 16, 2025

DOCUMENTS

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