County Commission Holds First Meeting of New Year
The Hardeman County Commission met on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, after the regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, was postponed due to inclement weather.
Some of the items on the agenda included:
Public Forum – No citizens spoke. (Watch at the 2:15 minute mark in the video)
The Commission approved the minutes from the November 21, 2023, meeting, with amendments. (Watch at the 3:00 minute mark in the video)
Mayor Pulse took nominations from the floor for the District 1, Position 3 Commissioner seat. The seat became open with the recent passing of Commissioner Thomas Polk. Jackie Sain nominated Mamie Polk, who is the widow of former Commissioner Polk. The nomination was seconded by Commissioner Chandra Lake. No other nominations were made. Mrs. Polk was approved unanimously by a roll call vote of the County Commission. She was immediately sworn in by Judge Boyette Denton and began serving in the position. (Read more about Ms. Polk’s new position here or watch at the 5:00 minute mark in the video)
County Officials, Departments, and Committees reports were given by; (Watch at the 10:30 minute mark in the video)
- Director of Schools Dr. Christy Smith
- Highway Superintendent Casey Swift
- Sheriff John Doolen presented the litter report and Monthly Arrest and Criminal Report (read more about the Sheriff’s report here)
- Commissioner David Bell gave an update on the Election Commission Building.
- Commissioner Cory Bufford gave an update from the Law Enforcement Committee.
- Commissioner Brad Grantham gave an update on a grant for the Archives building and leftover Bicentennial funds.
- Commissioner Bethany Miller gave an update on the Ambulance Committee. They made a positive recommendation to hire a clerical position for the Hardeman County Ambulance Service. This position was later approved through the budget amendments.
- Commissioner Johnny Weems presented an update from the Library Board.
Mayor Pulse was planning to present a proclamation to Charles Morrow, but due to illness, the presentation will be rescheduled to February. (Watch at the 30:15 minute mark in the video)
Judge Boyette Denton announced his upcoming retirement. (Read more about Judge Denton’s retirement here) The County Commission voted to accept his letter of resignation effective Sunday, March 31, 2024. (Watch at the 31:50 minute mark in the video)
Budget Amendments were presented by Commissioner Lanier. (Watch at the 49:00 minute mark in the video)
An update on the County’s Lawsuits were presented by Attorney Dale Conder. (Watch at the 1 hour 7:00 minute mark in the video)
Commissioner Bobby Wright shared his questions and concerns about the role of the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Jim Pierce. He questioned Attorney Dale Conder on why the Commission was never informed of the six injunctions brought against citizens by the Zoning Compliance Officer. Attorney Conder stated that was an oversight on his part. Commissioner Wright questioned the cost to the County and the involved citizens due to the filing of these lawsuits. Attorney Conder did not know the amount, but said he hoped to resolve these issues before they went before a judge. Commission Wright called up one of the citizens, who had an injunction filed against her, to answer questions regarding court costs she was told she needed to pay. (Watch at the 1 hour 7 minute mark to hear the whole conversation)
The next meeting of the Hardeman County Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
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