Hardeman County Commission Discusses CoreCivic Oversight During July Meeting
The Hardeman County Commission met July 21, 2026, with Vice Chairman Johnny Lanier presiding in the absence of Mayor Todd Pulse, who was attending meetings in Nashville.
The meeting opened with prayer led by Commissioner Lake and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Commissioner Grantham. Commissioners approved the minutes from the June 16, 2026, meeting and the county’s list of notaries before moving into departmental reports and new business.
Grand Valley Lakes Completes ARP Water Meter Project (5 minute mark in the video)
During public comments, Donna McLaren of Grand Valley Lakes thanked the commission for allowing the utility to participate as a subrecipient in an American Rescue Plan-funded water meter replacement project.
McLaren said the project took approximately two and a half years to complete and expressed appreciation for the county’s partnership throughout the process.
School System Announces Automatic College Admission Initiative (6:30 minute mark in the video)
Hardeman County Schools Director Dr. Christy Smith shared what she described as exciting news ahead of the new school year.
Dr. Smith announced the school district has signed a memorandum of understanding with Jackson State Community College that will automatically admit every senior from the county’s two high schools through the “JSCC Accepted” initiative.
According to Dr. Smith, the partnership is intended to simplify the college admissions process while expanding access to post-secondary education and workforce training programs, including career fields such as radiologic technology and emergency medical services.
Commissioners also praised the district’s college and career advising staff for helping students explore higher education and workforce opportunities.
Click here to read more about the new JSCC Accepted initiative.
Zoning Enforcement Delayed (9 minute mark in the video)
Zoning Director Ron Pirtle asked commissioners to allow an additional 30 days before pursuing legal action in a zoning enforcement case involving a property owner identified as Mr. Matthews.
Pirtle said the property owner is attempting to purchase additional land that could resolve the violations, which include operating an auto repair business on property not zoned for that use and exceeding the allowable number of vehicles permitted under county regulations.
Commissioners agreed with allowing additional time before further enforcement action.
Commission Approves Budget Amendments (12:25 minute mark in the video)
Commissioners unanimously approved four budget amendments by roll call vote.
Among the approved items was a $425,825 state grant to replace 15 air conditioning units at the county workhouse. Officials noted the grant requires no local matching funds.
The commission also approved:
- Budget adjustments involving the Sheriff’s Office committee fund.
- Returning unused School Resource Officer grant funding to the State of Tennessee after a position remained vacant during part of the fiscal year.
- Transfers within the Sheriff’s Office sex offender fund to cover authorized expenditures.
Sheriff Doolen explained the unused school resource officer funding resulted from an unfilled position but said the position has since been filled.
Commissioners Seek Answers About CoreCivic Board (17:30 minute mark in the video)
The meeting’s longest discussion centered on the county’s relationship with CoreCivic and questions surrounding a board that has historically overseen aspects of the company’s contracts.
Commissioner Brad Grantham said he began researching Tennessee’s private prison contracting process after learning of the board’s existence during a previous meeting. He noted that Tennessee law limits the state to one direct contract with a private prison operator, while counties such as Hardeman, Trousdale, and Wayne contract locally.
Grantham questioned the purpose of the CoreCivic board, whether it had previously been dissolved or replaced by the county commission, how members had been compensated in the past, and whether county government had benefited from interest earned when state funds passed through county accounts.
Several longtime commissioners recalled that a previous three-member board had been abolished or replaced years earlier, with the county commission assuming those responsibilities and receiving compensation that had previously gone to board members. However, commissioners acknowledged uncertainty about when or whether the former structure had changed again.
Vice Chairman Residing Lanier said he had submitted several questions to Mayor Pulse and was awaiting documentation before drawing conclusions.
No action was taken during the discussion.
Mayor Pulse’s report, read during the meeting, stated that representatives from CoreCivic are scheduled to attend the August 18 commission meeting to provide updates and answer commissioners’ questions.
Mayor’s Report / County Maintains A+ Bond Rating (32 minute mark in the video)
In the mayor’s written report, commissioners learned that Hardeman County has retained its A+ bond rating following a recent review by S&P Global Ratings.
The report also noted:
- Mayor Pulse commended county departments and elected officials for finishing the 2025-26 fiscal year under budget.
- FEMA and Tennessee Emergency Management Agency reimbursements from last year’s disaster have been received.
- Hardeman County has been awarded a Three-Star grant to begin planning for a future tornado shelter project.
- CoreCivic is expected to contribute $100,000 toward county 911 expenses for the upcoming fiscal year.
- Representatives from CoreCivic are scheduled to attend the August 18 commission meeting to provide updates and answer commissioners’ questions.
County Attorney Provides Litigation Update (34 minute mark in the video)
County Attorney Dale Conder informed commissioners that a lawsuit filed by Patrick Perry against the county and the sheriff in his official capacity has been referred to the county’s insurance carrier, which has retained legal counsel to defend the case.
Conder also reported that ongoing litigation involving Jonathan Joy remains pending, with one case scheduled for trial.
The next meeting of the Hardeman County Commission meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2026.
Click here to read about the June 16, 2026, County Commission meeting.
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