May 12, 2025
Knox County Government
Finance Committee
Dear Finance Committee Members,
Today we will meet to discuss the financial state of Knox County government and hear reports from the Knox County Schools, Finance Department and Trustee. We are all aware of an ongoing investigation by the State of Tennessee’s Comptroller of the Treasury into the Knox County Trustee and his office. As a member of both the Audit Committee and Chair of the Finance Committee, I feel it’s important to protect the integrity of the investigation by the Audit Department, the State Comptroller, and criminal prosecutors.
There’s a lot of pressure to move quickly and to respond with bold statements, but as Tennessee Senator Howard Baker once said, “It was not a time for sound bites or slogans—it was a time for patience, hard work, and listening.” That wisdom feels especially relevant now.
As we prepare for the meeting, I do not intend to ask any questions that might undermine the integrity of the investigation. I encourage you to remain focused on the financial health of Knox County and to find every way possible to be good fiduciary stewards of the people’s investment in their government.
I know we have many questions that need to be addressed, and I believe the taxpayers of Knox County deserve full transparency. In due course, the Comptroller’s investigation will be completed, and the Audit Committee’s report will be released. At that time, we can call a special meeting or conduct a hearing to better understand the alleged allegations of waste, fraud and abuse while determining the appropriate course of action to take as the legislative body of Knox County.
Every public employee should act in the best interests of the citizens and elected officials should always be held to a higher standard. There’s nothing more important than earning and maintaining the public’s trust. As we move forward during this difficult moment, I’m confident success will come from listening carefully to each other, engaging thoughtfully and approaching our tasks with diligence and purpose.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely,
Larsen Jay
Chair, Finance Committee
Member, Audit Committee
Knox County Commissioner, At-Large (Seat 10)
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