[Larsen Jay]

I also prefer the 11/21 or 12/5 date – with an event to end before 3:30p… over lunch would be preferable.

Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

I believe Commissioner Jackson’s suggestion might be combined with several areas we want TDOT to add to the list of infrastructure needs. Something like:

TDOT INVESTMENT
Knox County has a significant number of state routes in need of maintenance, improvement and/or expansion. We request TDOT quickly review all state routes and work with Knox County EPW to prioritize focus and funding, including reducing restrictions on private company design and service contracts to improve project timelines and encourage standards that allow more pedestrian and community connectivity. Additionally, we request TDOT reconsider a regional bypass route that would help divert pass-through traffic around our urban corridor. We request TDOT to install overhead lighting at the I-40 and Pellissippi Pkwy (I-140) interchange as it is the only major interchange that is not lighted in Knox County. We hope you will encourage TDOT to prioritize much needed infrastructure projects in Knox County, including: West Emory Rd., Northshore Dr., Pellissippi Parkway, Washington Pike, ***continue the list of state routes that need attention***

I would also recommend adding the following items to our list:

MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Mental health continues to be a growing challenge in Knox County, and we remain the regional support-hub for this type of healthcare. We urge you to push for restoration of the operational funding for the Behavioral Heath Urgent Care Center (BHUCC) and encourage the State of Tennessee to fully authorize and fund the new in-patient mental health facility in Knox County as outlined in the Spring 2024 study and provide adequate capital and ongoing operational funding.

ADEQUATE FACILITIES FEE
Support and / or introduce such legislation as is necessary to amend the County Powers Relief Act to allow counties of Tennessee the same tools to determine the most conservative way to establish a means for funding accelerated growth without burdening the current tax base with increased property taxes.

SALES TAX ADMINISTRATION FEE **(verify numbers/% with finance before finalizing)**
On every sale in Knox County, the local option sales tax portion (2.25%) is sent to the State of Tennessee, then returned to Knox County after 30 days. To perform this function, the State charges Knox Co. a 1.125% administrative fee. With the advent of improved technology and automation practices, we feel the fee is egregious and ask for you to work on a plan to reduce the administrative fee to a maximum of 0.5%.

SINGLE ARTICLE SALES TAX ADJUSTMENT **(verify numbers/% with finance before finalizing)**
Currently, on all local sales, the tax revenue from the first $1,600 is divided between the state (7%) and locally (2.25%). For the amounts above the $1,600 threshold, the State of Tennessee takes all the revenue (9.25%) leaving nothing to support the local municipality. We are requesting you help move the threshold value to $3,200 where both the State and Knox County will share the sales tax revenue.

FUNDING OF PURCHASE OF AGRICULTURAL CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAMS (PACE).
Tennessee does not have a PACE program. PACE programs compensate property owners for keeping their land available for agriculture. Typically, PACE programs consider the quality of the soil, threat of development or fragmentation, and the overall future agricultural viability. According to the American Farmland Trust, Tennessee has recently been named the third fastest at losing farmland to non-agricultural purposes in the nation. Last year, Farm Bureau added policy to urge the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, and Farm Bureau to study and evaluate solutions for farmland loss. (Information attached)

STATE PRISONER HOLDING & CARE **(verify numbers/% with KCSO finance before finalizing)**
The State of Tennessee has two types of prisoners being held in the Knox County detention facility; state prisoners who are to be transferred to the State Dept. of Corrections for housing at another facility; and state prisoners who are serving their time in Knox County’s custody. Currently, the State of TN reimbursement rate to cover housing, food and healthcare for a prisoner is $41.00 / day, yet the average daily cost to Knox County taxpayers to care for these state prisoners is $140.00 / day. This results in significant local tax dollars being necessary to subsidize the State Dept. of Corrections. Additionally, TDOC, by federal court order (Dalton Roberts et al v. Tenn. Dept. of Corrections, et al), is required to pick up state prisoners from our Knox County detention facility within 14 days of sentencing, however, the average length of stay in the Knox County Detention Facility is 125 days for a state prisoner waiting for transfer to a state facility, and 121 days for a prisoner serving their time in Knox County’s custody. We ask that you work to increase the funding reimbursement rate for holding state prisoners and find ways to adhere to the federally mandated transfer timelines.

FIRE PROTECTION
Please consider pushing for a rewrite of the statute regulating rating agencies (e.g. ISO) so that the term “subscription fire department” refers to all fire departments that receive revenue from subscriptions, regardless of whether they respond to non-subscriber calls or not. This is important because the local ISO representatives are not enforcing their own regulations, which ultimately punishes both the fire departments and subscribers. If the reduced insurance premiums (based on being a subscriber) is given to everyone, whether they are a subscriber or not, it disenfranchises customers and places additional financial stress on the fire protection entities.

PRIVATE ACTS

DIGITAL NOTIFICATION TO THE CITIZENRY
In a continuing effort to modernize the Knox County Government, Commission wishes to pursue turning all public notices into a digital format, to be placed on a publicly-accessible web site. Currently, all public notices from the legislative body are posted on https://commission.knoxcountytn.gov/commission-notices/. We wish to pursue legislation that would allow for all Knox County government notices to be transitioned from a printed to digital format.

CITIZEN REPRESENTATION
The constituents of Knox County, TN are in jeopardy of not being represented by a member of the legislative body (Commission) in the event of an emergency or absence of importance. Currently, if a member of the County Commission is absent from a meeting due to extenuating circumstances (medical illness, family death, military service, etc.) they are not allowed to participate and represent their constituents via electronic means. We encourage you to support legislation that allows for Knox County Commissioners, just as it is allowed for KCS Board of Education members, to establish a policy for, and participate in representing their constituents in extreme circumstances via electronic methods.

[Larsen Jay]

yes

[Larsen Jay]

Madam Chair,

I respectfully disagree with this approach. Given this new format and timing, we are not likely to get a final comprehensive list of proposed amendments with ample time to review them properly before our 5pm meeting, leaving us in the same situation we were in last week.

If an extension of time is needed, please consider cutting off submissions of proposed amendments to 3:00pm on Friday so a comprehensive list can be issued to the Commissioners AND the staff by 5:00pm, giving us at least two full days over the weekend to review them in advance of Monday’s Commission meeting.

Commissioner Jay.

[Larsen Jay]

Madam Chair,

I would like to pull…

10 – Sheriff’s contract
35 – Project Emerald
38 – Register of Deeds contract

Thank you,

Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

I would like the following items pulled from non-consent:

#32 – the federal funding is outlined as for the purpose of “to mitigate the broader negative economic impact of COVID-19” yet the descriptions of the programs have nothing to do with COVID-19. YWCA is for capital costs for a building renovation. Centro Hispano is for office equipment in a new facility. SEED is for a Career Readiness Program. Karns Fire Dept. is for a capital expense to build a training tower… didn’t we already approve and fund a training center in East Bridge for all agencies to use?

#29 & #43 – This is the resolution and ordinance related to double utility poles and safety of Knox County’s right of way. I have a presentation on both items, and would like to present it at the same time / couple these together in discussion.

Thank you,

Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

I still think these priorities are still relevant and worthy of pursuing with our state delegation:

MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY
Mental health continues to be a growing challenge in Knox County, and we remain the regional support-hub for this type of healthcare. We urge you to push for restoration of the operational funding for the Behavioral Heath Urgent Care Center (BHUCC) and encourage the State of Tennessee to authorize and fund a new in-patient mental health facility in Knox County by providing both capital and ongoing operational funding.

TDOT INVESTMENT
Knox County has a significant number of state routes in need of maintenance, improvement and/or expansion. We request TDOT quickly review all state routes and work with Knox County EPW to prioritize focus and funding, including reducing restrictions on private company design and service contracts to improve project timelines. Additionally, we request TDOT reconsider a bypass route that would help divert pass-through traffic around our urban corridor. Lastly, we request TDOT to install overhead lighting at the I-40 and Pellissippi Pkwy (I-140) interchange as it is the only major interchange that is not lighted in Knox County.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCESSIBILITY (*Likely need to pursue this as a private act for Knox County alone *)
Currently, if a member of County Commission is absent due to an extenuating circumstance (e.g. medical, family death, etc.), they cannot participate in meetings via electronic means (outside of an emergency order by the Governor) and therefore cannot represent their constituents. We would like you to support legislation that allows for electronic participation for members of Commission under emergency circumstances.

SALES TAX ADMINISTRATION FEE
On every sale in Knox County, the local option sales tax portion (2.25%) is sent to the State of Tennessee, then returned to Knox County after 30 days. To perform this function, the State charges Knox Co. a 1.125% administrative fee. With the advent of improved technology and automation practices, we feel the fee is egregious and ask for you to work on a plan to reduce the administrative fee to a maximum of 0.5%.

SINGLE ARTICLE SALES TAX ADJUSTMENT
Currently, on all local sales, the tax revenue from the first $1,600 is divided between the state (7%) and locally (2.25%). For the amounts above the $1,600 threshold, the State of Tennessee takes all the tax revenue (9.25%) leaving nothing to support the local municipality. We are requesting you help move the threshold value to $3,200 where both the State and Knox County will share the sales tax revenue.

PUBLIC SAFETY
We ask that you work to increase the funding reimbursement for holding state prisoners in the Knox County Detention Facility. Currently, the state reimbursement rate is $41.00/day but the average daily cost per prisoner for housing and healthcare is $95.00/day. The State of TN is mandated to pick up state prisoners within 14 days of being convicted, however, Knox County’s average length of stay for a state prisoner before pickup is 169 days. Currently of the 138 state prisoners Knox County is holding, 132 are over the 14 day time limit. This delay results in a significant cost burden to the citizens of Knox County.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS
Large commercial and industrial property owners (e.g. big-box stores) are increasingly appealing their property tax rates directly to the State of Tennessee and seeking significant tax liability reductions through third-party solicitors. This practice continues to shift the financial burden to local taxpayers and increases pressure on residential homeowners, commercial businesses, and rural farm owners. We urge you to find ways to mitigate this State level direct-appeal practice without local engagement with the County Property Assessor.

FIRE PROTECTION
Please consider pushing for a rewrite of the statute regulating rating agencies (e.g. ISO) so that the term “subscription fire department” refers to all fire departments that receive revenue from subscriptions, regardless of whether they respond to non-subscriber calls or not. This is important because the local ISO representatives are not enforcing their own regulations, which ultimately punishes both the fire departments and subscribers. If the reduced insurance premiums (based on being a subscriber) is given to everyone, whether they are a subscriber or not, it disenfranchises customers and places additional financial stress on the fire protection entities.

[Larsen Jay]

Madam Chair,

The Knox County charter in Section 2.06 reads:

“Sec. 2.06. – Election of chairman(woman) and vice chairman(woman).
The Commission, at its first session on or after September 1, 1990, and annually thereafter, shall elect from its membership a chairman(woman), vice chairman(woman), and such other officers as the Commission deems necessary. The election procedures shall follow those established pursuant to Section 2.03E.”

The phrase “on or after” seems pretty clear reorganization could take place on September 1st, or on a later date.

Our Commission Rules state:

“SECTION H. REORGANIZATION MEETING ORDER OF PROCEDURE:
The annual reorganization meeting of the Knox County Commission, in regard to the
election of the Commission Chair, the Commission Vice Chair, and the Chairs and Vice
Chairs of the Standing Committees, shall be held on September 1st or the next business day
thereafter and conducted in accordance with the provisions of the Knox County Charter and
as follows:”

This also outlines “on September 1st or the next business day thereafter…”

Given both of these legal elements, I would suggest we hold reorganization on Tuesday, September 5th (@ 9:00a) – which would be the first business day after September 1st since Monday, September 4th is a national holiday. I don’t believe we would need any further legislative action to move the meeting, you as the Chair could simply schedule it.

– Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

June 5th works for me.

– Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

Chair,

In addition to the items listed by other Commissioners, I believe these items (many we’ve been working on before/since 2021) are still very relevant and should be included in the State Legislative Priorities. Some may have already been worked on in some form, Commissioner Schoonmaker would likely know if any language needs to be adjusted.

Additionally, we should cross-reference our priorities with the Mayor Jacob’s office to make sure if we have similar agenda items, they are written/coordinated similarly.

TDOT INVESTMENT **needs to be re-written**

Knox County has a significant number of state routes that are in need of maintenance, improvement and/or expansion. We would request TDOT quickly review all state routes and work with Knox County EPW to prioritize focus and funding. Additionally, Knox Co. is at the crossroads of the country, and with a significant increase in traffic and commerce passing through our narrow corridor (I-40 / I-640 / I-275) we request TDOT reconsider a bypass route that would help divert pass-through traffic around our urban corridor.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACCESSIBILITY

Currently, if a member of County Commission is absent due to an extenuating circumstance (e.g. medical, family death, etc.), they cannot participate in meetings via electronic means (outside of an emergency order by the Governor) and therefore cannot represent their constituents. We would like you to support legislation that allows for electronic participation for members of Commission under emergency circumstances. (there is a bill planned to be filed by Senator Briggs and Representative Wright)

PUBLIC SAFETY **these numbers should be verified with KCSO before finalizing***

We ask that you work to increase the funding reimbursement for holding state prisoners in the Knox County Detention Facility. Currently, the state reimbursement rate is $39.00/day but the average daily costs per prisoner housing and healthcare is $73.45/day. The State of TN is mandated to pick up state prisoners within 14 days, however, Knox Co.’s average length of stay for a state prisoner before pickup is 242 days. This delay results in a significant cost burden to the citizens of Knox County.

PUBLIC / MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health continues to be a growing challenge in Knox County, and we remain the regional support-hub for this type of healthcare. We urge you to push for restoration of the operational funding for the Behavioral Heath Urgent Care Center (BHUCC) and encourage the State of Tennessee to authorize and fund a NEW regional mental health facility in Knox County by providing both capital and ongoing operational funding.

FIRE PROTECTION

Please consider pushing for a rewrite of the statute regulating rating agencies (e.g. ISO) so that the term “subscription fire department” refers to all fire departments that receive revenue from subscriptions, regardless of whether they respond to non-subscriber calls or not. This is important because the local ISO representatives are not enforcing their own regulations, which ultimately punishes both the fire departments and subscribers. If the reduced insurance premiums (based on being a subscriber) is given to everyone, whether they are a subscriber or not, it disenfranchises customers and places additional financial stress on the fire protection entities.

SALES TAXES ADMINISTRATIVE FEE

On every sale in Knox County, the local option sales tax portion (2.25%) is sent to the State of Tennessee, then returned to Knox County after 30 days. To perform this function, the State charges Knox Co. a 1.125% administrative fee. With the advent of improved technology and automation practices, we feel the fee is egregious and ask for you to work on a plan to reduce the administrative fee to a maximum of 0.5%.

SINGLE ARTICLE SALES TAX ADJUSTMENT

Currently, on all local sales, the tax revenue from the first $1,600 is divided between the state (7%) and locally (2.25%). For the amounts above the $1,600 threshold, the State of Tennessee takes all the tax revenue (9.25%) leaving nothing to support the local municipality. We are requesting you help move the threshold value to $3,200 where both the State and Knox County will share the sales tax revenue.

FUEL TAXES / ELECTRIC VEHICLE USES

Tennessee relies heavily on fuel taxes to fund our vital infrastructure. With the rise of electric vehicles that do not need gas and therefore would not help contribute to road maintenance, we encourage you to address this with the General Assembly and explore options for user or per-mile fees which would help find a way to treat all vehicles equitably.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY TAX REDUCTIONS

Large commercial and industrial property owners (e.g. big-box stores) are increasingly appealing their property tax rates directly to the State of Tennessee and seeking significant tax liability reductions through third-party solicitors. This practice continues to shift the financial burden to local taxpayers and increases pressure on residential homeowners, commercial businesses, and rural farm owners. We urge you to find ways to mitigate this State level direct-appeal practice without local engagement with the County Property Assessor.

[Larsen Jay]

Chairwoman,

Please also pull #41 (TN State Armed Forces).

– Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

I would be interested in serving on the Personnel Committee.

– Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

#48 – I would like a copy of the quarterly performance reports (as outlined in contract) from 2020-2022

Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

I would like to:

– Continue to serve on the Retirement & Pension Board
– C.A.C Board for first time
– Code Committee for first time
– Continue to serve on the Knox Education Foundation Board (as proxy/representative for the Chair)

Commissioner Jay

[Larsen Jay]

yes

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