Larsen Jay
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Larsen JayParticipantMadam 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 JayParticipantMadam Chair,
I would like to pull…
10 – Sheriff’s contract
35 – Project Emerald
38 – Register of Deeds contractThank you,
Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipantI 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 JayParticipantI 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 JayParticipantMadam 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 JayParticipantJune 5th works for me.
– Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipantChair,
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 JayParticipantChairwoman,
Please also pull #41 (TN State Armed Forces).
– Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipantI would be interested in serving on the Personnel Committee.
– Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipant#48 – I would like a copy of the quarterly performance reports (as outlined in contract) from 2020-2022
Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipantI 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 JayParticipantyes
Larsen JayParticipantCommissioners,
Since last presented, discussed, and voted on in first reading, some minor revisions have been made to the proposed Merit System reforms. The newest top-sheet narrative and “red-line” documents are posted on the online agenda:
Proposed Reforms – Jay (7-12-22)
Exhibit A – revised 7-12-22Looking forward to the discussion at Monday’s work session. Let me know if you have any questions.
– Commissioner Jay
Larsen JayParticipantYes.
Larsen JayParticipantCommissioners,
Thank you for the feedback and questions. I met with the Law Dept. this morning to address these items, and others.
There will be a revised “red-line” Exhibit A document coming out to you this afternoon that clarifies some of the language within the proposed Merit Council reforms. I will also have a color copy for you at the meeting for reference.
Thank you,
– Commissioner Jay
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