Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Monroe County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
6 issues in public safety
Safe Baby Courts program funding
Juvenile Justice received a $100,000 state grant to keep the Safe Baby Courts program running, covering staff salaries, travel and training.
Ambulance service funding and equipment
Monroe County is applying for a federal Community Development Block Grant that would pay 87% of the cost — up to $420,000 — for two new ambulances, with the county picking up a $54,600 match. Better equipment means more reliable patient transfers out of the county for care.
Opioid settlement fund distribution
Settlement money from pharmaceutical lawsuits will fund local prevention and recovery groups, plus $50,000 in general-fund subdivision money to the 10th Judicial District — the portion that drew the 8-2 split.
Sheriff's Department grant applications
Three grants — substance abuse treatment for state prisoners, crash reduction, and DUI enforcement — are 100% federally/state funded, bringing up to $123,800 into public safety efforts with no local match out of pocket.
Jail medical services contract
The jail medical contract with TK Health was amended. Commissioner Danny Everhart put on the record that he's not happy with the company and wants alternatives explored at contract review.
Cryptocurrency ATM elder fraud
Commissioners formally opposed crypto ATMs in Tennessee, which Mayor Ingram said are the leading fraud threat to seniors — victims deposit thousands in cash that becomes instantly unrecoverable. The resolution urges the state legislature to regulate or ban them.