The Hamblen County Road Commission moved one step closer to its disbandment as the Hamblen County Finance Committee advanced a measure that would amend the private-act governing the body to eliminate the board effective Aug. 31, 2028.

According to the proposal submitted, any Road Commissioner vacancy before that date would not be filled.

The amendment must be ratified by two-thirds vote of the County Commission. Hamblen County Mayor Chris Cutshaw emphasized the decision originated at the source.

“Six members of the current Road Commission voted to abolish this commission… it was not the legislative body’s decision to do so,” Custshaw said “We’re acting on the request of the Road Commission itself.”

Commissioner Peggy Howell said that many citizens contacted their commissioners about road issues as a starting point.

A private act is legislation passed by the Tennessee General Assembly that affects only a specific local government and typically must be approved locally before taking effect.

Another amendment to a different private-act was proposed to change language how the county attorney is compensated.

The new language specifies the Hamblen County attorney is to be paid a retainer of $1200 per year and allows additional compensation and reimbursement for legal work performed.

A resolution was passed to approve the application for a statewide School Resource Officer grant in the amount of $1.35 million.

The grant pays salaries for the SROs and other related costs to the program that sees 23 SROs protect the staff and students of Hamblen County.

A delay to the final close of the Justice Center project was announced by Cutshaw and he said the matter would be completed soon with the issue addressed by the Commission in July. A measure to change new cul-de-sac requirements in the county was passed to allow for better movement of busses and trash trucks.

The paving plan for the fiscal year was approved by the public services committee and a suggestion was made to publish the list online for public inspection.