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After decades spent working, raising a family, and living in Hamblen County, Bobby Haun says his approach to public service is guided by something simple: taking care of the community while being honest about what government can and cannot afford.

Haun, who is retired, has been married for 48 years. He and his wife have two children and six grandchildren. That family connection to the area is one of the reasons he says he has always taken county issues seriously.

“We want to continue with the services we already provide,” Haun said. “People depend on them.”

Among the services he points to is Hamblen County’s door to door garbage pickup, which residents receive without an additional fee. Haun said programs like that often get overlooked when people talk about taxes or spending.

“Those trucks cost money to maintain,” he said. “Everything costs more now than it used to.”

Haun acknowledged that the recent property tax increase was unpopular with many residents. He said commissioners understood that frustration, especially because the vote came during an election year.

“The tax increase was unfortunate, but we had to do what was best for the community,” he said. “We certainly didn’t want to do it during an election year.”

He noted that even with the increase, Hamblen County’s tax rate remains comparatively low across the state.

“Statewide we’re in the bottom twenty,” he said. “We’re still one of the lowest tax rates in Tennessee.”

Much of the discussion about county finances centers on infrastructure and public safety, areas Haun believes deserve continued attention.

One issue he frequently raises is law enforcement pay. According to Haun, Hamblen County currently has one of the lowest paid sheriff’s departments in the region. He believes that creates a serious retention problem.

“Anyone who puts a gun on their hip and protects us every day has my highest respect,” Haun said. “We need to get their salaries in line. We’re losing good officers because they can go to the next county and make more.”

He also believes the sheriff’s department itself needs facility upgrades in the coming years.

“Our sheriff’s department needs updating,” he said.

The construction of the new jail was another major county decision in recent years. Haun said the project was not optional once the state determined the existing facility did not meet standards.

“We had to build the jail,” he said. “If we didn’t act, the state would have built it for us and we’d have had no control.”

Road maintenance is another issue that often comes up with residents, and Haun said it requires patience as well as funding.

Hamblen County’s wheel tax is dedicated specifically to road maintenance and paving, he explained, but the work must be scheduled and prioritized over time.

“It’s going to take a while to catch up the roads that need attention,” he said.

Several roads are already on the list for upcoming improvements, including Dearing Road, Panther Creek Road past the park, Dover Road, and Brights Pike. Haun also noted that some roads are shared responsibilities between the state and county, which can sometimes create confusion.

“From 11E to Panther Creek is a state road,” he said. “Past that it’s county.”

Beyond roads, Haun said county infrastructure overall is holding up well despite steady residential growth.

“Our infrastructure is in good shape for the residential influx, which is big,” he said.

He also believes the county should consider expanding convenient centers for residents who need places to dispose of waste and debris.

Another county facility in need of attention is the historic courthouse.

“Our old courthouse needs major attention,” Haun said. “It’s literally cracking.”

Transparency in county government has also become a frequent topic of discussion. Haun said the commission has already taken several steps to make meetings accessible to the public.

“We video tape all meetings,” he said. “I don’t know how much more transparent we can be.”

Meetings are open to the public, agendas are published online, and sessions are streamed so residents can watch remotely. Citizens also have an opportunity to address commissioners during designated public comment periods.

“If there are other ideas of how to be more transparent, I’d love to hear them,” Haun said.

Education is another area Haun believes is moving in the right direction locally, though he acknowledged the cost of maintaining facilities, buses, and other county equipment continues to rise.

“The prices have gone up,” he said. “You feel it when you go to the grocery store, get gas, and everything else. Well, the county has to go to the grocery store too. We have to pay more for diesel, tires, trucks, and so on.”

Haun describes himself as a Christian conservative and said he believes many of the challenges facing local governments are tied to broader national divisions.

“There’s a big divide of political ideology nationally,” he said.

Despite those larger tensions, Haun said his focus remains on practical decisions that keep county services running and infrastructure maintained. As Hamblen County continues to grow, he believes the role of county government will remain centered on balancing responsible spending with the needs of residents who rely on essential services every day.