HIGHLIGHTS FROM ROANE COUNTY COMMISSION MEETING
The Roane County Commission convened its regular session at the courthouse in Kingston on Monday, addressing several key issues. During the county mayor’s report, Mayor Wade Cresswell announced the new certified property tax rates: residents outside city limits will pay approximately $1.48 per $100 of assessed value, while those within city limits will pay about $1.45 per $100.
Commissioner Junior Hendrickson raised concerns about the accessibility of Board of Education meetings, noting the small capacity of the current boardroom, which seats only about 30 people. He urged the mayor to discuss with the school board the possibility of streaming meetings live, either by equipping the Board of Education building or relocating meetings to the county commission’s chambers. Mayor Cresswell confirmed he has not yet spoken with school officials but plans to do so soon.
Commissioner Ben Wilson proposed reestablishing a committee to oversee operations at the Roane Academy, located in the Rockwood portion of the Roane County Industrial Park, following recent escapes and complaints from nearby residents and businesses. Mayor Cresswell noted recent discussions with Youth Services Inc., which operates the academy, and indicated that a committee to keep the public informed, without direct authority over the academy, might be formed within the next month.
During public comments, Commissioner Mike Hooks requested that important committee meetings no longer be scheduled on Wednesday evenings, as they conflict with church attendance for many residents. The commission agreed to consider rescheduling such meetings. Lastly, Rocky Joe Houston attended his fourth consecutive meeting, continuing to voice allegations of civil rights violations and theft in a lawsuit against the county attorney, mayor, Commission Chairman Stanley Hester, and other commissioners. Tensions arose during a heated exchange with Commissioner Berry, and Houston submitted lawsuit documents for the record and commissioners’ review.
