During Monday night’s meeting, the Roane County Commission approved a resolution allowing retiring sheriff’s department employees to keep their service pistols as a gift from the county, provided they served for at least 15 years and left in good standing.

The commission also renewed a $2,500-per-month rental agreement with John and Vicki Loden for a vehicle and equipment storage facility. However, officials expressed hope that this would be the final year for the lease—noting that the county has spent over $350,000 on the property over the last decade—as plans move forward to construct a county-owned storage building by this time next year.

Additionally, commissioners passed resolutions authorizing an interlocal agreement for municipal services, approving a five-year contract with Taylor Telecom Solutions, and greenlighting the sale of county-owned tax properties while scheduling several budget amendments for consideration.

Looking ahead, the commission will hold a budget workshop in the coming weeks to continue work on a proposed budget for July consideration, which is currently expected to include no property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year.