Fifth district commissioner Bill Kee tendered his letter of resignation prior to the County Commission meeting on Monday, citing ongoing health challenges as his reason for stepping down. A member of the insurance and law committees, Kee had been absent from commission meetings since May.
“We appreciate Mr. Kee’s long years of service to Benton County, and wish him a speedy recovery,” said Commission Chairman Ward Plant. “He definitely will be missed.”
Visitor Tosha Gurley, regional coordinator for the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, spoke during the citizens’ forum. She advised commissioners regarding the services of TSPN such as free training and response support following a suicide in a school or community. Gurley’s office is in Huntingdon, and serves the nine counties in northwest Tennessee.
There was little discussion regarding resolutions during the brief meeting. The report of public utilities and notary candidates were approved, along with the following resolutions:
• Approved the Benton County Girls Softball Lease Agreement for 2019-20.
• Approved the Benton County Election Commission applying for the reimbursable state grant “Help America Vote Act” to acquire new computer hardware and software for the election office.
• Appointed the Sheriff Ken Christopher to fill the seat of resigned member David Markham on the E-911 Board for two years.
• Amended projected revenues in the Highway Department Budget for the 2019-20 Fiscal Year.
• Budgeted $870 to the Benton County Senior Citizens Center, $9,332 to the Benton County Library, and $82.42 to Project Help offered through the Benton County Electric System. The BCES donation was made by the estate of the late Ona W. Florence.
• Appropriated $1,950 from the Courtroom Security Reserve account to install two additional security cameras and upgrade video storage capability.
At the next commission meeting on Monday, Sept. 16, the body will elect its chairman and pro tem for the coming year. They also will select a replacement for Bill Kee from any district 5 candidates who have stepped forward to fill his seat.
