Heard County commissioners approve elections appointments, court relocation and MOUs during May 23 meeting

The Heard County Board of Commissioners met May 23, 2017, in the courtroom of the Heard County Courthouse and unanimously approved a package of administrative actions related to courthouse renovations and elections administration. The board approved minutes from April 25, amended the agenda, confirmed appointments to the newly formed Board of Elections and Registration, adopted a resolution identifying temporary court locations, and approved memoranda of understanding to provide temporary office space.

The most consequential action addressed court operations during a planned renovation of the Heard County Courthouse. County Attorney Jerry Ann Conner told the board that judges requested court services be moved to Franklin City Hall at 144 Davis Street while the renovation is under way. Chairman Lee Boone read the resolution into the record and, on a motion by Commissioner Joe Adams with a second from Commissioner Larry Hooks, the board voted unanimously to adopt it. The resolution authorizes relocation of Superior, Juvenile and Probate court services to Franklin City Hall until renovation is complete.

On elections administration, Registrar Tonnie Adams and Elections Superintendent Joseph Bledsoe submitted three nominees required under HB 461 for the county’s Board of Elections and Registration. The board approved James F. Kuchenbaker (Post 1, term to July 1, 2019), Alice Holmes (Post 2, term to July 1, 2020) and Jane D. Barker (Post 3, term to July 1, 2021) on a motion by Commissioner Larry Hooks and second by Commissioner Keri Denney.

The board also approved two memoranda of understanding so that Heard County Magistrate operations and space for the public defender can be accommodated during renovation; Patriot Probation Services will sub-lease part of its space to the magistrate and the county will have a separate MOU with Heard County Hospital Authority for public defender space. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve both MOUs and authorized Chairman Boone to sign them.

Finally, Chairman Boone reported he had discussed leasing space in Franklin City Hall for the district attorney with Franklin’s mayor and asked the board to authorize continued negotiations and approval of the final MOU when reached. Commissioners Larry Hammond (motion) and Joe Adams (second) moved to allow Boone to continue negotiations and to sign the MOU once terms are agreed; the vote was unanimous.

All formal motions recorded in the minutes were approved unanimously; specific motions and seconds are recorded in the meeting minutes. The board adjourned at 7:15 p.m.