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BY ROBERT SORRELL
Star Correspondent
Carter County Sheriff’s Office officials are applying for a state grant to help pay for protective gear and other equipment at the jail.

On Tuesday, members of the Carter County Commission’s Law Enforcement Committee approved a motion to allow the county to apply for, accept and sign the grant.

The grant is through the Tennessee Corrections Institute, which has a mission of enhancing the profession of adult corrections, and provides local municipalities with up to $15,000 in financial assistance. The TCI regularly reviews local jails and serves as the accreditation board for facilities.

Abby Frye told the committee that the funds will be used for the jail, which previously received $10,000 through the grant.

The TCI grant will be used to purchase eight sets of body armor, as well as ammunition, training pepper spray and other items, Frye said.

“We have everything budgeted out,” said Frye, who added that staff has been in touch with vendors to find the best deals.

The contract for the grant starts Oct. 15, she added. Once accepted and signed, the county will make purchases. She said the county will likely have items by the spring.

Tuesday’s meeting was brief and also included the Health and Welfare Committee, Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Rules and Bylaws Committee.

One brief discussion about new commissioners voting during their first meeting led County Attorney Josh Hardin to explain what can be done when new commissioners have little information about votes. There was discussion that new commissioners do not have enough information to make decisions when the commission meets for the first time after the election.

Hardin said those commissioners can seek to refer action until the following meeting, abstain from the vote or simply ask questions during the meeting before making a decision.