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By Robert Sorrell

The Carter County Commission voted on various matters on Monday, including funding for mental health transports, and heard updates on others during its November meeting.

Commissioners unanimously voted to approve a request from the Carter County Sheriff’s Department to accept a grant from the state for mental health transports.

Tennessee state law requires that the department transport individuals who are being committed for involuntary mental evaluations, according to Abby Frye, a spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Department. Frye said that requires personnel and vehicle expenses.

The state “has stepped up” to reimburse the county, Frye said. Last year, the county had 41 transports, she said.

The commission also approved a motion from the Budget Committee to add $14,000 to the county Finance Department for a position. Last month, the commission approved a plan to move one employee to a disaster related position, which led to the need to hire another person in the Finance Department.

The plan passed, but some commissioners said they were concerned about approving the funding before determining where it would come from.

Shannon Posada, the executive director of the Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter, shared information to the commission about how Hurricane Helene, which came through the region in late September, affected the shelter.

“We took in over 75 animals from the flood,” said Posada, who added that 95 animals went out to rescues.

In addition, Posada said the University of Tennessee brought its mobile veterinary hospital to Elizabethton to help the shelter.

“They helped us tremendously,” Posada said.

The Humane Society of the United States also assisted, she said.

During the aftermath of the storm, Posada said the community also stepped up to help and provided a large amount of pet food to the shelter. Posada said the shelter still has food, which is available to anyone in need. It is available at the nearby spay and neuter clinic, she said.

The clinic, which has been established by the shelter’s friends group, opened a short time before Helene.

Commissioners also briefly talked about the future of the Folsom House, a county-owned structure on East Elk Avenue that had been home to the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension office. Officials have said the home has structural issues, requiring the Extension office to move. The county is still looking for a new place for the office.

County Historian Lisa Germaine informed commissioners that the house is within the Elizabethton Historic District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She said the county may be able to obtain grants to help pay for repairs.