Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

By Robert Sorrell

Star Correspondent

In response to widespread damage caused by Hurricane Helene last year, the Carter County Commission voted unanimously Monday night to issue $40 million in general obligation capital outlay notes to fund the repair of county roads and bridges.

The 10-year note includes several provisions aimed at easing the financial burden on the county, according to Elizabeth Zuelke of Raymond James.

The state of Tennessee will cover administration costs and the first three years of payments. The county will not be required to make its first principal payment until year four, with the option to refinance at that time.

The notes will allow the county to make repairs to roads while waiting to be reimbursed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Budget Committee Chairman Robert “Bob” Acuff said the county may not need to issue the entire $40 million.

The county has identified 63 damaged roads, according to Highway Superintendent Shannon Burchett.

Acuff told commissioners that Burchett is often finding additional roads that need to be repaired.

Commissioners also approved resolutions totaling $246,000 for two temporary bridges in the Poga area. In addition, purchase orders were approved for other infrastructure projects, including $306,696.55 to Summers-Taylor for resurfacing Hampton streets and $419,750 for repairs and protective work on the Heaton Creek bridge.

In a separate matter, commissioners voted unanimously to allocate $865,000 from the county’s opioid settlement funds. The funds, earmarked specifically for opioid abatement, will be distributed as follows: $500,000 to the Northeast Tennessee Regional Recovery Center, $300,000 to Families Free in Carter County and $65,000 to the Child Abuse Prevention Agency, according to Acuff.

During a budget update, Acuff noted that 29 outside agencies have presented funding requests this cycle, with most asking for amounts similar to previous years. However, some have asked for additional funding.

Acuff warned that the commission will have “some tough decisions” this budget cycle.