11/2/26 - Bradley County Finance Committee Meeting

Bradley County Finance Committee meeting, November 2, 2026: The committee approved multiple budget amendments, including $1.8 million in Bradley County Schools revenue and spending for a track at Bradley Central High School; a $198,150 amendment for Northley access road funding; and a $982,524.34 transfer from the schools’ fund balance to provide 2027 employee bonuses. It also approved moving $100,000 from Sheriff’s Department salary lines to the County Attorney’s budget for legal expenses related to the data-center lawsuit, and a $45,000 opioid-abatement fund amendment for first-responder mental-health support. A $9,600 Fire and Rescue grant amendment was also presented for approval. The committee discussed eight opioid-abatement applications, with roughly $160,000–$170,000 available against requests exceeding that amount. Members agreed to invite the applicants other than a new organization that was not yet operational to provide full proposals; staff will also request reports on prior awards and spending.

The committee approved the HCI committee’s recommendation to award $574,723 for specified community projects from approximately $591,000 available, with some awards subject to contingencies; the recommendation will go to the full commission for consideration. Discussion covered project eligibility and costs, including school playground work and Cleveland Fire Department’s requested ring-cutting equipment. No vendor or contract awards were identified. The committee also agreed to seek more detailed reporting on opioid-grant recipients’ use of funds, which may affect future grant administration.