During its meeting Monday night, the Greene County Commission approved 17-2 to fund additions to Chuckey-Doak and West Greene High Schools to build and equip a career technical wing at each school. The commission plans to issue a bond not to exceed $15 million to fund the additions, as the county schools plan to separate from the partnership with the city schools at the Greene Technology Center. County Superintendent David McLain told the commission that the programs are expected to start up in about three years. Lyle Parton and George Clemmer voted no, while Dale Tucker and Gary Shelton were absent.
The commission also approved a resolution 16-3 to increase the compensation for commissioners to attend meetings of the Greene County Commission from $50 to $300, and committee meetings from $25 to $150. Compensation rates for commissioners have not increased in 30 years and the new rates will be in line with surrounding counties. The increase was included in the 2022-23 budget. Josh Arrowood, Brad Peters and Jason Cobble voted no.
A resolution to amend county zoning regulations to prohibit solar farms in A-1 General Agriculture Districts and require that they be located in M-1 Industrial Districts was tabled and a vote was not taken. Numerous citizens spoke to the commission and cited concerns about the proposed solar farms being close to their residences. One of the sites is on the former Austin farm property off the Asheville Highway.
Also during Monday’s meeting, the commission voted to appoint Chase Murray to the 2nd district seat left vacant by the resignation of Kaleb Powell. Murray was sworn in and seated prior to the commission voting on the agenda’s resolutions.
The Greene County Commission will next meet on Monday, August 15 at 6:00 PM at the Greene County Courthouse.
