Commission Meeting Sees Two Resignations Over Controversy

Smith News

White County Commission’s Beer Board will no longer be able to meet until new members are appointed. During April 20’s Full Court, due to another failed resolution regarding beer permits, two members stepped down from their positions. In lighter news, the Commission also saw the full, implemented use of their Open Meetings system, where the votes for each commissioner are readily visible for all to see.

The resolution that came before the Full Court was to enact a 300-foot rule restricting the sales of beer in the county, the 300-foot space applying to residential. This will be on top of the preexisting rules not to sell beer within so much space of school zones, churches, and other such establishments.

Failing on a 7-2 vote, with Larry Daniels and Derrick Hutchings being the only two commissioners present to vote no, the resolution failed.

Commissioner Hutchings explained why he voted no, saying, “I’m for the 300-foot, I am. But you can’t single one person out. He applied for the permit within the laws that are wrote. Would I want that next to me? I would not, but that’s the laws that are wrote.”

Commissioner Hutchings was referring to the business that started discussion for the Beer Board originally, which was built close to residential areas. The closeness caused complaints from some in the area, which is why the 300-foot resolution was brought forward to begin with.

After the failed vote, Commissioner TK Austin publicly announced his resignation from the Beer Board. Shortly after, Commissioner Becky Golden joined with him, saying, “I’m very disappointed. I’m just going to say that.”

With two of the three members stepping down, the Nominating Committee in May will have to try to appoint two new members.

The Open Meeting System was something highly anticipated by some at the Courthouse, and now, commissioners have full use of the system. For audience members, it allows them to see which commissioner is speaking, the resolution that’s being discussed, which commissioners are present at the meeting, and, most importantly for some, who votes yes and no during the vote. It provides easily accessible fact checks on voting records, and it allows more transparency so everyone can be on the same page during discussion.

The Warriorette Basketball received special recognition during the Commission. Presented by Executive Robinson, he expressed how proud the county was of their performance this past sports year, going as far as the State level. Part of the proclamation read, “The White County High School Warriorettes ’ Basketball Team has demonstrated outstanding dedication, discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship throughout their competitive season.”

The next Commission meeting, aside from the Budget Committee, which is regularly meeting during their budget process, is scheduled for committees on May 4. All meetings are open to the public and streamed on the White County, TN Commission's YouTube page.