Warren Mackey of Chattanooga

• INTERACTIVE: Hastert indictment

Hamilton County Commissioners voted today to table a contract with T.U. Parks Construction to build a concession stand, restrooms and a storage facility at the Middle Valley Recreational Facility.

The $218,000 project brought much attention from commissioners. Some wanted to know exactly how it would be funded, some wanted to know why it was necessary and some wanted to know why it was on the agenda in the first place.

"How does a project like that get to the table before the projects I've been asking for for eight years get to the table," Commissioner Greg Beck asked county finance officer Louis Wright. "Somebody's voice put this on the table ahead of the projects we've been asking for for eight years," Beck said.

Commissioner Warren Mackey had similar sentiments.

Mackey said he didn't vote to approve the current budget specifically because he felt District 4 was ignored.

"We all support development, but we also want to see it spread across the county. ... That's why I didn't vote for this budget. $648 million and it's not equitable," Mackey said.

Commissioner Fred Skillern ultimately moved to table the issue - at least until the $90 million credit line staff said it would fund it was finalized in 20 days.

"I think we need to table this issue and the staff to do research and come back to this body," Skillern said. "I'll support this project, but I think there are more questions we need answered."