JASPER, Tenn. – The relocation of several organizations and functions, including the Marion County Commission’s own monthly meetings, caused a confusing flurry of discussion, accusations, and even some motions without accompanying votes during the board’s August meeting.
Commissioner Matt Blansett said the board’s building use committee had a “lengthy” discussion recently about where to house the American Job Center, the Veterans Services Office and a proposed child advocacy center.
The committee voted unanimously to recommend moving the job center and the child advocacy center into the current Marion County Commission building along U.S. Highway 41, and 3-2 to move the Veterans Services Office to the Snipes Building on the downtown square in Jasper.
Commissioner Mack Reeves said he opposed moving veterans services and was upset the county demands property taxes from building owners whose stores might sit empty while giving other organizations, particularly the American Jobs Center, space to operate rent free.
After researching the issue, he said the county could charge the American Job Center rent, and that group should have state and federal funding to pay it.