Some Hamilton County commissioners are fending off criticism of their discretionary spending by shedding some light on the process.
Three of the six commissioners who voted to override a veto by county Mayor Jim Coppinger and pull $900,000 out of the general fund balance for so-called discretionary funds are making efforts to be more open about their projects.
Commissioner Sabrena Smedley, who represents District 7, has assembled a 12-person panel to help guide her decisions. And she said the panel will handle more than questions about discretionary spending.
“If you look at my district, I’ve got probably 30 percent or more from the city of Chattanooga, a good bit of unincorporated area. Then I’ve got Collegedale,” she said. “I have people from each area to serve on this panel.”
Monday was the first time the panel met, and Smedley has been building it over the last few weeks. It includes political figures, such as Chattanooga Tea Party President Mark West and Collegedale Councilman Phil Garver, along with developers, Realtors and area parents.