By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–At a busy session Monday evening, the Henry County Commission honored former Puryear Mayor Kenny Paschall on his service to the county.
County Mayor John Penn Ridgeway presented Paschall with the Loyal Patriot Award, the highest award that can be bestowed on a Henry Countian, noting his lengthy service to the county as a mayor, long-time employee of the Paris Board of Public Utilities, member of the Tennessee River Resort Act board and other civic activities.
Paschall was accompanied to the meeting by his family members and said, “It’s humbles me to receive this before my peers, my friends, my family.” He said his time as Puryear Mayor and as an original member of the Tennessee River Resort Act board “gave me a lot of opportunities. I got to meet a lot of people and make a lot of good friends who inspired me.”
A full house was on hand for Monday’s meeting, including members of Boy Scouts Troop 28 and a contingent of Henry County Sheriff’s Office employees.
Boy Scout Wade Hayes led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance and after the meeting, the Scouts and Scoutmasters went on a tour of the Courthouse Tower with Ridgeway.
A lengthy discussion revolved around a request from Sheriff Josh Frey to include employees of his department in the county’s longevity policies as prescribed for other general fund employees.
Ridgeway and Frey noted that the sheriff’s office has historically not been included in the longevity policies.
Under the county’s policities, general fund employees who have been in continuous full-time service to Henry County government for over five years have a longevity allowance. The County’s policies and procedures committee has requested that sheriff’s employees now be included in the longevity allowance beginning with the 2023-2024 budget year.
Frey spoke strongly on behalf of his department’s staff, saying, “These people deserve it. They’re out there each and every day serving the public.”
A lengthy discussion with questions from commissioners followed and Commissioner Dell Carter said, “If anyone needs it, it’s the sheriff’s office. They risk their lives every day.” The resolution passed.
In other business:
–With four commissioners voting ‘no’, a resolution to amend the county employee pay plan for a one-time, one employee request from County Circuit Clerk Mike Wilson was approved. Voting ‘no’ were Commissioners Randy Gean, Ricky Wade, David Webb and Ralph Wiles.
The resolution accepts the request that will increase a deputy clerk’s salary by up to $1,000/year following his or her promotion to a higher classification.
–Anominating committee meeting was set for 3:30 p.m. December 12 at the courthouse to discuss upcoming appointments to the HCMC board to fill two four-year terms. The meeting will allow committee members to interview candidates for the positions. Ridgeway asked that anyone in the public interested in the board seats should send a resume to his office by December 9.
–Other committee assignments: Kreg Kyle on Board of Equalization; James Travis on the Solid Waste Regional Board and the Solid Waste Committee; and Monte Stars on Tourism.
–Commissioners approved a request to accept an antenna tower easement for the County Emergency Communications office at 204 N. Brewer St. which will allow the installation of a microwave dish on the site.
–Surety bond of $4,000 was approved for District 5 Constable Matthew Liotta.
Photo: Ridgeway presents the Loyal Patriot Award to Kenny Paschall, right. Photo by Shannon McFarlin.