By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.–The Henry County Commission on Monday authorized the County Mayor to negotiate and execute a contract for reconstruction of the historic Henry County Courthouse bell tower and clock.
The fate of the bell tower and clock has been the subject of much discussion over numerous meetings. 11 commissioners voted yes, with three voting no: Ralph Wiles, David Flowers, and Missy Hamilton.
County Mayor Randy Geiger said at the outset, “It’s time to make a decision. We have money set aside from the wheel tax for this” and noted that this was the recommendation of the county’s building and grounds committee.
Geiger also noted that the county was awarded $500,000 from the state of Tennessee for courthouse rehabilitation (in December 2024). “If we don’t get started soon, I’m afraid we’re going to wind up forfeiting the grant,” he said.
A proposal has been presented by the Renaissance Historical Exteriors group, which already has performed some work stabilizing the Grove Tower Building (in December of 2023). Geiger noted, “There aren’t too many contractors who do this kind of work.”
Other options facing the county include taking the bell tower and clock down and cover the roof or wait for a future plan to develop, Geiger said.
Wiles said, “This could be a bottomless pit.”
Flowers asked, “Wasn’t it the recommendation of the building and grounds committee to bring it down and put it in storage and wasn’t that tabled?” Building and Grounds Chair Marty Visser said, “That wasn’t from our committee. It was discussed, but not acted upon.”
In other business:
–With the resignation from the Henry County Schools board by Jill Coker, the commission established rules or procedure for conducting a specia election to fill the office of 5th District school board member. Coker submitted her resignation effective May 31, 2026. Each qualified candidate for the post will have the opportunity to speak at the next commission meeting before ballots are cast.
–An executive session was held at the outset of the meeting to discuss an employee issue.
–The commission authorized a contract between Correct Solutions LLC and the Henry County Sheriff’s Office for exclusive inmate telephone and communications services and revenue sharing.
–The commission approved a Federal Airport Development grant program. The $128,400 project is set to commence July 15 and end December 30, 2026. The project is for construction of a Special Use Apron at the Henry County Airport.
Photo by Shannon McFarlin.