Left to right: Jimmy Winfree – Chairman of Courtroom Security, Leah Bane – UCDD Economic Developer, Hon. Michael Collins – General Sessions Judge, Mayor Michael Nesbitt, and Sheriff Steve Hopper.
In 2017, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) launched a one-time court security grant program in efforts to improve courtroom security and to provide safe and secure facilities to conduct day-to-day business. Governor Bill Haslam included $2 million in his budget to allow the Tennessee General Assembly to appropriate funds for this program. Judges state wide were selected to form a special committee to determine the parameters and criteria for these grant awards. Courthouses that have experienced recent breaches of safety have also been taken into special account.
In November, Smith County collaborated with the Upper Cumberland Development District in efforts to meet eligibility and receive funding through the Administrative Office of the Courts grant. Smith County requested funds to be used to add 10’ security fencing and gates to the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility. By December, notification was received by Smith County that the grant had been awarded in the amount of $30,346.20.
A 10 percent match was required, meaning Smith County will be responsible for investing $3,371.80 to the security improvement to the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility located in Carthage. The grant is a reimbursement grant, designed with the intention that recipients will first purchase the security equipment, followed by providing the AOC with a receipt of the purchase, as well as any other supporting documentation. Improvements to the Smith County Jail and Courts Facility will be made in 2018.
The Upper Cumberland Development District provides regional planning and assistance to the Counties and Cities of the Upper Cumberland region to promote economic growth and community enhancement. Find UCDD on the web at www.ucdd.org and at facebook.com/UCDDconnect.
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