Downtown Warren was the main topic of discussion at the Bradley County Quorum Court meeting on Monday night.
Leah St. John spoke during the public comment portion at the start of the meeting. She shared her concern about the flag mural that would be torn down. She called for transparency from the quorum court. She said she asked four quorum court members about what was happening with the buildings and she was told they didn’t know what the county was going to do with it.
“This town needs hope,” St. John said. She said downtown needs to be improved to bring in new businesses.
She told the quorum court it would cost $7,500 to replace the flag mural.
The quorum court passed a resolution to acquire certain parcels of real estate property across from the courthouse for the “best interest of the public’s health, safety, and welfare.” The quorum court approved to purchase 100 East Cedar from Annette Colvin for $10,000; 106 and 108 East Cedar from Johnny and Jennifer Bradford for $20,000; 110 East Cedar from Jason Reep for $25,000; and 112 East Cedar from the Bradley County Rural Water Association for $65,000. The quorum court passed an ordinance to amend the 2022 county budget to allow the purchase of the properties by the appropriate funds. Federal funds will be used to purchase the properties.
Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney said no county business could be done without the quorum court passing ordinances or resolutions.
The tenants have until May 1 to move out. The judge said they hope to get it done by the Pink Tomato Festival time, but safety for the public and the workers was his primary concern.
He told The Eagle Democrat there were no plans yet of what the properties will be used for after demolition. Judge McKinney asked the community for prayers and patience as they tear down the old buildings.
“It’s a daunting task maintaining these 110-year-old buildings,” said Judge McKinney.
In other business, Michael Milton was approved to replace Lathan Hairston on the Bradley County Medical Center board.
The judge said funds from the CARES Act would be used to install more fire hydrants in rural areas in Bradley County.
Kenneth Saunders was recognized and honored by the quorum court for his work with the Bradley County Rural Fire Department.
The next meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, May 15 at the courthouse courtroom.
