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Dennis Prater is a Democratic candidate for the 9th District seat on the Washington County Commission.
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Washington County Commission

Fiscal policy a key issue in the 9th District

Republican incumbent Suzy Williams is seeking her first full term on the Washington County Commission in the 9th District. Williams was appointed last year in to fill an unexpired term on the board. She faces Democratic candidate Dennis Prater, an educator who is making his first bid for public office in the Aug. 2 general election.

Jul 7, 2018 at 11:35 PM
Former Johnson City Mayor P.C. Snapp is running as an independent for the 7th District seat on the Washington County Commission.
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Washington County Commission

Candidates cite experience in 7th District race

Republican incumbent Larry England is being challenged in the Washington County Commission’s 7th District by P.C. Snapp, a former Johnson City mayor who is running as an independent candidate.

Jul 7, 2018 at 11:35 PM
Republican candidate Jim Wheeler is running for the Washington County Commission in the 14th District.
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Washington County Commission

Local background an asset in 14th District contest

The race for the 14th District seat on the Washington County Commission sees Johnson City Commissioner Ralph Van Brocklin facing Republican nominee Jim Wheeler. Van Brocklin is running as an independent against Wheeler, who is a Jonesborough attorney.

Jul 7, 2018 at 11:35 PM
Mitch Meredith was appointed as the county's first director of finance and administration at Monday's Washington County Commission meeting.
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Washington County Commission

Washington County Commission will keep Meredith seat open until election, mayor appoints him to new role

Mitch Meredith resigned from his seat on the county commission, but Mayor Dan Eldridge appointed him to replace Director of Accounts and Budgets Bobbye Webb.

Updated Jun 26, 2018 at 11:31 PM
Washington County Commissioner Lynn Hodge argues against purchasing the McCoy property, a 15.558 acres of land adjoining the Jonesborough Middle and Elementary schools, for $777,900. The commission ultimately voted to extend the purchase agreement six months to allow the school board to finalize a plan to the build the new Jonesborough school.
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Washington County Commission

To buy or not to buy? Washington County commissioners delay McCoy property purchase for 6 months

Disagreement over how to proceed with constructing a new Jonesborough school spilled into the Washington County Commission’s monthly meeting on Monday. 

Updated Jun 25, 2018 at 9:38 PM
Mitch Meredith plans to resign from the Washington County Commission on Friday to become eligible to run for Washington County Board of Education.
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Election 2018

Meredith plans to resign from Washington County Commission seat to keep name on school board ballot

A Washington County commissioner said Thursday that he plans to resign from his elected position so he can become eligible to run for a seat on the county’s Board of Education in the Aug. 2 election.

Updated Jun 15, 2018 at 12:07 AM
An option for Washington County commissioners to purchase 15 acres of property fronting Main Street behind Jonesborough Elementary School expires at the end of this month.
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Jonesborough School

County mayor to seek guidance on land deal

Eldridge said he will discuss the purchase of the Joe McCoy property during his monthly report to the County Commission on June 25. The county was given a 90-day extension by the seller in March to act on the purchase.

Jun 8, 2018 at 7:10 PM
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Washington County Budget Committee

Washington County budget: No tax hike or pay raises

A public hearing on the county’s proposed budget will be held June 20 at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 7 of the George Jaynes Justice Center. County commissioners are expected to vote on the new budget at their regular monthly meeting on June 25.

Updated Jun 7, 2018 at 11:11 AM
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Washington County Commission

Graduation rates improve in Washington County

Washington County Director of Schools Kimber Halliburton delivered what she called “some good news” to county commissioners on Monday. Halliburton said the the county continues to make “significant” strides in improving its high school graduation rate.

May 21, 2018 at 7:44 PM
Washington County Mayor Dan Eldridge
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Washington County Budget Committee

Washington County facing $780,000 budget deficit

Mitch Meredith, the county’s director of finance and administration, said the proposed general fund budget does include some savings in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1. One comes from downsizing the County Commission from 25 to 15 members. The move will result in a $38,880 reduction in the new budget for commission salaries and benefits.

May 16, 2018 at 11:48 PM
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Washington County Commission

'Difficult' budget times looming in Washington County

The county mayor said there has been little growth in tax revenues. He said property tax assessments for Washington County are significantly lower than those found in other areas, such as neighboring Sullivan County.

May 10, 2018 at 12:00 AM
Superintendent Steve Barnett listens to the budget concerns raised by some board members at Thursday morning's special budget meeting.
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education

Johnson City school board dives into budget

The Johnson City Board of Education met for a special session Thursday morning to discuss action on the 2018-19 school year budget.

May 3, 2018 at 5:09 PM
Washington County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Leighta Laitinen, Patrol Deputy Chris Shepherd and Sheriff Ed Graybeal answer questions about new body cameras at a meeting of the county's Budget Committee on Wednesday.
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Washington County Commission

Washington County commissioners approve body cams for deputies

Washington County commissioners approved a request from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Monday night to buy advanced body and dashboard cameras for its deputies. Commissioners voted to amend the county’s capital plan to cover the $548,420 needed for the purchase.

Apr 24, 2018 at 12:00 AM
ContributedToThePress
Chamber Survey

Chamber Survey: Washington County Commission Districts 11-13

The local Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its survey of candidates in the Washington County Commission races. One seat is available in each of 15 districts.

Apr 7, 2018 at 2:54 PM
ContributedToThePress
Chamber Survey

Chamber Survey: Washington County Commission Districts 14 and 15

The local Chamber of Commerce has released the results of its survey of candidates in the Washington County Commission races. One seat is available in each of 15 districts.

Apr 7, 2018 at 2:50 PM
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