[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6634817,"mediaKeyId","2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19","parentId",2662091,"title","EDC reports rise in unemployment; county receives housing study and approves $138,834.85 tax write-off","audioSeconds",1589,"startMs",1401000,"endMs",2990000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19&start=1401&end=2990","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19/thumbnail_1401000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6634817/Giles-County/Tennessee/EDC-reports-rise-in-unemployment-county-receives-housing-study-and-approves-13883485-tax-write-off","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634817-74716f16f67a99f7d511b612b63eacfa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147331&Signature=ERdCZgjDa94S4DtcyCDOSU~x0-qrazYlHsvBn5bgwKucc0qOQ9bKBRzsvbYIwV1E6XnQg3BU8luIQfCIIzOXIGtwC6kTFm9yttxw4ZaPWOiL0T13I0bQ6fNDP3pW263JSdEnHfO9pmcwtQc7VAsQz5LxYXegcYTTSEKFXLuaUw-uMU9qE6et4pvORhcNyO~AMXiNORysMV2Fq66-0DYJdbXo9BP-sUwfzpyoZSFeWfStxAym0-7WZ~7DBqnuNHyEYqHaX3NBibRvUo93-qFY6C5qTzIhC172ibyawrWXGlASbUSaTrhpWqCOJhY2iJSYBlxBGi21~0ZK35m6ATZbMQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Giles County","date","2025-03-17T16:11:17.513Z","article","The Giles County Economic Development staff reported a jump in the county unemployment rate for January — an increase tied to an annual labor-force adjustment in state data — and presented a housing study that estimates the county will need about 727 additional housing units over the next five years.

At the meeting, the EDC director said recent state data showed January unemployment at 4.4% after an annual adjustment reduced the county’s estimated labor force. The director said he had asked the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development to verify the drop and noted local manufacturers had modestly reduced headcounts.

The housing study, produced by Next Move (referred to in the presentation), combined survey responses (about 300 respondents, including more than 50 UT Southern students) and local demographics. The study concluded Giles County will need roughly 727 additional housing units over five years, including roughly 270 units priced between $200,000 and $300,000 and a similar-sized group in the $300,000–$400,000 tier.

EDC staff also reported on a site-development grant bid opening: three bids came in, ranging from approximately $490,000 to just under $800,000. The county’s engineer will tabulate bids and forward a recommendation to the state; work on the chosen bid could be completed in about three months after award, weather permitting.

Commissioners also heard about a 127-acre tract in the Danspear Industrial Park South that may be unsuitable for heavy industrial development and could be considered for an outdoor recreation project. County staff said Savannah Jenkins, public health educator at the Giles County Health Department, alerted them to a Tennessee Department of Health grant that offers up to $50,000 for planning and assessment and up to $80,000 for design/construction with no local match; a letter of intent is due April 15.

On finance matters, the commission unanimously approved a new Financial Management Policy and Procedures item that formalizes how the county handles delinquent properties. The commission later approved Resolution 2025-15, which documents the write-off of $138,834.85 in uncollected taxes that are over the statutory collection period; a county official said the trustee and collection attorneys had made collection efforts and the write-off cleans up older years (the amounts covered 1995–2011 in a one-time cleanup), and future write-offs will be handled annually.

One county staff member said the statute prohibits collection of taxes after 10 years and that the trustee continues collection efforts up to the statutory limit.

No further action was taken on the housing study beyond distribution of the report to commissioners; the EDC director said a copy could be provided on request.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Giles County Commission - March 17, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","EDC staff told the Giles County Commission January unemployment rose to 4.4% after a state labor-force adjustment, the county received a housing study estimating a five-year need for about 727 new housing units, and the commission approved a $138,834.85 write-off of long-uncollected taxes.","taxTitle","Giles County, Tennessee","taxId",59538,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634819,"United Communications, Duck River Electric to bring fiber internet to northern Giles County",100,755000,855000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19&start=755&end=855","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19/thumbnail_755000.jpg","/articles/6634819/Giles-County/Tennessee/United-Communications-Duck-River-Electric-to-bring-fiber-internet-to-northern-Giles-County","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634819-335bae77d689c7fdb61255f6e2c24eae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147331&Signature=cOyq8EtULCdXGP4l~aQZ7XsxEz79kTfaIHE7cjyrytWiLKt-e5UHTwTUokqcRi9Vhg~GcK8OmKU6MAKd1oMhZGOXIMzlvG5dhTW~YoDKiUKMw-qeRGAZzVoPz0PPsZNEKrd0gUdorPRLzGXQQnNwce1AFwNNBjl4Y7ViatV7a0qWCMPZ8VSg~BfEc5frCuFmSML~I7TjTgWo~AAx72Q-jmgd7MkEgUdNh6klkit7ZPFTuyq0B9tIcigqIN34xmN4W2yq275ascZvzBznMrudz9tyb5EP2X58X3j6fOj4jv3XtQ5gpuHf7rItMFH2sf6B4T~tpteoUbto6~275uP67g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","United Communications and Duck River Electric representatives told the Giles County Commission they will bring a new fiber-optic network to the northern part of Giles County, with construction complete by August and initial service available beginning in April.

The companies said the system will be 10-gig-capable and delivered over Duck River Electric’s existing pole infrastructure, with no charge for the initial drop to qualifying homes. “When we go live ... we will be bringing 10 gig capable residential Internet using a % fiber optics,” William Bradford, CEO of United Communications, said during a presentation to the commission. Bradford said engineering and much of the pole “make-ready” work are complete, and the project team expects to start taking customer orders at the end of the month.

James Wright, president and CEO of Duck River Electric, said the cooperative is committed to serving its members and that the partner firms designed the network to reach every Duck River member in the county. “If you’re a member, you’re my boss’s boss,” Wright said, describing the cooperative’s motivation to eliminate the digital divide.

Commissioners and residents asked about outreach, eligibility and pricing. Bradford said the companies will use direct mail, social media and partner channels to notify residents and that Duck River members will be eligible; he said plans start at $55 per month and top out around $150 depending on speed tier. A resident who identified himself as Will Topper raised a field complaint about a restraining cable and attachment coordination between the two companies; both companies said they would follow up to inspect the site.

United Communications said construction for the project will finish by the state’s August 20 deadline and that they expect to complete network work a year early. The companies also emphasized local customer support and said they will promote early sign-up to reduce drop-in hookup time when service zones open.

Commissioners did not take formal action on the project during the meeting; the presentation was informational and followed earlier county actions to support broadband grant applications.

The companies left contact information and materials for county communications staff to share with residents interested in signing up.","United Communications and Duck River Electric told the Giles County Commission they will begin turning on a state-of-the-art fiber network for Duck River members in northern Giles County, with construction finishing by August and first customers connected starting in April.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634808,"Commission approves notary renewals, appoints Jeff Lang to 9-1-1 board; equalization board members reappointed",46,2322000,2368000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19&start=2322&end=2368","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19/thumbnail_2322000.jpg","/articles/6634808/Giles-County/Tennessee/Commission-approves-notary-renewals-appoints-Jeff-Lang-to-9-1-1-board-equalization-board-members-reappointed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634808-8c91272f9b03c291267092eae3cd368b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147331&Signature=Puj0HnufLhB5AR1rDoFM7phKwbJA5wnrBRTFDmULPQkZIsJwyftw1xJU27WpVYOXvaETVi52GVjVhmsRAOJx8U0wWOay2Zv54nYoE2Wafom~2bnWcZK2YXEtUu5sdau~vHau1I80uTlA~ZcG9QkMgZWXdEEWAXLfHB8ReTjIDw8gOSTSXDdfnoitmUhENUn4N1BagU2k2tSg~qWUmQr-ZdSck9m7Sl0rRnyEIyxih1U-vzeGiUKfBcwHkbgMcVBhcwCtfU3wboKW2Ry9vVA1AVEQSUyN3MnXBBfMeVjUQlBCHCdDBsQxKOqFzxWJFTihKa0P9Dq0jWMiR6WRYPVFcw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Giles County Commission approved a set of routine elections and appointments during the meeting.

Notary public renewals: The commission approved renewals for Nikki Re Cruz, Vicki Ann Edgmon, Lady Ann Schuler, Daniel E. Haney, Kelly Richardson and Mary Taylor by motion and voice vote.

9-1-1 board appointment: The commission appointed Jeff Lang to serve on the Giles County 9-1-1 board until November 2028 to complete the term of Barry Taylor, who stepped down due to meeting conflicts. The appointment passed by motion and voice vote; commissioners discussed the staggered nature of prior terms when questions arose about term end dates.

Equalization board: Commissioners re-elected David Bolden (Northern Division) and Paul Patton (Southern Division) to two-year terms on the county equalization board. Commissioners moved and seconded the appointments and approved by voice vote.

No formal public controversies were recorded during these items; votes were taken by voice after motions and seconds were made on the floor.","Giles County commissioners approved a slate of notary public renewals, appointed Jeff Lang to the county 9-1-1 board through November 2028 and reappointed two members to the equalization board for two-year terms.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6634813,"Commission debates $22.5M capital package; courthouse funding approved, ambulance plan sent back for revision",1673,3161000,4834000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19&start=3161&end=4834","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2662091-f4f6be803e4c7d72c88f146547183b19/thumbnail_3161000.jpg","/articles/6634813/Giles-County/Tennessee/Commission-debates-225M-capital-package-courthouse-funding-approved-ambulance-plan-sent-back-for-revision","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6634813-1ec5c691f2b851f196411f7bbd0fc481/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147331&Signature=aWhCKG3R5Y0E60SROxV3dqxb7VgiWhA8pFE0pMeoxVZYYL9h87CnLVWpAdr0~kuTVIcdXY4YMWX0wZcLNGr1jPZyqcvQGmJ~B0cPabD0VqGgkOavC37qt~V2rW9V0qOZKmt9cdwqYdses08PFmil7p7OIoLFIJN6aKzC3ExA0pM2AzLICbTGYDgXxclfKNSBXODx3z6Usl-s-CO-8e9aiXLdbopiUIWdPs3rpSHqLzMet8QcXsHA0yO8GNbPrVYbGSLAL7tebuwYXq9DS6LaxlEyLMxM3oT15wVQL6mCWPQHG0y1K4h-fWgefOA5ML9qG49pYBSAocOn591EotYisg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Giles County Commission debated a bundled capital resolution (2025-16) that grouped multiple capital projects — courthouse Phase 1 and HVAC upgrades, a new ambulance building, a proposed satellite station, and a countywide water-distribution study — and asked the commission to indicate whether it wished to pursue funding for each project.

The resolution presenter told commissioners the package totaled more than $20 million in preliminary estimates and that the vote before the full commission was to accept the committee‑level project proposals for further funding work, not to bind final design or bid awards. He said each project still would face further design, committee refinement and a subsequent vote on funding mechanisms.

Section 1 — Courthouse Phase 1 and HVAC (estimated $9.5 million): Commissioners debated whether to include a geothermal HVAC engineering effort. Commissioner Wall moved an amendment to prohibit spending county money on engineering geothermal HVAC options unless the design firm or a grant source fully covered engineering costs; the amendment failed in roll call (9 yes, 11 no). The main motion to pursue funding for courthouse Phase 1 as briefed passed on a roll call (14 ayes, 6 noes). The commission instructed the budget committee to consider funding mechanisms and allowed scope revisions at later design stages.

Section 2 — Ambulance building (estimated $10.1 million): Commissioners critiqued the estimated size (about 19,000 square feet in the design) and the price tag compared with facilities in nearby jurisdictions. An amendment proposing a $2 million alternative failed procedurally, and the primary motion to pursue the project as presented failed in roll call (9 yes, 11 no). The commission then voted to send the ambulance project back to the building committee for redesign and cost reduction; that referral to the committee was approved.

Section 3 — Satellite ambulance station (estimated $1.2 million plus a $500,000 ambulance truck and recurring costs): A motion was made to send the satellite station proposal back to the building committee; the commission approved that referral.

Section 4 — Countywide water-distribution study (estimated $400,000): Commissioners debated whether to authorize the study immediately. The meeting produced an amendment to first convene the public service committee with utility district managers to assess needs; the commission approved sending the water matter to the public service committee (roll call reported 18 ayes, 3 nays), and the county administrator said the county would schedule that committee meeting in April.

Commissioners repeatedly stressed that passing a section to pursue funding does not commit the county to accept final construction bids or a bond amount; further design phases and budget committee review would follow for all approved projects.

Formal roll-call tallies were taken on key items and are recorded below.","After hours of debate, the Giles County Commission approved funding direction for courthouse Phase 1 (including HVAC) but rejected the ambulance building as presented; the ambulance and a proposed satellite station were sent back to building committees for further work and the countywide water study was referred to the public service committee.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EDC reports rise in unemployment; county receives housing study and approves $138,834.85 tax write-off

United Communications, Duck River Electric to bring fiber internet to northern Giles County

Commission approves notary renewals, appoints Jeff Lang to 9-1-1 board; equalization board members reappointed

Commission debates $22.5M capital package; courthouse funding approved, ambulance plan sent back for revision