Harriman City Council is set to make a significant shift in its banking services, moving away from Regions Bank due to ongoing issues with fraud and service reliability. During the March 18 meeting, Councilman Brackett highlighted the need for change, citing past experiences with fraudulent checks that had cleared the city’s account, which added unnecessary workload and complications for city staff.

Brackett emphasized that the current warrant payment system, unique to only a few municipalities in Tennessee, has hampered the city’s financial operations for decades. He announced plans to transition to a new bank that does not utilize this outdated system, aiming to modernize Harriman's financial practices and align them with state regulations. This change is expected to streamline operations and enhance clarity for auditors and financial managers.

The council unanimously supported the motion to switch banks, marking a pivotal step towards improving the city’s financial management. In a lighter moment, Councilman Brackett also shared excitement for the Harriman High School boys basketball team, who are competing in a crucial regional tournament that evening. This blend of serious financial reform and community spirit encapsulates the council's commitment to both governance and local pride.