The Coffee County Budget & Finance Committee meeting on July 24, 2025, highlighted significant discussions surrounding funding for local projects, particularly the Coffee County daycare building and the Tullahoma library roof.
Committee members confirmed that $3 million is allocated for various projects, with the daycare building receiving attention for a new floor installation. However, most of the work will be contracted out through an open bidding process. The library project is currently stalled as officials await a roofing solution to address issues with the existing inline gutter systems. An engineer is involved to ensure the project is executed correctly, with further presentations planned to explore the best options.
A notable point of contention arose regarding the purchase of drones for emergency services. A motion was made to buy one drone this year and another next year, with discussions emphasizing the need for shared funding from various agencies that would benefit from their use. The committee acknowledged the importance of these drones, especially in emergency situations, but also recognized the financial implications, with each drone costing around $20,000.
The committee is actively exploring financing options for these projects, with a financial advisor set to assist in identifying potential funding sources. As the meeting concluded, members scheduled their next gathering for August 28, 2025, to continue discussions on capital projects and budget allocations.