Conservative Group Sounds Alarm About Hamilton County’s Plan To Fund Regional Pseudo-Governmental Boards

Image Credit: Brian Stansberry / CC

The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] –

This past March, legislation that aimed to greatly increase the bureaucratic administrative state in West Tennessee was soundly defeated in the Tennessee Legislature.  The bill would have essentially delegated many traditional powers of government to an appointed board, including the power of  eminent domain.

However, the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners now intends to pass a similar resolution that would fund multiple nonprofits, including not one but two regional pseudo-governmental boards.

Resolution 0622 – see pages 11 & 12 HERE.

The resolution dictates that, “$81,903 be appropriated to the Regional Council of Governments and Southeast Tennessee Development (SETD) to promote the welfare of the citizens of Hamilton County and to provide funds for the ongoing programs of the organization.”

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On the SETD website, it is outlined that one of their goals is to “meet your goals by resourcing government programs, funding and services.” 

The resolution also dictates that, “$100,000 be appropriated to the Thrive Regional Partnership to promote the welfare of the citizens of Hamilton County and to provide funds for the ongoing programs of the organization.”

The Thrive Regional Partnership website states that the group plans to control transportation, energy, health and public safety, the economy, climate change and our environment, housing, and more. 

A spokesperson for the Tennessee Valley Advocates for Freedom says, “The Regional Trends and Forces Report is an especially chilling read when you consider that they are planning to act as elected governmental agents in SE TN/NW GA/and NE AL.”

The spokesperson asks, “Why are OUR tax dollars in Hamilton County funding these non-profits and quasi-governmental entities? Why is our government handing off the reins?”

“This is OUR money! Yes, fund the volunteer fire departments and Hamilton County Stars (Search & Rescue).  But don’t fund these non-governmental services,” the spokesperson states.

The spokesperson goes on to state that the people of Tennessee do not want regional groups such as this and if similar legislation was introduced in the General Assembly, it would be soundly defeated just like HB1989/SB1915 was in March.

“Nonprofits shouldn’t receive taxpayer funds from governments that are designed for government services (like power, sewer, fire, police/sheriffs depts, courts).  Nonprofits should be funded directly by donors themselves who consciously choose to donate to them,” the spokesperson said.

If you would like to contact the Commissioners regarding this legislation, you can find their contact information HERE.

About the Author: Jason Vaughn, Media Coordinator for The Tennessee Conservative  ~ Jason previously worked for a legacy publishing company based in Crossville, TN in a variety of roles through his career.  Most recently, he served as Deputy Director for their flagship publication. Prior, he was a freelance journalist writing articles that appeared in the Herald Citizen, the Crossville Chronicle and The Oracle among others.  He graduated from Tennessee Technological University with a Bachelor’s in English-Journalism, with minors in Broadcast Journalism and History.  Contact Jason at news@TennesseeConservativeNews.com