Madison Co. Commissioner Considers Resigning
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JACKSON, Tenn.–The Madison County Sheriff‘s Office could soon add a county commissioner to its payroll. Madison County Commissioner Doug Stephenson says he may resign from his elected position to help handle finances at the sheriff‘s office. “It looks at this point that I’ll probably most likely have to resign from the commission,” he said. Stephenson confirms he is working as a volunteer financial consultant for the department. “Is it a conflict of interest for me to be assisting them?” Stephenson said. “I don’t see it that way. I mean I see it that way if I was getting paid at this point. I do see that as a conflict of interest, but I’m not getting paid.” Sheriff Tommy Cunningham says his department does not have a budget problem, but they are trying to make the office more efficient. “We’re moving forward and we’re looking at all the ways that we can to save taxpayers money,” said Cunningham. Stephenson serves as the county‘s budget chairman. “He’s been over all the county budgets, so I thought that he would be the best person to help me out with the budget,” said Cunningham. Earlier this month, Cunningham transferred the department‘s financial administrator, Rose Cash, to the jail. “With the exception of Ms. Cash I know this budget better than anyone,” Stephenson said. Stephenson plans to consult with the county attorney and commission chairman before stepping down.
