Hardin County commissioners address deputy raises, winter storm recovery

SAVANNAH, Tenn. — The Hardin County Board of Commissioners met for a controversial budget amendment and updates regarding January’s winter storm.

Raises for sheriff’s deputies of the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office were on the agenda. After some consideration, Sheriff Johnny Alexander rescinded the raises, but that may not be the end of the road for extra pay for the deputies.

“I talked with CTAS and the auditors. I decided to withdraw that motion right now and we’re going to work on that our next budget year so the commissioner has talked about with the excess funds giving our officers a bonus,” Alexander said.

Alexander said some of the excess funds will come from vacant positions within the department.

Hardin County Emergency Management Agency Director Larae Smith-Sliger spoke on the impacts of January’s winter storm. Hardin County has been approved for individual assistance and public assistance.

Hardin County residents who still need help with cleanup from the storm can apply online. The Small Business Administration is in Savannah to help with disaster loan applications.

“Hopefully later this week their planning on FEMA opening a DRC which is a disaster recovery center which will be a one-stop shop for anybody that’s coming in for disaster, not just to register, but to actually apply, get help with funding, things along those lines and they’ll also be set up at our emergency management offices,” Smith-Sliger said.

A mobile registration intake center is located at the Hardin County Emergency Management Office at 400 Armory Lane in Savannah.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office is looking at giving the deputies raises in the next fiscal year.

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