Todd Fiscal Court approves budget, seeking grant for US 79 improvements

Todd Fiscal Court approved first reading of a budget for the next fiscal year is seeking a grant for further upgrades on US 79.

Magistrates unanimously approved the $7.2 million budget that doesn’t anticipate any increases to taxes in the next year. Treasurer Tammy Robertson says the only negative financial impact caused to county government by the pandemic so far is fewer state inmates housed in the Todd County Jail.

Todd County Emergency Management Director Daniel Smith received approval to spend up to $2,000 for additional personal protective equipment and he hopes to eventually have a six-month supply in case there is a second outbreak of COVID-19 in the fall.

Magistrates approved a resolution supporting a federal grant to replace four bridges along US 79 between the Russellville Bypass and the Tennessee state line. Todd and Logan counties would each commit $300,000 and Novelis could commit $100,000 to meet the 20% required local match to receive the grant.

Magistrate Jimmy Turner represents a large portion of US 79 in Todd County and says improvements are much-needed with increased traffic.

Todd County Sheriff Tracy White notified fiscal court he will not be requesting the new vehicle he had been slated to purchase this year. He says he can use his current vehicle for another year and save the county some funds that could be needed during the pandemic.