For those tuning in late, part one of this issue can be found at Link... [1]

Let's start this with the DT's coverage of the April County Commission WorkSession

Link... [2] Headlined as Commission to decide on construction of new 9-1-1 center

Commission to decide what?

The Blount County Commission will decide whether to grant approval to plans to build a new 9-1-1 center at the Sheriff’s Office training facility at its April 17 meeting.

Ah, approval to plans! WHAT plans?

General Sessions Judge William Brewer has asked the commission to approve the concept.

“We just need some blessing for placing the facility on county property,” said Commissioner Scott Helton,

Lovely! The Emergency Communications District (ECD) is asking for blessings for a concept!

How much is that going to cost us?

To better understand just what an ECD is, open your handy copy of the 2007 Annual Blount County audit Link... [3] and turn to pdf page 115. This EDC functions much the same way the Industrial Development Board, the County schools, the County Hospital, the Children's Home and the soon to be defunct PBA do. Sort of as in give us X amount of county money then you can't tell us what to do.

Here is the problem. The ECD wants blessings to build their building on county land. Land that is right up next to the Alcoa-Maryville Landfill. The basement will be owned by the ECD, the land by Blount County and that there requirement for the Air National Guard's 3,500 square feet of space will be on top of the ECD basement- but the shell won't cost we taxpayers a thing since it is all going to be built with drug funds.

Confused yet? I hope you are and I sure hope our County Commission is as well.

One really big factor I have heard no one in power talk about is the very idea that anyone would want to work underground next to the landfill. Would you? If you think this is a fine idea then kindly, please, tell me what it is that turns those retention ponds at the dump that neon shade of green.