Overton’s Grant Request May Not Be Enough

Overton County officials are filing for an infrastructure grant that may not be enough to cover pandemic costs.

Governor Bill Lee announced Monday grant money to be distributed to every county and city governments in Tennessee for one-time local expenses in 2021’s fiscal year. County Executive Ben Danner said the county is expecting to lose $1 million in revenue over the fiscal year.

“We’re distressed right now,” Danner said. “I think the whole state is right now, but we’re not one of the counties considered distressed so we don’t get a lot of the extra benefits. I mean I would rather us not be in distress but the state puts more money into counties that are distressed,”

The grant is based on population. Danner said Overton County will be eligible up to $671,000. While the extra funds for road projects and public safety will be a welcomed help, Danner said, he wishes the funds could be used to balance the budget.

“Basically a third of our revenue for the year is going to be extremely down, but I’m glad the governor is giving this because without this a lot of the projects we’re looking at doing wouldn’t be possible at all. I’m not trying to be negative about it, I’m glad we’re getting it, I just wish we could use it for other things,” Danner said.

Danner said officials will know what the county will receive by May.