At the recent Hamilton County Board meeting, members tackled several key issues, most notably a payment dispute with Novacom Communications. In 2023, the board agreed to a $60,000 contract with Novacom for Repeater Link Systems, portables, and mobiles. After making an initial down payment in July 2024, the board has not made further payments and now faces a request from Novacom for a final payment—despite one repeater still awaiting installation. The board voted to table the payment issue until ETSB member Dorothy Smith can clarify billing details with Novacom.
Other agenda items included approving Jessica Barbre as grant/fiscal agent for the county and granting local authority approval for the 8th Annual HamCo Food and Brew Fest, set for February 21st at the Big Red Barn. The board also approved a $14,410.33 purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado for the EMA, to be paid from the Emergency Medical Fund.
On highway matters, the board approved $10,000 payments to each township from the Coal Fund and allocated Motor Fuel Tax funds for county highway maintenance from January to December 2026. Board appointments included naming Jason Craddock to fill the remainder of Justin Webb’s ETSB term, with additional ETSB appointments for Dorothy Smith and Jason Stewart (three years) and Landon Vaughan (one year).
During public comment, Paula Hatfield highlighted 4-H projects supporting veterans, and a 4-H member shared her experience at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. John Williams of Colonial Insurance also provided new insurance quotes for the board’s review.