By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
The Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management District Board of Directors met Tuesday and voted to make several recommendations on the agency’s 2027 budget.
Knox 911 Director Brad Anders told the members the agency lost an extra $1 million when Governor Bill Lee vetoed legislation to help out emergency groups. That led to the group requesting its finance committee approve hiring a Nashville lobbyist firm to represent them in future state relations for $75,000 next year.
The board also voted to recommend a three-step pay increase of about 3.3% for employees, plus a performance bonus. Finance Director Kim White explained the cost-of-living pay increases. She will be retiring this year after 33 years of service, and the board voted to split the duties of that office into two roles: a finance director and a new administrative coordinator position.
Anders said that he may suggest creating a human resources director position later on to help with the 130 employees.
The board also voted to create a bridge retirement program for those employed for 30 years and who are at least 55 years old. The retiring employees would get help from the agency of about 33% with their medical insurance until they are eligible to draw Social Security.
