The Jackson County Commission held its regular meeting and work session recently, hearing updates on healthcare services, upcoming park events, technology licensing needs and infrastructure improvements connected to the ongoing Google expansion project in Bridgeport.
Commissioners first approved the minutes from the April 13, 2026 meeting and work session before moving into departmental updates.
Representatives from Highlands Medical Center provided an overview of several ongoing projects and improvements across the healthcare system.
Officials noted the recent completion of the Crestwood acquisition and said operations were transitioning smoothly. Recruitment efforts continue for OB-GYN physicians, pediatricians, orthopedic specialists and ENT providers.
Among the largest announcements was the hospital’s receipt of Rural Hospital Investment Program funding, which will allow Highlands Medical Center to build a new 3D mammography suite inside the hospital.
“We’ve not ever had that at the hospital,” officials said during the presentation, noting the addition would improve services available to women in the community.
Other updates included the relocation of the wound clinic to the hospital’s fifth floor alongside Highlands Surgical Services, installation of new security cameras featuring facial recognition technology and the hiring of a new pediatric nurse practitioner.
Hospital officials also announced a grant-funded network upgrade that will eliminate Wi-Fi dead zones throughout the facility.
Commissioners thanked healthcare workers during National Healthcare Week and praised hospital staff for their continued service to Jackson County residents.
Parks Director Doug Parish also updated commissioners on several upcoming events at the county park system.
Parish announced the 25th Annual Catfish Festival that took place Saturday at the county park. The free event featured vendors, live music, a car show with more than 100 vehicles, fishing activities for children and a kids’ entertainment area with pony rides and a miniature train.
Parish also discussed the county’s inaugural paddle event scheduled for June 20 in partnership with Tennessee RiverLine and other river communities.
The beginner-friendly kayaking event will launch from County Park, travel to City Park and return, with safety personnel and rescue crews accompanying participants on the water.
Initial registration filled quickly, growing from 50 to 70 participants after additional kayak fleets were secured.
When participants return to the park, KC’s BBQ and Coca-Cola will provide free food and refreshments while live music will continue throughout the day.
Commissioners praised the growing number of events at the county parks and their positive impact on tourism and community engagement.
Parish also reported improvements in park activity and tourism-related revenue. A new boat rental company, Islands Boat Rental, officially began operations May 1 and is now offering boat, kayak, canoe and golf cart rentals at the park.
Cabin rentals have also improved significantly compared to previous years impacted by eel grass issues on the lake.
Commission Chairman Bill Nance noted TVA harvesting efforts have already begun to help manage eel grass in the area, with county officials reporting far fewer complaints this season.
The commission also discussed courthouse landscape maintenance and tree risk assessments around the courthouse grounds.
County officials said they had difficulty finding local companies willing to provide a full tree inventory and health assessment but had received interest from contractors willing to handle trimming and limb removal work.
Commissioners indicated they would likely move forward with a professional tree risk assessment before seeking local bids for any necessary maintenance work.
The commission also reviewed a three-year renewal for county network and phone system licensing.
Officials said the licensing, originally purchased using ARPA funds, allows remote management and updates of county technology infrastructure.
Commissioners said additional work sessions may be needed to determine appropriate budget funding for the renewal.
One of the meeting’s largest discussions centered on road improvements associated with the ongoing Google expansion project in Bridgeport.
District 1 Commissioner Chris Gulley said officials with the general contractor for the expansion project, approached the county regarding traffic concerns related to the expected increase in construction activity.
Gulley said the company plans to fully overlay County Road 96 from Steam Plant Road to the facility gate near the railroad tracks at the company’s expense. Additional improvements include striping County Road 255 and making upgrades near the intersection of County Road 133 and Steam Plant Road.
County officials said formal agreements will be prepared before any construction begins on county roads.
Commissioners also announced Google has agreed to support HVAC improvements at the Bryant Community Center, which houses the local Council on Aging.
According to officials, Google initially committed funding for the HVAC project, but electrical service upgrades were also needed to support the new system.
County leaders praised the companies for investing in local infrastructure and community projects during the multi-year expansion effort, which officials said could bring as many as 4,000 workers in and out of the facility daily during peak construction.
During commissioner comments, officials thanked county employees, department heads and volunteers who assist with election operations throughout Jackson County.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 26, due to the Memorial Day holiday.
by Heather Dohring
