All rights reserved. The facility had tiles stained by water damage, dirty HVAC supply and return vents, and a jail that was nine female inmates over the capacity of 29. This office manages a $42 million annual budget for both the Sheriffs Office and the Adult Detention Center. It is my vision to maintain and expand the rapport with the other public safety agencies and to continue to grow in my career as a serving within public safety.". 29031-9442, David SinclairCounty Council, District 2dsinclair@countyofunion.com(864) 762-73941043 Mud Bridge Rd. The Information Center is the hub of the department, providing assistance to citizens, handling incoming phone calls, ordering for central supply, distributing departmental mail and administering other departmental duties. Rutherford County, one of the fastest-growing counties in Tennessee,reached a U.S. Census estimated population of352,182 on July 1, 2021. The Rutherford County Sheriffs Office mobile application is an interactive app developed to help improve communication with area residents. 3,221 were here. Paying to finance the school projects and cover an existing $10 million deficit in the county's debt service portion of the annual budget may require increasing the existing property tax rate of $1.6162 per $100 of assessed value (25% of appraisal by county) by 15 cents, or about 9.3%, according to information provided to the commissioners from county Finance Director Michael Smith. Brace yourself Rutherford County: An expected property tax hike is coming in response to a $64 million budget deficit. Murfreesboro, TN 37130, Sheriff's Office - Administration Division. Nelson about six weeks later was added as a second SRO at Central to oversee "Operation Integrity," an intervention pilot initiative to improve student behavior. "Such comment does not constitute any evidence of discrimination whatsoever in connection with the RSCO's decision to promote (the chosen applicant)over Sanders," Christiansen said in an April 4 document, which requested the court to dismiss the case. U.S. Supreme Court asked to halt Florida execution of Darryl Barwick, 'Zero tolerance': Rutherford student arrested, accused of bringing firearm to campus, Ahead of permitless-carry law taking effect, Bay sheriff offers free gun safety classes, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It ebbs and flows daily, Norman wrote in a message to The Star. Administration deputies who handle human resources and business. Had the commission raised property taxes by about 27.7% to cover the $64 million deficit, the same home owner would have paid about $374 more in property taxes this year. The demotion was based on accusations that Nelsonmade inappropriate sexual remarks and gestures that offended at least one deputy on the receiving end of the remarks and gestures. Riverdale, Smyrna and Oakland high schools, Rutherford County wants state law to stop 'burden of paying for new development', raises for public safety workers to about 20%, Rutherford County deputies get 20% raise as part of approved county budget, Rutherford County plans to ship out trash when Middle Point Landfill closes, Uptick in appraisals sets state record in Rutherford County, $28M from Coronavirus grant may fund 6 Rutherford County public health & safety buildings, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy, Carr expects to provide property tax details to budget committee Thursday, Commissioners avoid tax hike in previous property reappraisal year, Mayor Carr backs budget that hires more fighters & EMS staff, Deficit issue remains concern: 'We are upside down every single year'. County Courthouse Suite 105 Corrective action must begin immediately, the letter states. This marks the second local student arrested for bringing a gun to school in about a week. Rutherford County Homepage; View Agendas/Minutes for Meetings; County Building & Department Map; Birth Records; Court Information; Licenses and Tags; Another factor in the AAA bond rating is county commission showing to the buyers of bonds a willingness to raise property taxes when needed, Peay said. "Yes, it was shocking," said Harrison, who confirmed to the attorney that he cried while answering deposition questions. Preble Acton is part of the six-member command staff of Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh. Union, SC 29379, Phone: 864-429-1600 Fitzhugh started out his career at BellSouth where he rose in the ranks to serve as manager of marketing, corporate and community affairs, personnel and business marketing. Forest City Police Department is open Monday through Friday 8:00AM to 5:00PM. A year later, and the report cites that the glass was still not repaired and in one case, an inmate had covered the port with toothpaste, completely blocking all views into the cell. SERVICES The mayor also said he's also committed to the county maintaining a Moody's AAA bond rating attained last year that enables paying back loans at lower interest rates for projects, such as $156.3 million for the three high school expansions. 210 W. Main Street SHE WAS GIVEN A WRITTEN PROMISE. Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, N.C. | Rutherfordton NC Chief Lowery has also received honors as Smyrna Police Department's Officer of the Year, and APCO IT Technician of the Year. The commission approved a 9.5% property tax increase four years ago to cover the raises and increase money in reserves. An investigation is ongoing and "additional charges are possible," the release reads. Court proceedings may have been delayedduring the COVID-19 pandemic. Judicial Services deputies guarding the courts. Non-Emergency: (615) 898-7777. The developer provided this information and may update it over time. Christiansen and his firm earned over $91,865 in litigation fees to defend the county in the lawsuits. Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh was elected as Rutherford County Sheriff in September, 2018. "We're looking at a property tax increase," said Carr, who a year ago defeating former Bill Ketron in the Republican primary May 2022. 615-904-3089 or email at lmarchesoni@rcsotn.org. He rose through the ranks as detective sergeant, patrol lieutenant and detective captain until becoming a major in June 2022. Non-Emergency: (615) 898-7777. Previous Editions: 2015-2016 2017-2018 2019-2020 2021-2022 It belongs to the taxpayers.". The new rate is based on keeping revenues neutral after the median of appraisal values increased by 44%. Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh was elected as Rutherford County Sheriff in September, 2018. The deficit is more than double the $31.3 million the previous year before county Mayor Joe Carr won his seat in August. . Content on this page maintained by the Rutherford County Office of Information TechnologyReport a Website Error or Issue The city also expects to collect impact fees on apartments/townhomes, retail/commercial, public/institutional and industrial development to help fund roads, parks, schools and public safety projects, such as new fire stations or police patrol cars. The state case, filed in October 2019, also involves an age discrimination lawsuit from Sanders and fellow deputiesKerry Nelson and Ronnie Ralston. Report. Mayor Carr said he's committed to the county maintaining previously established goals, such as hiring firefighters and Emergency Medical Service paramedics to staff future plans for public health and safety buildings. CONTACT. First and foremost I am a servant of the taxpayers," Henderson said. Both lawsuits were handled as one settlement, Stephenson said. "We are upside down every single year," Carr said. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. 1 1 10 RCTNSheriff Those whose properties increased in appraisal above 44% will pay more while those with appraisals below the median will pay less. He rose through the ranks to be captain. You know, we've got to do something that's better than what we are doing. Property assessor: Uptick in appraisals sets state record in Rutherford County. Rutherford County Sheriffs Office operates under a strict budget approved by the Rutherford County Mayor and County Commission. "We cannot continue to borrow money and not pay our bills," Carr said. OFFICIALS He joined the Sheriff's Office in 1994 as a patrol officer and soon trained new deputies. "He does not have the qualities to do that," said Harrison, adding that he was mainly talking about management characteristics but not with leadership. Brad Harrison, an SRO supervisor, accusing Preble Acton, a former deputy chief for support services, of using a racial slur in describing Sanders. The top boost in pay combines an 18% lift to the pay table with a 1.75% step increase in annual pay for those eligible. The count, however, did decrease to 3,475 Friday, according to the Tennessee Department of Health . Rutherford County Homepage; Carr said he'll provide details on the property tax increase to county commissioners on Thursday. Those needing to speak to Forest City Police Department staff during regular business hours need to call (828) 245-5555. The Rutherford County Sheriff App allows residents to connect with the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office by reporting crimes, submitting tips, and other interactive features, as well as providing the . He served as a patrol sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Mattresses were found to be worn out, with tears and some were less than four inches thick. Sheriff's Office - Public Information Officer Public Information Officer The Public Information Officer handles questions from citizens and the media about the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and Adult Detention Center. Quick Links. He joined the Sheriffs Office in 1994 as a patrol officer and soon trained new deputies. The sheriffhas final authority on all hiring, promoting, demoting, suspending and firing decisions. Fax: 864-429-1603 Non-Emergency: (615) 898-7777. Mar 24 Inmate who walked away from work duty is back in custody. The following shows settlement details for an age and racial discrimination lawsuits from three school resource officers in October 2019 against Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and related federal case filed September 2021: Sources: Records from Rutherford County government, Circuit Court based in Murfreesboro and U.S. District Court based in Nashville, Deputy chief accused of saying racial epithet. He supervised the communications, records and warrants divisions. The lawsuit contends Acton has influence on all personnel decisions made by the sheriff, including the crafting of questions for the applicants for sergeant. Reappraisal by state law cannot increase the average in property tax revenues per property, so some owners end up paying more while others pay less. The case is set for a jury trial June 20-24 at the Rutherford County Judicial Center in downtown Murfreesboro. Carr also said he inherited a $64 million deficit that used one-time federal pandemic grant money on recurring expenses to help fund pay raises in the 15% to 20% range recommended by former Mayor Ketron in 2022. Detectives investigating and solving crimes. Budget committee chairman Robert Peay Jr. said he's aware taxes could go up on debt service to pay for the school projects, as well as Mayor Carr's recommendation to build an initially estimated $20 million solid waste transfer station to haul trash out of the county. Lt. Alan Garner, who oversees SROs, also testified about racial discrimination withintheRutherford County Sheriff's Office. Ketron said he at first proposed a 15% pay raise for county government workers prior to the primary when a salary study showed the county was 15% below market rate in pay. She took a sick leave to recover from trauma after a male student punched her in the chest when she tried to stop him from pummeling another male student on Dec. 6, 2007. "Pointing the finger at the last administration is counter productive," Ketron said. As the previous major, Spence supervised the Patrol Division, Criminal and Civil Warrants, the Criminal Investigations Division, School Resource Officers, and Judicial Services. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from Middle Tennessee State University. The meeting is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Rutherford County Courthouse in the center of Murfreesboro's downtown Square. Communications deputies receiving 911 and emergency calls and dispatching deputies to those calls. The sheriff's discipline decision was based on internal investigation findings that accused Nelson of making inappropriatecomments and gestures of a sexual nature during an SRO staff meeting. Building Code Violation. The commission also set a new state certified property tax rate of $1.6162 per $100 of assessed value. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. "I endeavor to help the Sheriff's Office continue to progress," Lowery said. "You have to prove you will take care of that debt," Peay said. The pay raise plans had the backing of the commissioners when they agreed to appropriate $778.2 million to cover government and education operations for a fiscal year that started July 1. Mailing Information: Rutherford County Sheriff's Office 198 North Washington Street Rutherfordton, North Carolina 28139 Sign up for Alerts from the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office and other public safety agencies in your area with Nixle. Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said the county has limited space for female inmates but would assist Rutherford County by housing four inmates. I am a stickler for order and I like for things to be done right.". "I make recommendations, and the full 21 commissioners are the ones who have the vote. Contact Tipton County Sheriff's Office 1801 South College Street, Suite 106 Covington, TN 38019 Phone: 901-475-3300 Fax: 901-476-0241 Contact by Email In case of emergency Phone: 911 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Tipton County Sheriff's South Office Office hours are by appointment In case of emergency Phone: 911 261 Tate Road The Rutherford County Commission Budget, Finance & Investment Committee will examine Mayor Joe Carr's initial proposals for budget and property tax plans during a 5:30 p.m. Thursday meeting at the Rutherford County Courthouse in the center of Murfreesboro's downtown Square. Deputy Chief Henderson is a 25-year veteran. He was promoted to detective four years later. Detention deputies operating the Adult Detention Center. The Human Resources Department manages day-to day operations such as employment, personnel records, payroll, employee benefits, employee health and maintenance of Personnel Policies and Procedures for the Sheriffs Office. Department Name First Name Last Name Profession Email Phone; Sheriffs Office: Aaron: Ellenburg: Sheriff: james.ellenburg@rutherfordcountync.gov (828)-287-6247 To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription for all dnj.com stories. 'A pending crisis': Rutherford County plans to ship out trash when Middle Point Landfill closes. Deputy Chief Britt Reed supervises the law enforcement divisions of the Sheriff's Office including patrol, criminal investigations, school resource officers, judicial services and civil and criminal warrants. The Rutherford County Commission also agreed the next fiscal year budget without a hike to the state certified property tax rateshould provide the following raises starting by July 1: The pay raises will help public workers at a time inflation had a40-year high with an annualconsumer price increase of 8.6% in May. Nelson and Ralston's share each came to slightly over $163,333. The total appropriation for all budgets is over $778.2 million, which is about a 13.4% increasefrom the$686.3 million budget approved a year ago. Cleveland County Sheriff Alan Norman said the county has limited space for female inmates but would assist Rutherford County by housing four inmates. JOPHIEL RODRIQUEZ, OF MOORESBORO WAS ARRESTED FOR POSS OF FIREARM BY FELON. Acton, who retired in the spring, denied making a racist comment, Fitzhugh said in a statement provided to The Daily News Journal in April. DEPARTMENTS The Rutherford County Sheriff App allows residents to connect with the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office by reporting crimes, submitting tips, and other interactive features, as well as providing the community the latest public safety news and information. Nearly a year ago, the facility was cited for broken, cracked and scratched glass in cell doors, making it difficult for officers to observe inmates, including in juvenile cells. "I want to move people in a common direction, to assist in completing projects and to undertake any unforeseen challenges. In a Facebook post, the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office said they wanted to inform the public that the detention center had not been shut down, but they were simply relocating inmates to other facilities in neighboring counties while the female section underwent repairs. The following shows part of the pay scale for Rutherford County Schools teachers with a bachelor's degree this year and nextyear with a proposed 5% pay raise: Source:Rutherford County Schools Human Resources, 5% boost to pay tables of school district employees, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy, Mayor Bill Ketron says county officials worked to give every funding request possible, Ketron also praised department heads for being conservative with budget requests, County's overall appropriation is 13.4% more than previous year budget, About 75% of county appropriations go toward the school district. The up to nearly 20% boost to employee pay will be for sheriff's law enforcement deputies, dispatchers, and detention officers at the jail, Correctional Work Center and Juvenile Detention Center. For more information, please contact the public information officer at. Carr wants the county to have the same impact fee options as the cities. The county has 49 beds for women with 41 filled as of Thursday evening, Norman said. He served as a U.S. Marines medic. He supervises the Deputy Chiefs who command the Criminal Investigations, Patrol, Special Enforcement Bureau, Detention, School Resource Officers, Administration, Evidence, Maintenance, Fleet, Warrants and Records, Community Services, and the Judicial/Court Security Divisions. He remained in the Army National Guard. He supervised about 400 employees at two corrections facilities. Dockins was arrested about 9:30 p.m. Dec. 21 in Rutherford County, according to a Buncombe County Sheriff's Office news release, which listed U.S. 29379-2353, David KitchensCode Enforcement Directordkitchens@countyofunion.com, Michelle ShugartVictim Advocate Coordinatormshugart@countyofunion.com, Kevin ShropshireParks & Recreation Directorkshropshire@countyofunion.com, Christina McDowellDirector of Alcohol & Drug Abuseccrosby@hubhs.org, Linda Mitchell911 Directorlmitchell@countyofunion.com(864) 429-1600210 W Main St, Union, 29379-2215, Dennis MerrifieldFire Coordinatordmerrifield@countyofunion.com, Kevin MorrowChief Magistrate(864) 429-1648210 W Main St, Union, 29379-2215, Union County Court House The deposition by Harrison has not led to discipline, according to the lawsuit. All post comments containing inappropriate language or deemed. "This was a very serious offense, and weapons have no place in our schools.". View larger map. During Ketron's first year as mayor in 2019, he recommended the commissioners also improve employee pay based on a previous study and advised them to be prepared to increase property taxes to help fund the raises. Union. "It's still there," said Garner, who is Black. Quick Links. Death of inmate unresolved: 'His momma needs to know what happened'. Taxpayers funded $350,000 of a $600,000 settlement for discrimination lawsuits from three deputies against the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office. It details sheets, paper and blankets covering the majority of the light fixtures in the cells. Others with the sheriff's office or detention operations working in clerical, information technology, recordsand other administration positions would get what other county government workers are getting: a 13% raise to the pay table and a 1.75%annual step increase if eligible. As chief of security, Henderson handled security issues for inmates, staff, maintenance, meal service and transportation. Reed is a board member of the Rutherford County Child Advocacy Center. According to a press release from the Bay County Sheriff's Office, a 16-year-old student at Rosenwald High School was arrested on Wednesday after the school resource deputy and administrators found a firearm in their backpack. Certifications: EVO Instructor Firearms Instructor . Patrol deputies keeping our community safe and monitoring traffic. Carr primarily blames the deficit on what he views as an inadequate schools facilities tax permitted by the state since 2006 that allows a $1 per square foot per new residential dwelling. PANAMA CITY Another Bay County student was arrested Wednesday on charges of bringing a firearm on campus. Roger McCoy, jail inspector with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, sent a letter to Sheriff James Ellenburg requiring a plan of correction with details on how the department planned to remediate the issues, when corrective action would take place and how it planned to ensure the issues wouldnt recur. It also reminded parents and guardians to "diligently" check the backpacks, vehicles and rooms of their children to help keep schools safe. Another student arrested:'Zero tolerance': Rutherford student arrested, accused of bringing firearm to campus, Gun safety:Ahead of permitless-carry law taking effect, Bay sheriff offers free gun safety classes, BSCO said "the firearm was unloaded, but a loaded magazine was also found in the backpack.". 2023 www.newsherald.com. A yet determined significant property tax increase is expected in the coming fiscal year. He joined the Sheriff's Office in 1994 as a patrol officer and soon trained new deputies. The captain testified it was not unusual for Acton to use profanity. Rutherford County Schools has 49,300 students attending 50 schools. Certifications: EVO Instructor . Administrators learned of the firearm from another student who saw it in the backpack. The commission used rainy day money from ending fund balance reserves to make up the $64 million deficit of revenues needed to cover expenditures. Excluding Holidays, ABOUT About 16.3% of residents are African Americans. Scott Broden, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal, Rutherford seeks new law on all counties funding growth impact. He joined Smyrna Police Department as a patrol officer in 1990, later promoted to detective, the working his way up to Captain of the Special Services Division. A discrimination lawsuit accuses Preble Acton, deputy chief of support services for the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office, ofusing aracial epithet to describea Black deputy. Fitzhugh hired her to serve as deputy chief of support services (January 2017). Plan for more firefighters, EMS staff: $28M from Coronavirus grant may fund 6 Rutherford County public health & safety buildings. He supervised the communications, records and warrants divisions. Content subject to. ARRESTS APRIL 25, 2023 ANGELA RUBIO, OF ELLENBORO WAS ARRESTED FOR 2ND DEGREE TRESPASS. "She is still deputy chief of (support services),but she is training Major Steve Spence to take her position when she retires," said Sonya Stephenson, the county's human resources director and records custodian for Rutherford County. Acton is part of Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh's six-member command staff that includes him, according to the agency's website. "We were losing so many employees to other counties," said Ketron, who also supported a proposal from commissioners to increase the raises for public safety workers to about 20%. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden. I am proud of our deputies and their dedication to making Rutherford County a safe and welcoming county for you and your families. The county's median reappraisal of homes increased by 44% from 2018 to 2022, and the adjustments meant property tax payers either paid more or less. The $2,400 collected per average home size in the county is less than a consultant-recommended $7,318 range per house on Murfreesboro impact fees awaiting final vote from the City Council. Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh was elected as Rutherford County Sheriff in September, 2018. DNJ reporter Scott Broden talks about a Rutherford County Sheriff's Office lawsuit accusing deputy chief of using racial epithet about officer. I hope the site will allow you to gain information about our operations with 500 employees who serve you anytime, night or day. Staff Attorney - Tennessee Department of Safety Police Officer, Field Training Officer, Supervisor, Swat - Murfreesboro Police Department . The county's liability insurance requires the first $350,000 of a case to be funded as a deductible by the government, said Sonya Stephenson, the county's records custodian, and human resources director. He completed specialized training in crimes against children, homicide and fire investigations, SWAT leadership, tactical operations and FBI LEEDA Supervisor Liability and Terrorism. The Rosenwald High student's arrest comes just seven days after a 17-year-old Rutherford High School student was arrested on charges of bringing a firearm on campus. Sanders, through his attorney, filed the federal racial discrimination case Sept. 30,2021. We welcome your input. Rutherford County Sheriff's Department, 1998-2000. Sheriff Department App. Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Rutherfordton Fire Department Sandy Mush Fire Department Shingle Hollow Fire Department Spindale Fire Department Union Mills Fire Department North Carolina Forest Service Rutherford County 911 Communications 153 Sparks Dr. Forest City, NC 28043 Communications: 828-286-2911 Administration: 828-287-6051 EMERGENCY: 911 The owner of a home appraised at $334,600, which is the median value reported by the Rutherford County Property Assessor's Office, would face paying about $125 more if property taxes went up by 9.3%. The county attorney litigation billing is covered under the county paying a total of $350,000 for the lawsuits, Stephenson said. Content on this page maintained by the Rutherford County Office of Information TechnologyReport a Website Error or Issue Rutherford County: Sheriff's office deputies have not traditionally written citations specifically for the muffler law, but instead group these violations with excessive noise or disturbing. Carr will be briefing the Rutherford County Commission Budget, Finance and Investment Committee on details for the expected property tax increase. Court records filed in state court in March by Mann Sanders' attorney show the name of thechief in question as Acton. Call 615-898-7777 for help. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscriptionfor all dnj.com stories. Safety starts with understanding how developers collect and share your data. Adult Detention Center leadership: Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh hires Kevin Henderson as deputy chief over Rutherford County jail. He and his wife, Janice, have six children and 16 grandchildren. Ketron also said the county commission makes decisions on the budget and tax rate. Deputies providing community services such as the Senior Citizens Awareness Network, a volunteer program to care for senior citizens, and the Sheriffs Citizens Academy for residents who wish to know more about our operations. The Sheriffs Office went on to say the detention center would continue to take in any male or female arrestees that are brought in. Fleet maintenance deputies keeping the vehicles running. The local Circuit Court lawsuit ended with a recent disposed date of Nov. 21, online records show. He earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration and his master's degree in criminal justice at MTSU. Harrison told the attorney he didn't know what to say when he heard the offensive words. He joined the Sheriff's Office in 1995 as a patrol deputy. The deputies accused the sheriff of passing them up for promotion to sergeant as qualified applicants over the age of 50 and with more experience than a chosen candidate in his 30s. Recent lawsuit records show Roscoe Sanders, a Black deputy who filed federal and state cases, has a high-ranking witness: Capt. Sheriff'sPublic Information Officer Lisa Marchesoni said the Rutherford County Sheriffs Office is committed to advancing diversity in law enforcement and corrections leadership through recruitment, training and promoting employees that reflect the diversity of the community we serve. Each building requires 15 firefighters and six EMS ambulance crew workers, Carr said. Supervision rounds were not being conducted as required with gaps between rounds of more than three hours. Harrison also faced deposition questions about whether Sanders had the characteristics to beto sergeant after being ranked fifth among11 applicants by an SRO promotion board.