Last night the Knox County Commission had its first shot at the $1.5 million dollar line of credit for the Knox County Circuit Court Clerk’s Office request.
First let us remember that in May 2018, Clerk Charlie Susano bested several Republican candidates and in August 2018 he bested Democrat Attorney Sherri Ridgeway to become the Clerk.
During that primary there was much talk about the operation of the Clerk’s office. Susano has done NOTHING to streamline the office operation, has employees that make significant salaries with minimal or unchanged responsibilities, to the best of my knowledge.
Commissioner Randy Smith asked Susano last night how many employees make less than $45,000, Susano said he’d have to count the list. Smith’s point was anyone making $45,000 or less would have made more money as a furloughed employee making the extra unemployment with the COVID Cares Act in May and June of 2020z
Instead of furloughing employees, Susano had his employees work one week at the office, off one week. BUT it is believed that the employees were paid their full salary. Susano ignored Mayor Glenn Jacob’s request to furlough employees. The only officeholder to IGNORE the Mayor’s request and NOT participate in the furloughs.
Now, Susano is getting the Mayor to help him out, with a $1.5 million dollar loan from the county’s fund balance with a zero interest payback. Although Knox County loses the interest it would have earned on the money remaining in fund balance.
Commissioner Larsen Jay defensively in supporting his pal Susano asked Finance Director Chris Caldwell how is this loan different than the one Commission approved for Zoo Knoxville. Commissioner Brad Anders shot back with Zoo Knoxville laid off 200 people. Let us NOT forget the animals are caged and can not get out and find another good source.
The most interesting part was that Finance Director Caldwell said the reason they are asking for $1.5 million is to avoid going to the TN Comptroller every time they need to invest in the office. BECAUSE the state would say this is NOT a fee office (as it doesn’t pay for itself through the collected fees) and would force the county to create the office as a county department. NOW, that’s a great idea and likely what needs to occur.
Since Susano took over on September 1, 2018, he has only returned $45,000 in excess funds to the Knox County General funds. On September 1, 2020, Susano will be at the half way mark of his first term and is on target to give $90,000 back, but borrow $1.5 million.
At what point does Knox County stop the bleeding and just make it a county department? This is Washington style operation of government at its best.
Susano says the revenue must be corrected, they use 12.5% of the court fees to operate the office. It’s bad that government operates off a litigating society. Susano said they need 1500-1700 cases (Presumably monthly) to break even.
BTW, Robin Susano, Clerk Susano’s wife is an awesome lady. Charlie is decent guy, it’s just this office may be too far to save it self.
Susano before Knox County Commission Work Session – July 20, 2020
