Hamilton County, TN - Today, members of the Hamilton County Commission voted to approve the 2016 County Budget.

As approved, next year's County budget did not contain a funding mechanism for the Bridge Plan. However, Hamilton County Mayor Jim Coppinger and members of the County Commission have agreed to fund an actuarial study in the coming weeks to determine the feasibility and cost of the Bridge Plan.

Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Hammond stated, "I am pleased that the Commission has taken the time to meet with my staff and I, and hear our concerns regarding the Bridge Plan. Even though the Bridge Plan was not added to the new budget at this time, County Mayor Jim Coppinger has assured me he will ask the County Commission to perform and actuarial study as soon as possible to clarify the cost of the Bridge Plan and its viability."

Once the actuarial study has been completed, the Bridge Plan will be reviewed once again. Sheriff Hammond further stated, "I expect to see the actuarial study completed before the end of this year so that an amendment can be made to the budget to incorporate the necessary funding for the Bridge Plan."