Sen. Mark Norris, R-Collierville, was unanimously re-elected as chairman and Rowland as vice chair during the June 29-30, meeting of TACIR Commissioners held at the state capitol. Norris is also majority leader of the Senate. Under state law, the chairmanship must be held by a member of the legislature.
Rowland is beginning his 17th year as a member of TACIR. He was first appointed by Gov. Don Sundquist. Subsequent appointments were made by the lieutenant governor and speaker of the House.
During the two-day commission hearing, agenda items included discussions on infrastructure needs in cities and counties across the state, as well as for schools.
Ongoing issues regarding 911 Communications across the state were discussed, as well as topics surrounding regional water systems during which Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation Commissioner Robert Martineau and his staff members testified.
Another subject, standardization of salary for veteran services officers across the state, was on the agenda and will return again at the September meeting.
Rowland recommended Veterans Affairs Commissioner Many-Bears Grinder testify at the September meetings and offer her input as discussion of the issue continues.
Earlier this year, Bradley County Assistant Veterans Service Officer Joe Davis traveled to Nashville to make a presentation regarding the standardization salary issues. Some legislative members of TACIR have expressed opinions that local governments should set salaries and it not be mandated by the state.
