Services Provided By The County
Administrative Functions
Responsibilities of the Mayor
The mayor has broad administrative responsibilities. Mostly, the mayor is expected to provide leadership for county policies. The mayor is expected to have a clearer picture of the total county operation than any other official. By being a non-voting member of all committees and boards, the mayor should have the best knowledge and access to information needed to steer the County Commissioners, other officials, boards, and commissions in the best direction.
While leadership is the most essential function of the Mayor, there are legal requirements for the position. The mayor's office is a full-time responsibility. As such, the mayor is the chief accounting and financial officer. The mayor provides care for the county property. Subject to the approval of the County Commission, the mayor appoints members of county boards, commissions, and department heads unless those are elected positions.
Responsibilities of the Planning Director
These functions are assigned to the Planning and Zoning office, which works with a Planning Commission and a Board of Zoning Appeals. The director of that office is concerned with these duties.
- Implementing a Long Range Growth Plan establishes the growth patterns permitted and encouraged in the County.
- The application of subdivision regulations ensures that standards are enforced to provide wise, orderly development of residences.
- The inspection of new residential construction to ensure the use of safe national building codes.:
- The enforcement of clean-up regulations that target run-down and unsafe buildings and residences for improvement or clean-up.
- Coordinate all policy implementation issues arising from the Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals with the County Commission.
Responsibilities of the Information Technology Officer
The Information Technology officer is responsible for maintaining the network of computer workstations, servers, and GIS systems servicing the county employees. In addition, the IT Director
Performs maintenance on all computer systems
Is available for service calls 24/7
Develops specifications for all new computer hardware and networking
Supervises a staff of IT experts
Develps contracts for specialized services including website development
Provides for real-time video transmission of important meetings.
Responsibilities of the Chief Accountant
The Chief Accounting Officer is responsible for
Developing a draft budget to meet the specifications of the legislative body
Tracking and predicting expenditures
Tracking and predicting revenues
Preparing budget amendments as requested
Preparing reports for local use
Preparing reports for state and federal requirements
Managing a staff of accountants
Responsibilities of the Elections Director
The Elections Director is responsible for
- Tabulating the results of elections and forwarding the results to the appropriate destinations.
- Verifying the qualifications of candidates prior to elections.
- Announcing and preparing for elections, including recruiting volunteer staff to manage the official positions at each precinct.
- Preparing ballots and other official documentation.
- Procuring, installing, and testing all equipment used in elections.
- Managing a staff of supporting personnel.
Responsibilities of the Waste Management Director
The position oversees eight convenience centers where citizens deposit their trash.
The Director oversees the collection and marketing of all recyclable materials.
The director has a full-time staff of drivers and mechanics to manage the heavy equipment fleet, using approximately $3 million of equipment.
Other Vital County Services
Sheriff Department and Courts
A robust Sheriff's Department protects the citizens from harm and ensures the safety of local businesses. Courts provide an equitable measure of justice.
Hickman Community Hospital
The Hickman County Hospital is branch of the St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville. It provides emergency services, and it is a heart-certified treatment center. The hospital maintains a few beds for short-term treatment of patients.
Permits and Licenses
County clerks issue licenses and permits for vehicles, businesses, and certain professions. These permit people to carry out their livelihood or operate a motor vehicle.
Permits from the Building Inspector are required for new construction in non-agricultural areas.
County Highway Department
The [Your County} County Highway Department maintains XXX miles of roadway throughout the County’s XXX square miles. Road types range from modern, asphalt highways to one-lane gravel roads that see only a few cars per week. Regardless,of the traffic load, all roads can become critical for farms, businesses, and residents to travel to school, work, church, or medical facilities. Signage, mowing, debris or snow removal, and emergency repairs are critical responsibilities, especially at odd hours after weather events.
Official Records
All county offices are required to maintain records of their work. The Register of Deeds maintains specific records related to deeds, mortgages, child support payments, and other documents. The Archives office maintains historical documents, many of which can be viewed by the public.
Agricultural Services
In cooperation with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, the county shares the cost of providing educational materials and training to farmers, homeowners, and students in rural communities.
The county also hosts a local Soil Conservation District through which USDA, NRCS provides financial and technical assistance to landowners to protect their natural resources.
Airport Services
The local airport provides hangar services for local enthusiasts and businesses. It is a convenient place for stop-over and refueling of airplanes. With a free shuttle service, it is also convenient for business travelers visiting Hickman County.
Rescue Services
A Rescue Squad provides immediate help in case of automobile accidents, house fires, flooding, and other events beyond the capacity of individuals. The Squad works in conjunction with other emergency services such as local fire departments, ambulance services, and law enforcement.