In Greeneville, Tennessee, the Greene County Commission convened on Monday to address two significant issues, resulting in one resolution advancing and another being dismissed. The commission voted during its first of two readings to eliminate the office of constable, while also rejecting a proposal that called for the state to abolish the Certificate of Public Advantage (COPA) and Certificate of Need (CON) laws.

Monday’s agenda highlighted the now-failed resolution that sought to position Greene County as an advocate for repealing both COPA and CON laws. Proponents argued that such a repeal would dismantle healthcare monopolies, enhance competition, and improve the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services. The laws in question are integral to healthcare regulation in Tennessee, with Ballad Health—a prominent healthcare provider in the region—being directly impacted.

The resolution targeting Ballad Health’s operational framework was met with substantial opposition, resulting in a final vote of 15 against and five in favor. This outcome reflects the commission’s stance on maintaining the current healthcare regulatory structure, despite the call for reform.

In response to the vote, Ballad Health provided News Channel 11 with a statement regarding the decision not to move forward with the resolution.

Meanwhile, the commission’s decision to potentially dissolve the office of constable within Greene County successfully passed the first reading. This resolution requires one more affirmative vote to be enacted. Observers keenly await the results of the second reading, which will determine the future of the constable office.

Before the formation of Ballad Health, the hospitals in Greene County were financially unsustainable and at risk of closure. Since consolidating the facilities, Ballad Health has invested millions of dollars into Greeneville Community Hospital—expanding the Emergency Department, introducing robotic surgery and advanced cancer care, and upgrading numerous patient care areas. The Strong Futures program, which launched in the former Takoma Regional Hospital, has transformed countless lives and earned support from the Greene County Commission. Greeneville Community Hospital now ranks among the highest-rated in Tennessee. Without Ballad Health’s support, Greeneville could have joined the growing list of rural communities losing hospital access, which is why we remain committed to keeping care local and accessible.

Ballad Health

The commission also voted on first reading to abolish the office of constable within the county. That resolution must pass a second reading before taking effect. The outcome of that vote can be viewed below:

According to the county’s website, there are currently seven constables in Greene County.