The Washington County Commission unanimously approved resolutions honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and recognizing January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month at its Monday meeting, while also approving tourism-related investments aimed at promoting the county and supporting future major sporting events.
Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
In addition to honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the resolution, the panel encouraged citizens and businesses of Washington County to remember the Civil Rights leader through the national MLK Day of Service, local MLK-related events and other opportunities to be of service.
“Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that progress is achieved through service, unity and a shared commitment to one another,” said Washington County Mayor Joe Grandy. “With this resolution, the county commission affirms its dedication to honoring Dr. King’s enduring message.”
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Raising Awareness About Human Trafficking
The commission also recognized January 2026 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and Jan. 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
The Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking estimates that approximately 27.6 million people are trafficked around the world and as many as 2,100 in East Tennessee alone, eroding their personal safety, dignity and liberty — as well as the health and safety of communities at large.
“With this resolution, Washington County is drawing attention to the scope of this issue, honoring survivors and encouraging education, prevention and coordinated action across our community,” Grandy said.
Promoting Tourism
In other business on Monday, the Washington County Commission unanimously approved a total of $185,000 in tourism-related spending using the county’s hotel/motel tax funds.
- Of those funds, $110,000 was approved to support an updated market plan to promote tourism in the county for the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2026.
- The panel also approved $75,000 to support the Visit Johnson City-Big South Conference Basketball Championships in 2027. The funds are contingent upon the execution of an agreement with the Big South Conference to host the event in Johnson City.
Hurricane Helene
The commission also unanimously approved a $102,000 reimbursement to the City of Johnson City for the fire and police portion of the mutual aid it provided during Hurricane Helene.
The majority — $96,900 — of this reimbursement will be funded by FEMA and TEMA. The remaining $5,100 will be funded from the county’s $3.725 million Governor’s Response and Recovery Fund.
JAMA Food Drive
Monday’s meeting also marked the conclusion of the annual Jonesborough Area Ministerial Association (JAMA) Holiday Food Drive. Beginning on Dec. 8, the drive collected canned and boxed food items to be distributed to those struggling with food insecurity in the community.
“This was the drive’s fourth year, and we collected more food than ever,” said Commissioner Ken Huffine.
Items were collected at the Historic Courthouse and the Washington County Justice Center.
The next regular meeting of the Washington County Commission is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, at 6 p.m. in Courtroom 7 of the George P. Jaynes Justice Center, located at 108 W. Jackson Blvd. in Jonesborough.
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