A longtime resident and urban sociologist urged Bradley County commissioners on Monday to form a joint, citizen-led task force with the city to address blighted areas and suggested the county set aside modest funds for consulting; later a different resident criticized the county’s Halloween block party for adult-oriented content and called on churches to act.

Harold Baer, who identified himself as a resident and urban sociologist, said he had previously made a similar request to the city and asked the county to "prove them wrong" if there is a perception the city and county do not cooperate. Baer asked the commission to appoint a one-year ad hoc task force composed of civic leaders — not government officials — to propose solutions for blighted neighborhoods and recommended a consulting budget of $25,000–$35,000.

"I want you to put a hand across and say, let's convince the public," Baer said, urging commissioners to work with the city and to invest in community-driven approaches rather than relying primarily on detention spending.

Baer also criticized what he said was a heavy county investment in incarceration, telling commissioners he understood the county was putting approximately 24% of its budget — about $9,000,000 — toward jail operations; he framed that as an argument for investing in prevention and community services instead.

Later during public comment a different resident said the county’s Halloween block party, which the speaker attended, was "far from" a wholesome event for children, describing adult costumes and displays that she said were inappropriate for minors and saying she had been denied a booth while other vendors were allowed. She called the event "cultic in nature" and urged local churches to oppose it and the display known as "Tall Betsy."

No action was taken on either public-comment request Monday; commissioners acknowledged both speakers and staff noted how to follow up on requests or complaints.