Tenn. Code § 41-22-206
When the census provided for in § 41-22-205 is completed, the county mayor of each county shall be notified by the commissioner of correction that certain inmates of the penitentiaries are available and subject to be employed upon the county roads, pikes and highways of the counties and that the county mayor may apply for the inmates' services, upon such terms and conditions as may be required by the commissioner. The county mayor may fix and select the quarters and shall prepare equipment for the working of the inmates on the county roads, pikes and highways that will be maintained, controlled, and operated by the county mayor. Whenever any county enters into a contract with the commissioner for employment of inmates of the penitentiaries, the inmates and all machinery used by them shall be under the absolute control of such officers as may be designated and provided by the commissioner, but the inmates shall be worked on such roads, pikes or highways as may be designated by the county employing them.
T.C.A. § 41-22-206