Tenn. Code Ann. § 41-22-307: Compensation of guard

(a) The guard shall receive for services not exceeding one dollar ($1.00) per day for each day employed, or an amount not exceeding two dollars ($2.00) per day as the sheriff shall agree to pay. The county mayor, on the order of the county legislative body, shall draw a warrant on the county trustee, who shall pay the guard for services out of the county treasury.

(b) The sheriff of the county, or any of the sheriff's deputies, may act as guard for the inmates while they are absent from the jail, or the sheriff shall appoint a good person to serve as guard for the inmates during that time.