County Commission To Consider Bonds Rather Than Fund Balance

The Jefferson County Commission met for a lengthy Work Session on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Chairman Carmichael presided over the meeting and Commission Members Dockery and McGraw were absent. Two citizens addressed the Commission-one regarding security issues at the Patriot Academy and the other requesting relief from the School Facility Tax. Director of Jefferson County Schools Edmonds stated that the Patriot Academy is secure and meets current guidelines, however the School Board has requested that $60,000 not utilized for the Jefferson County High School Football Stadium be allocated for security technology upgrades and buzzers.

Two resolutions will be presented at the voting meeting honoring Bobby Vesser and George William Loy. The Commission will also be presented with Notaries and Bonds for Approval.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that he will be bringing a request from the Jefferson County Nursing Home to move to quarterly meetings, as well as a proposal for employee bonus and Mayoral appointments. Most Department Heads handed out information and County Clerk Herndon reported that a combined decal for Wheel Tax and Tn tags will be available. He also addressed a question regarding first time identification and informed the Commission that he is looking into the issue.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton brought Financial Advisor Gibson from Cumberland Securities for a presentation on the possibility of borrowing the funds obligated from the fund balance in the amount of $5 million dollars to the current Jefferson County High School renovation. He brought figures that combined the previously obligated $5 million and an additional $3 million for a total of $8 million dollars. Gibson stated that he would rather see the funds borrowed at a good interest rate than to pay them out from fund balance. The additional $3 million has not been obligated but, according to Helton, will be requested to fund renovations to Building 8.

Helton also will bring requests for Surplus from the County Clerk and an annual inflation adjustment in the form of Contacts in Lieu of Performance Bonds for the County Landfill. The School Transportation Department will also have Surplus and Financial Statements will be distributed. Helton requested that the County Commission allow the Schools to use Capitol Projects funds that were previously designated for windows to be used for security upgrades at various schools.

Emergency Medical Service Director Phillips addressed the Commission regarding previous questions about billing. He stated that mandates require that a certain amount is written off, however he is actively pursuing collections when possible. Phillips stated that 61% of patients transported by ambulance in Jefferson County are on Tn Care or Medicare. He reported that collection numbers are growing stronger.

Director of Schools Edmonds addressed the Commission regarding the situation with Building 8, stating that the School Board has pursued legal action and a suit is now in chancery court. He said that time constraints are pushing the project, as there is a 2 year window with the insurance company to complete restoration. According to Edmonds, it is possible to complete work on the collapsed portion and code updates by April, if the work begins by December 1, 2014. A completion date for design and renovation work can likely have the same start date but there is no estimate of completion at this time. Hard figures for the Building 8 completion will first go before the School Board and then, if approved, the County Commission for funding that will not be coved by insurance, such as renovation and upgrades to the interior.

Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett informed the Commission that Kesterson will serve as Vice Chairman and Gaut will assist Helton in taking of the Minutes. Six amendments will be brought before the Commission, with four being neutral and two having fund balance impact.

Chairman Carmichael was elected Chair of the Nominating Committee. Tabor will serve as Vice Chair and McGraw was elected to serve as Secretary. Carmichael stated that the Committee had one item of business, other than the election of officers, which was to nominate the Finance Committee. Nominees from the Committee will go before the full body and the floor will be open for other nominations. Katy Huffaker, David Seal, Ginger Franklin and John McGraw will be brought before the full Commission as nominations for the Finance Committee.

The Commission discussed a Resolution to be brought by Commissioner Tabor in support of Constitutional Amendment 1 on the November General Election Ballot. While most Commissioners expressed individual support of the Amendment, some were vocal concerning the appropriateness of a Resolution because their constitutes can vote their own conscious at the polls and the scope of the amendment is outside the parameters of the funding body.

Commissioner Tim Seals will bring a motion to move to quarterly meetings, rather than monthly meetings, with called meetings as necessary. Commissioner Katy Huffaker raised the issue of training for Commissioners and Chairman Carmichael stated that he will investigate the possibility of training.