Non Profits a Questionable Agenda Item for Budget Committee

At the request of Budget Committee Members Turner and Musick, Non Profits will be on the Agenda for the May 19 , 2015 Budget Committee meeting. Budget Committee Chair Scarlett informed the Committee that he had received inquires from Non Profit Organizations regarding appearing before the Committee a second time. Previously, the Budget Committee had declined to fund all but three Non Profit Organizations, the Boys & Girls Club, the Humane Society and the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce/EDOC. The three that did receive the nod from the Committee took significant cuts to their budgets. Several Committee Members expressed their concern on reopening the issue of Non Profit funding, with some stating that they would prefer that it not be included on the May 19^th agenda. Chairman Scarlett stated that, as some Committee Members were interested in having the item put on the agenda, it would be listed. At the time that the meeting convenes, it will be the pleasure of the Committee, by majority vote, if they allow the Non Profits to appear.

Jefferson County Finance Director Potts informed the Committee that an increase in insurance of $135,000 will likely not be able to be absorbed by County departments. He stated that the deficit in the 2015-2016 budget exceeds $2 million dollars ( without use of proposed numbers on mineral tax). Director Potts addressed the proposed mineral tax, informing the Committee that the numbers previously assumed for the mineral tax revenue are out of line with what is likely to be actual revenue numbers. He also stated that, according to management at a local mining company, lay offs have already started due to a poor financial outlook.

With a Motion from Turner and 2^nd from Musick, the Committee Approved 6-3 ( D. Seal, Douglas, Scarlett) a request from the Department of Education to use $16,076 from proceeds from the sale of scrap metal for owner’s contingency for use at Building 8 only.