11-9 Vote No Property Tax Increase

The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Voting Meeting on Monday, June 15, 2015 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Carmichael. Absent from Roll Call was Commissioner Dockery.

Commissioner McGraw addressed a letter that was received by Commissioners but was not signed and requested that all correspondence include identification. With a Motion from Commissioner Scarlett and 2nd from McGraw the Minutes were Approved. Chairman Carmichael informed the Commission that the Mayor would not appear on the agenda under Reports from Elected Officials because he was not in attendance during the Work Session. Following discussion on the issue, Commissioner Gaut made a Motion to reinstate the Mayor on the Agenda and was 2nd by McGraw. The Motion Failed in a 10-10 vote with Commissioners Kesterson, Baxley, Musick, Turner, Solomon, Scarlett, Carmichael, D. Seal, Beeler and Douglas voting No.

Five Citizens appeared before the Commission in regard to cuts to County Departments, with all expressing opposition to the action. Three citizens appeared in regard to maintaining the natural beauty of the area and one requesting additional funds for the Jefferson County Humane Society.

With a Motion from T. Seals and 2nd from Commissioner Baxley, the Notaries and Bonds were Approved. Commissioner Solomon offered a properly 2nd motion to approve an agreement for the Jefferson County Sheriff Department that was in the nature of general housekeeping. The Motion Passed.

Jefferson County Finance Director Potts brought four resolutions for surplus property from various County departments. Upon a Motion from Solomon and 2nd from McGraw the request was Approved.

The Jefferson County Commission Regular Session Schedule for the remainder of the calendar year 2015 was Approved with a Motion from Solomon and 2nd from McGraw. Commissioner Blevins made a Motion to Approved a zoning request that was previously denied by the County Planning Commission for property at 2104 Hwy 11E West, Strawberry Plains by Kent Maples. Blevins was 2nd by Commissioner Beeler and the Motion failed 10-8-2 due to lack of majority(11) Vote.

Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett brought year end general housekeeping County budget amendments, which were Approved, with no fund balance impact. He also brought School Side year end budget amendments for the general, federal and food service that were Approved , as well. The resolution regarding Sales Tax Allocation was postponed because the resolution was not ready for vote.

Chairman Scarlett brought the proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016, which included no property tax increase. During discussion several Commissioners expressed concern regarding the debt situation in Jefferson County, with several on both sides of the property tax increase issue. Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri requested that the Commission consider a 10 cent property tax increase to keep from using reserve funds and restore County departments to continue service to the citizens. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts stated, in answer to a direct question about the financial situation, that the budget situation will be worse next year than it is currently and a smaller tax increase would probably prevent a large increase next year. He also cautioned that fund balance should not be used for day to day operations. Commissioner McGraw offered an amendment to the budget document to include a 6 cent tax increase and the use those funds to balance the budget rather than delving into Hospital Funds ( $621,000). He was 2nd by Huffaker and the amendment Failed 17-3. Commissioner Blevins made a Motion for a 10 cent property tax increase that would be used balance the budget in lieu of Hospital Funds and to additionally restore funds to the Zoning, Building Inspection, Environmental, IT, 911 and EMS offices. He was 2nd by Commissioner Gaut and the amendment Failed 14 -6. The original recommendation of the Budget Committee, including departmental cuts, non profit cuts and no property tax increase Passed 11-9, with Commissioners Huffaker, Gaut, Tabor, McGraw, Turner, T. Seals, Blevins, Eslinger and Sheets voting No. The associated budget items were also approved including the Recapitulation, Appropriations for Various Funds and Departments ( 16-4 Tabor, T. Seals, Solomon and Blevins) and Appropriations for Non Profits Charitable Organizations ( 15-4-1 with T. Seals, Belvins, Eslinger and Gaut No) ( Solomon Abstain).

Source: K. Depew, News Director