Jefferson County Commission Work Session
Jefferson County citizen, David Gerald addressing County Commisson – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Commission held their regular quarterly work session on Monday, January 14, 2013 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills and all Commissioners were present. Two citizens addressed the Commission. Both asked questions regarding the proposed Megasite for industrial development that has been proposed by Jefferson County Economic Development Oversight Committee (EDOC). Jefferson County residents David Gerald and Marie Johnston inquired about the particulars of the project and release of information regarding project projections, including but not limit to interest in the proposed site. The Commission received information from Department Heads regarding individual departments in the form of handouts. Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Director Don Cason addressed the Commission. Commissioner Barriero inquired about the upcoming meeting at the Expo Center in White Pine that was slotted to allow the public to garner information about the Megasite project. Commissioner Barriero stated that there was miscommunication between the Chamber and the public and questioned the viability of the proposed Megasite. Barriero expressed concern that the County investment would be at risk if there are no measures to insure that a company is obligated to remain in Jefferson County beyond the incentive phase of the project. She also questioned the use of farmland for the project and the direction that Jefferson County plans to move toward in the future. Commissioner Turner requested that information be available concerning School Facilities Tax.
Facilities Committee Chairman Turner informed the Commission that the Committee will recommend to the Full Body that the New Market Ambulance Station be surplused. He provided an update from the School System in regard to flooding at Mount Horeb Elementary School and stated that the Patriot Academy will be completed but not occupied by Spring 2013. Renovations to Jefferson County High School are in the design phase and a guaranteed price should be available in April. The Kitchen Floor at Mount Horeb is being addresses and the cost, if any, has not been identified. The Finance Department Director and Facilities Director Longmire will bring information to the committee about the possible movement of the Finance Office to County/Jefferson City owned space across beside the Subway restaurant in Dandridge.
Finance Committee Vice Chairman Estes informed the Commission that the sub committee will soon have information available and recommendations for guidelines for the Finance Department Director evaluation. The Finance Director will bring back staff duty descriptions.
The Budget Committee Chairman Griffith informed the Commission that recommendations will come from the Committee for vote of the Full Body for several budget amendments-no fund balance impact. The Committee will recommend a vehicle purchase for the Building Department, Power Loader and Lifts for front line ambulances and a line item transfer and grant approval for Penny Murphy’s Office.
The Budget Committee will meet on January 28th to address a request for initial funding for certification of the proposed Megasite.
The Nomination Committee Chairman Tucker informed the Commission that the Committee would be meeting later in the week and will bring a recommendation regarding a charge from the Full Body.
