County Commission Freezes Funds For Animal Shelter Until Open Surrender Is Reinstated
Jefferson County Commissioners gathered Monday for an early evening meeting in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was the regular voting meeting that had been previously canceled due to inclement weather and was preceding an already established budget committee meeting.
Commission Chair Tucker called the meeting to order. Following the approval of the agenda and minutes, several citizens addressed the Commission regarding the recent situation at the Jefferson County Animal Shelter. Notaries and Bond were approved with a motion from Commissioner Scarlett and 2nd from Commissioner Seals. Commissioners Scarlett and Solomon brought Don Armour before the County Commission to fill the vacancy of County Constable for the 1st District. No other names were brought forth and Armour was approved.
Under Reports from Elected Officials the Jefferson County Mayor, Alan Palmieri, handed out a letter on the current opioid situation from the District Attorney General. He also stated that, while he is opposed to Parrots Chapel leaving Jefferson County, he is concerned that those residents get appropriate services and requested that the County Commission look into better addressing their needs. The County Commission approved the recommendation of the Budget Committee, brought by Vice Chairman McGraw, that the Humane Society/ Animal Shelter funds be frozen ( $30,000 that was additional funding) until open surrender has been instigated. They also approved several budget amendments and the budget assumptions and calendar for the upcoming budget season. The full body declined to approve ( 10 to 9 but requiring 11) an additional $328,777 for renovation to the DOE building which would have been combined with more than $900,000 already allocated for that renovation project. The additional funds were to provide ADA approved restrooms, separate offices in the upstairs portion for privacy and other items not covered by the original funding.
Conservation Board Chair Tucker announced that the Board will be able to provide a park for the Jefferson County at no cost to tax payers due to a grant. Finance Committee Chair McGraw informed the full body that most of the previously unsold property on the tax books has been sold but three parcels remain. The County Commission approved the setting of a price on those properties with the assistance of the Property Assessor. Commissioners David Seal and Douglas also presented a motion on Mountain View Youth Development Center which was approved.
With the rest of the new business being rolled to the March meeting, including Parrots Chapel and a request from Patriot Hills, or pulled, including policy and the humane society, the County Commission ended their voting session.
Additional items of note include the announcement of County Commission Chair Tucker that he will be seeking election to the office of Jefferson County Mayor and the resignation of the Jefferson County Commission Secretary Peggy Mitchell. The search for Mitchell’s replacement will begin with the Personnel Committee.
