County Commission Working On Issues For Next Week’s Meeting
The Jefferson County Commission met for a regular Work Session on Monday evening. Attorney Scott Hurley addressed the Commission of behalf of his clients who are property holders in opposition of the proposed Megasite. Hurley stated that the Commission had been distributed a letter that includes signatures representing more than 1400 acres in the footprint of the Megasite that are unwilling to sell their property. He encouraged the Commission to cease funding the project if the property in question is integral to the project.
Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig addressed questions regarding an issue of failed drug testing with inmates on work detail in New Market and informed the Commission that the work detail would be reinstated because the issue had been settled. He also stated, in answer to a question about certification, that the jail is certified. Commissioner Scarlett stated that he had received information that the County could be responsible for the cost of medical care of an inmate at UT Hospital. Sheriff McCoig stated that he and his staff had been negotiating the bill for that inmate and that the County is responsible for the medical care of inmates. Negotiations have cut the cost of care in nearly half, according to the Sheriff, however they are still in the $80,000 dollar range.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton stated that the $442,311 allocated to begin the certification phase on the proposed Megasite had not been released to the Industrial Development Board, as they have not met since the allocation. According to Helton, the funds will be transferred to the IDB and EDOC will submit requisitions for expenditures that will be reviewed by Helton and paid by the IDB. Helton stated that the County Audit is completed and can be reviewed online. He said that the remaining $10 million dollar bond for renovation to Jefferson County High School was sold last week and that the funds should be available on April 10th and that bids will be opened on April 9th. Commissioner Scarlett requested information at the next meeting regarding the savings garnered by using culled block during construction of Mt. Horeb Elementary School. He also requested that the issue of payment and hours of the Commission Secretary be added to the agenda for the next meeting and that the benefit loss associated with portables in the County be available at the next meeting.
Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated that he will bring 4 recommendations from the Committee for Approval at the next meeting. He said that there is the possibility of a fifth amendment if it is approved by the School Board and the Budget Committee before the next voting meeting. Animal Control Oversight Board Chairman Cureton stated that one member’s seat will expire, however she has agreed to continue to serve. He will get with Nominating Chairman Tucker to address the issue. Cureton also serves as the Finance Committee Chairman and he stated that Finance Director Helton has brought job descriptions and evaluation guidelines of his department. The Committee is in the process of cementing parameters for the evaluation process for the Finance Director. Chairman Cureton stated that he will be bringing the Financial Advisor Agreement for Action.
Commissioner Musick stated that she is concerned about funds being moved from White Pine School to the School System legal line item, as it takes money from the students. She said that legal issues should be the responsibility of the system rather than the independent schools where it impacts children.
Commissioner Carmichael stated that he is concerned about the economic feasibility of the Megasite and requested that the same guidelines and consideration go into the funding of the Megasite that go into funding of other issues in the County. Commissioner Beeler stated that the issue is out of Commission hands and is in the hands of the property owners. Commissioner Barreiro stated that the issue is certainly in the hands of the Commission as the funding Body. Commissioner Turner stated that no one in his district had expressed opposition to the Megasite and that he was charged with representing his district.
Budget Chairman Griffith stated that he will be bringing before the Commission a new Amendment process that is outlined in the Act of ’81, which allows for transfers that are not fund balance impacting to be addressed by the Budget Committee without the Approval of the Full Commission.
