Budget Committee Action
The Jefferson County Budget Committee held a meeting on Monday, March 18, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Griffith. Absent from Roll Call were Committee Members Blevins and Akard. Minutes were Approved with a Motion from Committee Member Baxley and 2nd from Committee Member Cureton.
Jefferson County Tax Assessor Susan Gass informed the Committee that the penny is down from last year and that, for budgeting purposes, 1 cent would be equal to $116,500 which is a decrease of $500 per penny. She attributed some of the decrease to commercial and industrial property under appeal. Gass stated that there is question if a subdivision in the County will receive sewer and if it does not then the appraisal of lots in the subdivision will be drastically reduced. She said that Jefferson County will start collecting taxes on the John Deer property in January 2014. The County is currently receiving in lieu of tax payments on the property. Payments from the Mine property is still a few years out and BJC will move from 25% to 50% payments.
Director of Business Affairs and Transportation for the Department of Education Phagan requested funding for school buses in the amount of $258,500 ($148,500 for new buses and $110,000 for used bus restricted account). Committee Member Baxley made a Motion to Approve the request from School System Fund Balance and was 2nd by Committee Member Beeler-Approved Unanimously.
David Gaut, Building Inspector for Jefferson County, requested an amendment for the purpose of funding the costs of mandated testing. The request had no fund balance impact and was a line item adjustment within his department. Upon a Motion from Committee Member Carmichael and 2nd from Committee Member Dockery the request was Approved.
Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Committee that $4,956 is in an Employee Benefits Account and State Auditors want the account resolved and closed. The funds in the account must be used for employee benefit. The issue will be addressed at a future meeting of the Budget Committee. The Meeting was Adjourned.
