County Budget Committee Takes First Steps For 2013-2014 Fiscal Year

The Jefferson County Budget Committee met to begin the budgeting process for the 2013-2014 fiscal year, on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Chairman Griffith. Absent from Roll Call were Committee Members Cureton, Maples, Dockery and Blevins.

Under Capitol Projects, Director of Business Affairs for Jefferson County Schools, Michael Phagan, brought two requests before the committee- $750,000 for new windows for schools in the County and $25,000 for a joint contribution with the County (totaling $50,000) for upgrades to the tennis courts located adjacent to Jefferson County High School. A citizen group will dedicate $50,000 to the refurbish project and further grant funding could be possible.

David Longmire, Director of Facilities and Safety for Jefferson County, brought requests including- workhouse roof( $160,000), workhouse new heat and air ($175,000), new kitchen floor in workhouse ($2,400), Exterior update Dandridge EMS ($60,000) Tennis Courts ($25,000).

Other requests included $13,000 Landfill building repairs (roll over), $8,000 fixed asset software Finance Department, $35,000 truck replacement for Maintenance Department and $150,000 for 2 Dump Trucks for Highway Department.

The total amount requested from Capitol Projects for the 2013-2014 fiscal year was $1,417,400.

The Committee determined that the Capitol Projects Fund Balance needed to maintain a balance of $100,000 for unforeseen expenses. It was further determined that the Committee needed to trim the requested amount by $280,000 to not exceed revenues and maintain the $100,000 safety net.

Upon a Motion from Akard and a 2nd from Baxley, the Committee Approved removing $35,000 for a Maintenance truck and instructed that it be included in the Department’s regular budget. With a Motion from Baxley and 2nd from Carmichael the Committee Approved decreasing the amount designated for windows from $750,000 to $500,000.

$150,000 from the Litigation Fund, which can only be used at the Justice Center, Courthouse or for related expense, will be used in combination with other Capitol Project Funds.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton stated that the Debt Service Fund is in good shape and the balance currently is around $9.4 million, although $1.2 million is designated for Jefferson County High School renovations.

Committee Member Carmichael made a Motion to accept the Debt Service Budget as presented and was 2nd by Akard-Passed.

In other business, the Committee addressed several requests for budget amendments. With a Motion from Baxley and 2nd from Carmichael the Committee Approved the County General Fund Budget Amendments #8.

Carmichael made a Motion to allow Hwy Superintendent Tipton to use up to $200,000 from his designated fund for purchase of new equipment. The Motion was 2nd by Baxley and Passed.

Committee Member Akard made a Motion to Approve the Department of Education request for several amendments with a total fund balance impact of $370,624. Increases were in the lines of Other Contracted Services ($100,000) Electricity ($120,000), Natural gas ($59,000), Water and Sewer ($29,000) and Building and Contents Insurance ($53,021). Also increases were in travel fund ($1,500), Other Contracted Services ($8,103). The Motion was 2nd by Baxley and Passed.

Committee Member Baxley made a Motion to Approve all Federal Budget Amendments (non impacting) and was 2nd by Akard-Passed.

The Meeting was Adjourned.

Source: K. Depew, News Director