Commission Places The Order But Leaves Tab On The Table

Jefferson County Commission Passes Budget But Fails To Pass Tax Increase

Jefferson County Commission Meeting, July 15, 2013 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Voting Session on Monday, July 15, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. All Commission Members were present for Roll Call.

Minutes were Approved with a Motion from Commissioner Tucker and a 2^nd by Commissioner Tabor. No citizens requested appearance before the Commission. Notaries and Bonds were Approved as amended with a Motion from Commissioner Estes and 2^nd from Commissioner Scarlett.

Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker brought two recommendations from the Committee for two open seats on the newly formed Audit Committee. Gary Jett and Joe High were the Committee recommendations and were joined by one recommendation from the floor, Richard Kuntz. Jett and High will fill the seats on the Audit Committee. Debra Scarlett was brought as a recommendation from the Nominating Committee for an open seat on the Library Board and Beverly Kramer was nominated from the floor. Scarlett will fill the open seat on the Library Board.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri brought Rob Wilson for confirmation as the Jefferson County Building Inspector. Wilson was previously employed by the Sanitation Department and David Gaut, present Building Inspector, will be moving to the Sanitation Department. With a Motion from Tucker and 2^nd from Commissioner Patterson Wilson was confirmed. The Mayor brought two other names for confirmation-Dr. Regina Fields for the Board of Health and Colin McRae for the EMS Board. Both Fields and McRae were confirmed.

The Commission also Approved Resolution 2013-10 Bond Anticipation Notes (Landfill reoccurring) and Surplus equipment for EMA. They received a Portable Cost Summary report from Director of Schools Edmonds (total portable rent $81,684 and total electric $30,389). The Commission was informed that insurance costs are around $15 per month per unit.

Director Edmonds gave an update on the roof collapse at Jefferson County High School and informed the Commission that the insurance inquiry is ongoing. Classes in Building will be reassigned to other parts of the school and Pod 4 is being prepared for the start of school. Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion to refer the issue to the County Facilities Committee to present to the Full Body, following the close of the insurance inquiry, a report on the findings surrounding the collapse. 2^nd Tucker. Commissioner Turner made a Motion to postpone indefinitely and was 2^nd by Musick.  The Motion to Postpone Failed in a tie vote and Scarlett’s Motion to refer Passed.

Budget Committee Chairman Griffith presented the Budget Committee’s recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget, Resolution 2013-12 Appropriations for various funds for 2013-2014, Resolution 2013-2014 Appropriations for Non Profits.

Commissioner Barreiro made a Motion to amend funding for the Chamber of Commerce from $155,000 to $60,000. 2^nd Blevins. The Motion Failed with Solomon, Blevins and Barreiro voting Yes.  Commissioner Barreiro brought a Motion to amend funding for EDOC from $180,000 to $120,000 and was 2^nd by Blevins. The Motion Failed with Commissioners Kesterson, Maples, Patterson, Solomon, Blevins, Barreiro and Carmichael voting Yes. Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to amend by increasing funding for the Dandridge Volunteer Fire Department by $25,000 to $80,000 total citing scope of coverage. 2^nd Dockery and amended by consent to remove Dandridge from the motion and replace with language to set aside $25,000 for substation funding for use by an fire department seeking to establish a sub station. Commissioner Akard moved to table the issue until the Public Service Committee returns with a recommendation and was 2^nd by Baxley. The motion to table Passed. Commissioner Tucker made a motion to remove the item from the table and the Motion Failed. Commissioner Musick made a Motion to amend the funding for the Boys and Girl’s Club by decreasing it from $80,000 to $30,000 and was 2^nd by Sheets. The Motion Failed with Kesterson, Mills, Patterson, Baxley, Musick, Tabor, Solomon, Beeler and Sheets voting Yes.

The Budget Committee recommendation to Approved Resolution 2013-3014 Appropriations for Non Profits for Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Passed with Kesterson, Maples, Baxley, Musick, Tabor, Blevins, Barreiro and Sheets Voting No. (Solomon Abstained).

Commissioner Scarlett made a Motion to designate the costs of portables ($114,053) Energy Position ($55,000), energy education ($168,000) health insurance ($611,695) and other insurance ($53,000) for a total of $1,002,000 to come from fund balance. (not lessening the amount of funds requested but, rather, designating where they come from to prevent expenses that may decrease or cease from becoming a reoccurring maintenance of effort expense) 2^nd Tucker. Following discussion with County Attorney Churchwell, it was determined that if the motion was challenged it would not impact the total budget picture and expenses would revert back to an undesignated status. The Motion Passed with Turner and Sheets voting No.

Commissioner Maples made a Motion to decrease Chamber of Commerce spending from $155,000 to $100,000 and was 2^nd by Barreiro. The Motion failed 15-6.

Commissioner Tucker made a Motion to decrease the proposed school funding and fund the Department of Education at last year’s funding level plus $1,565,000 and was 2^nd by Barreiro. The Motion Failed with Kesterson, Maples, Blevins, Barreiro, Scarlett, Dockery, Tucker and Carmichael voting Yes.

The Budget Committee recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2013-2014 Budget (total) was Approved as presented with an 11-10 vote. Blevins, Barreiro, Scarlett, Dockery, Kesterson, Maples, Baxley, Tabor, Tucker and Carmichael voted No.

Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that he will be Vetoing the 2013-2014 Budget Resolution and returning it to County Commission for review.

The Budget Committee’s proposed tax levy (which included a 13 cent tax increase) Failed with an 11-10 vote. Commissioners Kesterson, Maples, Baxley, Musick, Tabor, Blevins, Barreiro, Scarlett, Dockery, Tucker and Carmichael voted No.

With a County Budget Approved but no funding mechanism in place, the meeting Adjourned.