“County Commission Ranking System” Rankles Some Commissioners

The Jefferson County Commission met for their Regular Monthly Work Session on Tuesday, November 12, 2013, in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Tabor, Dockery, Solomon, Kesterson and Barriero.

No citizens requested to address the Commission. Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri informed the Commission that there has been a necessary change in the phone system in the County Government due to issues with the former carrier, including poor service and billing. Commissioner Turner stated that he will be bringing a motion to the voting meeting for action regarding an alpha chart for mayoral appointments to committees and boards. Chairman Mills suggested that he (Mills) email the current Commission list to the Mayor for name comparison, Mayor Palmieri stated that he would meet with Turner to discuss the issue and Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker stated that he would revisit the issue, working with the Mayor’s office, if the item could be postponed until January to allow time to conference. The item will remain on the agenda for action at the next voting meeting.

School Board Member Jarnigan announced that Mount Horeb School was awarded the TSBA School of the Year and he thanked the Commission for their support in the building program.

Commissioner Scarlett requested information from Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce Chairman Cason regarding a Commission ranking system that was a part of a recently filed law suit. Cason stated that all of the Commissioners were number one in his heart.

Finance Committee Chairman Estes stated that the committee is looking at the IRS policies regarding take home vehicles and, also, the Finance Director Evaluation is ready for review. Budget Committee Chairman Griffith stated that he will bring 4 amendments for consideration and that a review of debt financing will be postponed until January.

Jessica Page of the Jefferson County Boys and Girls Club gave a presentation and thanked the Commission for their support. She stated that running buses has been successful and that they will soon start providing evening meals.

Under New Business, Commissioner Blevins stated that he will bring a resolution for consideration of a 2.5% Bail Bond Tax to help the County recoup funds and that local State Representatives are supportive of the initiative. Commissioner Carmichael stated that he is concerned that Commissioners are not equally privy to information, noting the afore mentioned ranking system during the recent megasite proposal. He said that an environment of mistrust is contrary to good government.

Chairman Mills informed the Commission that meeting dates will need to be set for January, due to the yearly calendar not yet being approved for 2014.