Budget Committee First Meeting in New Year

The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, January 13, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The meeting was Called to Order by Budget Committee Chairman Griffith. Absent from Roll Call were Committee Members Dockery and Blevins.  Upon a Motion from Committee Member Akard and 2nd from Committee Member Carmichael, the Minutes from the November 12, 2013 meeting were Approved.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton presented the Committee with 8 amendments from both the County and Schools side of the budget.

With a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Beeler the Committee Approved and amendment for the County General Fund-grants and insurance recover with no fund balance impact.

With a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Carmichael the Committee Approved a Highway Department amendment-equipment purchase with Highway Department fund balance impact. ( Tipton was unable to attend due to illness and Helton served as his designee for the request)

A Debt Service amendment was withdrawn and will require approval from the Jefferson County School Board.

Committee Member Maples made a motion to Approve a Jefferson County Schools General Purpose Fund amendment for reimbursement for special education to the equipment line and was 2nd by Committee Member Baxley-Passed.

With a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Carmichael, the Committee Approved an amendment for the Jefferson County Schools General Purpose Fund-including a service grant and line item movement. ( Cureton abstained)

As a group, the Committee Approved 4 Federal Purpose for the Jefferson County Schools with no fund balance impact, with a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Maples. They also Approved a Jefferson County Schools Food Service amendment with a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Maples.

Director Helton stated that he has moved the calendar for the 2014-2015 budget session meetings up to allow the Commission to approve the budget in June of 2014. The sessions will begin on January 27, 2014.

Equalization of benefits for employees was rolled to the next meeting.

With a Motion from Carmichael and 2nd from Baxley the Commission Approved the refinancing of the E-911 Bond (with recommendation of the County Financial Advisor) for a possible savings of more than $30,000.