Commissioner Questions: Where does money go if Government falls?
Jefferson County Commission Work Session, January 13, 2014 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Commission held their Regular Quarterly Work Session on Monday, January 13, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Dockery, Tabor, Barriero, Blevins and Solomon.
Four Citizens spoke in opposition of a rezoning request for 1250 Old AJ Hwy E. Talbott, Tn from R-1 to C-2. The property owner also presented photo information to the Commission. The request was previously denied by the Jefferson City Regional Planning Commission, however the property in question is in the City growth boundaries rather than the City limits.
During the session, a question arose from Commissioner Scarlett regarding a piece of metal that fell at Jefferson County High School. Jefferson County School’s Director of Business Affairs, Phagan, stated that the issue was stripped screws and that the issue has been resolved and there are no other like issued anticipated. Phagan also stated that he is working on a report concerning electrical cost at Mt Horeb Elementary School and said that masonry is in good order.
The Finance Committee will bring a Debt Management Policy and Fixed Asset Policy for review and action at the voting meeting. 8 Budget amendments will come as a recommendation from the Budget Committee for consideration and the Nomination Committee requested that Chairman Mills confer with the Jefferson County Mayor and compile/submit an alpha chart of appointments. Commissioner Tucker stated that he will be serving as Chair of the Conservation Board and that the Board will meet again in March to define its goals.
The Jefferson Memorial Foundation Chairman Dale Fain brought a recommendation to the Commission to contract with the East Tennessee Foundation to manage the $12.4 million dollars of Foundation funds that are jointly owned by the County and Jefferson City and designated for charitable works to benefit Jefferson County residents. A representative of the East Tennessee Foundation, which manages the Pat Summit Foundation funds as well as more than $200 million in combined funds, answered questions for the Commission regarding the draft contract. He informed the Commission that the spending rate had historically held at 4.5% and the investment return is expected to be in the neighborhood of a million and a half dollars annually. Chairman Fain had informed the Commission that the current investment is only making around $300 per month and that the East Tennessee Foundation can provide full and comprehensive service and reporting, including grant investigation and distribution, which would be a part of their fee and less costly than piecing out the various facets of service. Commissioners Estes and Beeler asked extensive questions regarding the contract. Due to legalities, funds would be transferred to East Tennessee Foundation, which is monitored by the State of Tennessee, however funds are released upon request from the County/City designated body and adherent to County/City established guidelines. Commissioner Beeler expressed concern about what would happen to the funds should the Jefferson County government and Jefferson City government, as well as the Jefferson Memorial Foundation, ceases to exist. The representative informed the Commission that, pursuant to their contract, should both governments fold and the Jefferson Memorial Foundation fold, the funds would be dispersed by the East Tennessee Foundation to benefit Jefferson County residents.
Under New Business, the Commission was informed that there will be surplus equipment on the agenda for the voting meeting. The Resolution associated with a proposed purchase of a triple wide portable for the Jefferson Academy ($68,033) was pulled until the appropriate funding avenue is established. Commissioner Scarlett requested information on the roofing situation with Building 8. Director of Schools Edmonds and Phagan informed the Commission that the insurance settlement is still in negotiation with Travelers Insurance, however Tennessee Risk Management has paid the DOE $99,500 for costs of continuing education during the roof repairs and that remaining funds will come from Travelers. Commissioner Carmichael stated that there is some confusion regarding the path of funding in regard to the DOE and requested that information be provided to the public for clarity. Director Edmonds offered to provide a brief overview to the Commission and public outlining the funding procedure for the Jefferson County School System.
Chairman Mills requested clarification regarding a recent policy that requires attendance at the Work Session to have requests included on the voting agenda. Current policy allows for a designee if the department head, commissioner or requester cannot be present. Mills stated that there could be some confusion during the budgeting process if presence is required for funding consideration. Proponents of the policy stated that it was designed to encourage absentee department heads requesting funding to attend meetings for questions. Opponents contend that it is causing undo stress on department heads that are seeking non funding related items or have an influx of funds due to grants or insurance. The item will be included, at the request of Commissioner Turner, at the next voting meeting.
