Commission Anticipates Missing Budget Deadline

The Jefferson County Commission held their Monthly Work Session on Monday, June 9, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.  The meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Griffith and Blevins.

One citizen, David Seal, addressed the Commission regarding funding for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and EDOC. Seal, who is one to two running for County Commission in his district, offered suggestions to the Commission regarding funding criteria to be met before funding and suggested that a reallocation of the hotel/motel tax for one year go towards respectful procurement of industrial development property and the remainder of funding go to the County Fire Departments which would be beneficial to the citizens and allow time for the organizations to make appropriate changes.

Director of Jefferson County Finance Helton informed the Commission that he will be bringing a resolution to adopt a continuing budget and tax rate for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014 to the voting meeting. Helton stated that he expects that a budget will not be ready for the July 1, 2014 deadline. He informed the Commission that the State Certified Tax Rate has been determined to be $2.28 which is a 3cent increase above what was expected and 13 cents above the 2013-2014 tax rate. Helton said that those property tax owners that did not see an increase in their property tax assessment will not see a change in the amount of property tax that they pay due to the certified tax rate. However, those that did see an increase in property tax assessment will pay more and the certified tax rate, which comes from the State, does not address any budget overages that may be a part of the 2014-2015 budget.

Under Reports from Committees, the Audit Committee (Estes reporting for Mills) had no quorum for their meeting with State Auditors so no action was taken, though they did discuss options. The Budget Committee will bring County and School budget amendments by recommendation. Conservation Board Chairman Tucker stated that the Board is in the organizational and fact finding stages and will continue to report progress. Finance Chairman Estes stated that they discussed policy and procedure for accounts payable and errors in the calculation of the current tax rate in regard to the budgeting process.

Under New Business, the Commission will be asked to approve resolution 2014-04 to ratify the 2013 Jefferson County Growth Plan as Amended for Jefferson County. Two public hearings were held and citizens voiced concerns regarding the plan.