Committee Corrects Error – Gives Preliminary Ok On Finance Office Purchase

The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, July 14, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The meeting was Called to Order by Committee Chairman Griffith. Absent from Roll Call was Committee Member Cureton. In for Cureton was Committee Member Turner.

A public hearing concerning the 2014-2015 fiscal year budget preceded the business meeting. No citizens came forward at the public hearing.

Two citizens spoke to the Committee during the business meeting regarding funding for the Jefferson County Libraries. Both requested that the Committee reconsider their level of funding so that the libraries can be properly staffed. One citizen spoke regarding funding for the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and requested that this year’s funding be distributed to other needs until the Chamber of Commerce can stabilize management.

With a Motion from Committee Member Carmichael and 2nd from Committee Member Akard, the Minutes were Approved.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Committee that there is a correction in the fiscal year 2014-2015 budget proposal. He stated that QSCAB funds were not transferred out of the General Fund and into Debt Service in the amount of $476,663, making the total impact to fund balance in the 2014-2015 budget proposal $1,226,553. Upon a Motion from Committee Member Beeler and 2nd from Turner the Committee Approved correcting the QSCAB error and adjusting the fund balance impact numbers in the budget proposal.

Director Helton informed the Committee that it appears that revenue is up slightly and expenditures are down, which could result in little or no use of the designated funds in the general fund to balance the 2013-2014 budget. With the movement of the QSCAB funds, it appears that the fund balance could remain relatively unchanged.

With a Motion from Turner and 2nd from Carmichael, the Committee Approved a Resolution to designate Hotel/Motel Tax for economic, tourist or business development.

Turner, who serves as Facility Committee Chairman, brought information regarding the purchase of the Rainwater Building that currently houses the Jefferson County Finance Office. He stated that the owner has a firm price of $240,000 and will allow the lease to be broken for purchase. Helton stated that with around $56,000 from the close of the EMS location in New Market and $41,000 for the close of the Merritt Building in Dandridge, the balance needed to purchase the Rainwater Building is less significant in impact to fund balance. He also stated that there will be a savings of around $30,000 per year in lease. With a Motion from Carmichael and 2nd from Baxley the Committee Approved 6-4 three budget amendments, one of which funding the purchase of the Rainwater Building.