Budget Committee Sends Employee Bonus To Full Commission

The Jefferson County Budget Committee met on Monday, October 20, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.

Budget Committee Chairman Scarlett Called the Meeting to Order. Sitting in for Committee Member Solomon was Commissioner Tim Seals. The Minutes for July and October were Approved with a Motion from Committee Member Musick and 2^nd from Committee Member Turner.

The Committee was informed that a request from the Department of Education did not require committee approval.

Jefferson County Finance Director Helton brought several options before the committee regarding a proposed County employee bonus. Chairman Scarlett informed the committee that a request for a school classified employee bonus would have to go through the School Board before the Budget Committee can take action. Following discussion regarding various options, Musick made a Motion to give a one time $500 bonus to County full time employees and a $250  bonus for part time that would include benefits and requires the employees be employed for one year by September 1, 2014 to be eligible. She was 2^nd be Turner.

Committee Member Tucker offered an Amendment that would have the County pay the costs associated with the benefits, in the amount of $44,700 total, to have a level $500 and $250 available to the employee. Tucker was 2^nd by Blevins. The Amendment was Approved with a 7-3 vote.

Turner offered an Amendment to set a November pay date for the bonus and was 2^nd by David Seal. The Amendment was Approved 8-2 with Seals abstaining.

At the Chairman’s request, Vice Chairman Kesterson assumed the Chair to allow Scarlett to make a motion to use 50% of funds rolled into the County General Fund from last year’s budget due to good County employee management of funds ($116,500) to fund a one time bonus for full and part time employees, with the same split as in the previous motion (part time ½) and the funds allocated for bonus would absorb the benefits, as well. The employee would have to be employed for one year as of September 1, 2014 and the bonus would be paid out in November. He was 2^nd by David Seal and the Amendment Passed 8-2. The Motion as Amended was Approved with Turner, Beeler and Musick voting No.