McGraw Chairs Finance Committee
The Jefferson County Finance Committee met for their organizational session on Thursday, November 6, 2014 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse.
Jefferson County Mayor Palmieri Called the Meeting to Order. All Committee Members were present for Roll Call. At the request of the Mayor and with a Motion from Committee Member McGraw and 2nd from Committee Member Edmonds, the Committee Unanimously Approved a suspension of the rules to allow the inclusion of official recognition of the Deputy Director of Finance and an update of the legal situation in the Finance Office to be added to the agenda.
With a Motion from McGraw and 2nd from Committee Member David Seal, the Minutes of the June 6, 2014 meeting were Approved. The floor was open for nominations for the position of Chair. Palmieri nominated Committee Member Tucker and Committee Member Huffaker nominated McGraw. Following a 4-3 vote, McGraw assumed the Chair (Seal, McGraw, Huffaker and Edmonds). Chairman McGraw opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair and Committee Member Tipton nominated Tucker. Huffaker nominated David Seal and Seal was elected to serve as Vice Chair in a 4-3 vote (Seal, McGraw, Huffaker and Edmonds). Tipton made a successful Motion for the Finance Director to serve as Committee Secretary and was 2nd by Huffaker.
Tucker offered a Motion to recognize the appointment of Sherry Bledsoe as the Deputy Finance Director, as a point of housekeeping, and was 2nd by Tipton. The Motion Passed Unanimously. Jefferson County Finance Director Helton informed the Committee that there had been a postponement in the embezzlement trial of a former Jefferson County Finance Office employee. He stated that County auditors completed their investigation and the information has been sent to the State Comptroller’s office. Helton stated that he will present a budget amendment to cover the costs of the audit ( $8,700) and that amount, as well as $138,233( amount found in audit) will be requested as a part of restitution in the case. He said that insurance will cover the embezzled amount but not the cost of the audit. Tucker questioned if, once restitution is met, the County will be refunding the insurance company and Helton stated that it would likely go to the insurance company.
The Act of ’81 was discussed for informational purposes. Mayor Palmieri stated that he has concerns that the Act is not adhered to by the County Commission, as well as the difficulty in committee directed financial management and is in favor of looking into other options for the County. He stated that it would take a 2/3 County Commission vote to move away from the Act of ’81 or the Department of Education could make the request to be disassociated with the Act of ’81 which would make it moot. Huffaker stated that she had posed questions regarding the Act of ’81 at an educational training session from CTAS and received information from a County that was investigating financial operating systems, including the Act of ’81. She expressed interest in bringing information and research to the County Commission for educational purposes. Chairman McGraw requested information on surrounding counties, as well as other available information regarding options. He cautioned against making quick judgments on the issue and, instead, garnering reliable information, including costs associated with any change.
In light of the recent resignation of Jefferson County Finance Director Helton, the Committee will begin the search for a replacement. The Chairman will meet with Helton to construct the advertisement for a new Director of Jefferson County Finance. Tucker made a Motion to advertise for the position and was 2nd by Tipton. The Motion Passed.
