Commissioners Face Debt Issues
Jefferson County Post Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Commission held their first work session of 2015 on Monday, January 12th in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Funding issues were the topic of discussion, in regard to an upcoming vote on new bond issuance to cover the costs of the renovation and repair of Building 8, as well as a nearly $4 million dollar contribution to the renovation of JCHS proper that was originally to come from fund balance. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts informed the Commission that the amount needed to complete the Building 8 project is not as great as originally presented. Though the County Commission approved funding the project at $2,825,000 as their last act of 2014, the requested amount included design fees that had already been paid. Director Potts also informed the Commission that $145,000 that had been approved to tack on to the bond issuance to reimburse the building project at JCHS for the original bond issuance was absorbed in the current funding request. He stated that the amount that will be needed to fund Building 8 and cover their bond issuance obligation is $2,700,000 rather than $2,950.000. Potts will bring resolutions to that effect for consideration at the voting meeting.
Long term debt obligation was also discussed and the Commission was informed that, as it stands, the County will be unable to meet its’ debt obligations. Several Commissioners expressed concern regarding the status of the debt service fund, which is used to pay County debt. Commissioners will consider avenues of funds generation, including the possibility of increasing the Wheel Tax. More information on the subject will be forthcoming at the voting meeting.
Jefferson County Chamber Director Helton addressed the Commission regarding funding and issues of transparency that have been brought before the Budget Committee and Full Body. Commissioner David Seal outlined issues with the current level of funding for the Chamber of Commerce and EDOC. An item to review the funding for the current fiscal year is listed under New Business and could be brought before the Commission as a motion. Seal also requested that an item regarding the hours and compensation for the Commission Secretary be place on the agenda for action.
Commission Chairman Carmichael addressed Commissioners regarding the rules of procedure and timeliness of the meetings. He also informed the Commission that the newly designed Building Oversight Committee should be seated during the voting meeting. Commissioner Gaut, who requested information on the Wheel Tax, was informed that the current number of wheel tax holders is around the 45,000 mark.
Recognized at the work session were members of the Jefferson County High School Leadership Group.
