A Done Deal
Mis-communication is a witch. Sure everyone, at some time or another, stumbles in getting their point across. Sometimes it is because we don’t want to listen. Sometimes it is because we are so mired in our position that we can’t hear what the other person is saying and we react accordingly. Whatever the reason, the outcome is the same-a break down that can cause serious issues.
This week the newly formed committee to oversee the Building 8 project met and it was clear that most of the 90 minute meeting was driven by mis-communication and conflicting views. The issue at hand was the application process for hiring a Quality Control Advisor to protect the owner’s interest in the Building 8 project. Three County Commissioners-Carmichael, Gaut and David Seal- and two School Board Members-Jarnigan and Bradley-comprise the committee. To say that the two groups are at odds over this new position would be like saying that we got a little snow last week, which is a huge understatement. I don’t know if the entire school board feels this way or not,but it was clear that Jarnigan and Bradley had issues with the County Commission’s decision to include this oversight person in the motion to fund Building 8 renovations and restorations. Both brought up the July insurance deadline for the restoration of the portion that was damaged in the roof collapse. At risk is more than a couple of hundred thousand dollars and I can understand why they do not want any complications that would delay the process. But, to be honest, it appeared that more than that concern was in play at the meeting. I know that it must feel frustrating to have the County Commission step in on a project that was initiated by the school board. And it is clear that the level of trust needed for these two bodies to work well together is just not there. But it is what it is. And you know what they say-He who holds the checkbook holds all the power. The County Commission holds the checkbook and that is the one fact, in a mess of he said, she said, glop of mis-communication and mis direction, that is pure and simple.
While I agree that in a utopian world the County Commission should not be playing big brother to the school board, this path of building projects is littered with bodies. Ultimately, the School Board answers to the County Commission for funding and the County Commission answers to the people. If they don’t they don’t get re elected. Like it or not, a percentage of the population is unhappy with the process of this building program, both with the money spent and questions about the final product. These County Commissioners answer to that segment of the population, as well. Irritated taxpayers rarely speak in hushed tones. It was apparent that most,if not all, of the County Commission wanted to repair Building 8 and they were also on board with doing multi million dollar upgrades. But, they had to sell it to the taxpayers. This oversight advisor is for the taxpayers, much more than the School Board or even the County Commission.
At the committee meeting, the Commissioners made the point that if the work is quality, there will be no impact on the timeline for completion of the Building 8 restoration. If the work is shoddy, it needs to be fixed. School Board Member Bradley obviously had some reservation but it was clear that this was not a meeting to address IF there would be an advisor, but, rather, to discusses the process for hiring an advisor. Bradley stuck it out and represented the school’s interest. Jarnigan left after a heated exchange with Carmichael, leaving the committee with a quorum but the School Board one less representative. It was a strange day, to see the two men who Chair the two most powerful government bodies in Jefferson County locked in battle over an issue that had been decided months ago. The facts are that it that was the pit in the peach of a multi million dollar funding package. And the fact remains that budget season is not a good time for School Board to be drawing lines in the sand with the County Commission. Especially with another potential building request ready to launch into these rocky waters.
A little civil communication can go a long way. And knowing when to throw in the towel or admit you are wrong are sometimes the most common sense path you can take. And on that note, I have a little confession to make. In January, I wrote an editorial on the wheel tax and, unwittingly, passed on some unclear information. I want to clear things up right now, so there is no misconception about the numbers. Rather than reading that a ten cent property tax increase would be a $150 increase on a $150,000 home, I should have said it will be a $150 increase on a home with an assessed value at $150,000, which is very different. A $150,000 home would have less than a $40 increase. I apologize for the mis-communication and any confusion that it created.
Mis-communication happens. Sometimes everyone has a valid point but misses the point. Jarnigan had a point. Bradley had a point. Carmichael had a point. Gaut had a point. But in the context of the committee meeting, Seal had the prevailing point. It was a done deal long before the gavel fell and that, really, was all that mattered.
