Ghosts Of Budget Past Haunt Meeting
Though the new fiscal year has begun, the Work Session of the Jefferson County Commission was still largely dealing with business left over from the prior fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Discussion largely centered around past statements by elected officials during the prior budgeting process and the accuracy of those statements.
Budget Committee Chair Scarlett informed the Committee that he will bring one budget amendment for consideration and Commissioner Tucker requested that a fee increase to offset the reduction in salary of the Environmental Director/Supervisor be placed as an agenda item. Personnel Committee Chair Turner informed the Commission that the application process for replacing Veteran Service Officer Underwood has begun and the Committee is expecting to have a recommendation for the position at the voting meeting. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts stood in for Industrial Development Board Chairman Masters. He stated that the Board will address the perimeters of the approved tax abatement for Rusty Wallace Ford and have the details to the Commission for review.
Director of Schools Edmonds informed the Commission that the repairs to Building met the deadline for the Insurance Company, though no representative from the company has viewed the work due to issues in other parts of the Country. Quality Control Adviser Mike Dockery confirmed Edmonds’ statement and said that there are questions regarding the drain system ( not a part of the insurance deadline) which were not a part of the original contract. Edmonds stated that though it will be a push to the end, the expectation is that most of the work on the main building of JCHS will be completed by the start of school.
Under New Business, there was some discussion regarding the possibility of increasing the hotel/motel tax, with the majority of vocal Commissioners favoring an increase. Commissioner D. Seal was opposed to an increase and suggested consideration of a County office that would serve to bring business to the area. Seal also stated that he would not be in favor of any consideration of a property tax increase until the issues of County cell phones and take home vehicles is addressed.
The County Commission will meet for their regular voting meeting on Monday. There are no meetings currently scheduled for the County Commission in August.
