County Commission Holds Short Quarterly Meeting
Monday, October 16, 2017 the Jefferson County held their Regular Quarterly Voting Session at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Presiding over the meeting was County Commission Chairman Tucker. Absent from the meeting were Commissioners Dockery, Blevins and Eslinger. Approval of the Minutes came with a motion from Commissioner Solomon and 2nd by Commissioner McGraw.
Four citizens addressed the County Commission, with two expressing concern regarding the noise level of a rodeo in the White Pine area and two regarding Parrotts Chapel. By affirmation, the previously seated members of the Finance Committee were re seated to answer questions of protocol. Also receiving the approval of the full body were the nominations for Notaries and Bonds.
Jefferson County Sheriff McCoig addressed citizens concerns regarding a local rodeo that has produced several citizen complaints and questions of safety from Sheriff McCoig. The County Commission was informed that the rodeo owner would not be hosting any more private parties but would be continuing with the rodeo side of the business. With a motion from Solomon and 2nd from Commissioner Musick the reports from elected officials were accepted.
There was no Unfinished Business for consideration. Jefferson County Finance Director Potts brought two requests for consideration, one to use the purchasing cooperatives NJPA and HGAC which was approved on a motion from Commissioner Scarlett and Commissioner Baxley, and a County Resolution Surplus to dispose of items from the Election Commission which was approved with a motion from McGraw and 2nd from Solomon.
Budget Committee Chair Scarlett brought several recommendations from the Committee for approval. Included in the recommendations that found favor were the parameters of the County Employee Bonus to exclude elected officials and to be employed on 10/20, and a one time funding for the Animal Shelter in the amount of $30,000 to meet financial obligations to keep the shelter open. The funding request was approve 15-3 with Commissioners Tim Seals, David Seal and Solomon voting in opposition. Also approved was the establishment of a reserve in the amount of $25,000 for grants, as well as various school and county budget amendments that did not have any impact on fund balance.
Commissioner Scarlett made a motion to suspend the rules to allow the County Commission to address name inconsistencies with the budget committee roster for district eight. He was 2nd by Commissioner Bales but the motion failed to find the 14 votes needed for approval.
Finance Committee Chairman McGraw, whose committee met prior to the full body, was reelected to serve as Chair of the Finance Committee. Service as Vice Chair is Committee Member David Seal. McGraw informed the Commission that the Committee is addressing properties that are still unsold after going for tax sale. Those properties will be offered to the public at a reserve price of at least the amount of tax owed.
