Commission Votes On County Issues
Jefferson County High School Leadership Class attending January 22, 2013 County Commission Meeting – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew
The Jefferson County Commission met in their Regular Monthly Voting Session on Tuesday, January 22, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Maples, Patterson, Baxley and Barreiro. The Chairman recognized the Jefferson County High School Youth Leadership Class, who was in attendance at the meeting. Upon a Motion from Commissioner Scarlett and a 2nd from Commissioner Akard the Minutes were Approved.
Three citizens appeared before the Commission. One was regarding the Senior Citizen Center in Strawberry Plains (requesting the use of surplus school system portables), one regarding the proposed Megasite (representation of some land owners informing Commission that the land owners did not intend to sell) and one seeking relief of flooding of their home on Dumplin Valley.
Upon a Motion from Commissioner Estes and 2nd by Commissioner Scarlett Notaries and Bond request were Approved.
One Department Head addressed the Commission. David Gaut, Director of Building Inspections, brought requested information about School Facility Tax.
Facilities Chairman Turner brought a recommendation from the Committee that the New Market EMS Station (moved to the new combination building) be surplused to allow for sale. The recommendation was Approved.
Commissioner Estes made a Motion to suspend the rules to allow inclusion of an item regarding EMS to New Business-2nd Turner-Passed
Budget Committee Chairman Griffith brought several non fund balance impacting recommendations from the Committee including amendments to the County, Sanitation and School Federal and General Budgets. All requested Amendments and line item adjustments were Approved
The Budget Committee brought a recommendation to fund a new vehicle to replace one in disrepair for the Building Inspection Department. Costs associated with repairing the current vehicle ($2500) exceed the value of the vehicle ($1500). The new truck will be a work model and will be purchased from the State at the price of $22,438. The recommendation to Approve the purchase Passed the Full Commission (Tabor-No)
A recommendation for 7 Power load lift system for the EMS and five lifting cots to be funded from a combination of hospital reserve account @ $225,000 and $25,000 from County General Fund was presented to the Commission. The recommendation Passed Unanimously.
The Budget Committee brought a recommendation to allow a line item transfer for Circuit Court Clerk Murphy and to allow acceptance of a $4,000 grant. The recommendation was Unanimously Approved
The Committee recommend that the Full Body approve allowing the Sheriff’s Department to used $133,000 in previously appropriated funds for roof and floor repair for complete plumbing repair, in conjunction with already appropriated plumbing funds. The Commission Unanimously Approved the request.
Nominating Committee Chairman Tucker informed the Commission that there was not a quorum at the last meeting, therefore there is no recommendation on the resolution passed to the Committee from the Full Body. Chairman Tucker stated that he planned to table the issue.
In Other New Business, the Jefferson County Highway Department requested acceptance of County Roads. Upon a Motion from Akard and 2nd from Scarlett the Commission Approved the acceptance of County Roads.
Finance Chairman Cureton brought by recommendation a policy on County Fund Balance. The Commission Unanimously Approved the recommendation.
Commissioner Estes made a Motion to authorize EMS Director Brad Phillips to communicate with legal council on the Taylor matter and follow the advice of legal council-2nd Commissioner Kesterson and Approved (Beeler-No)
Commissioner Tucker requested that the issue of school surplus portables be referred to the Facilities Committee to determine if one would be available for use as the Strawberry Plains Senior Center. School Board Member Jarnigan will address the issue at the School Board Meeting later this week, as well as the number of rental portables (requested from Commissioner Scarlett)
The Budget Committee will meet on January 28, 2013 in a Called Meeting to address initial funding for megasite certification. The Meeting was Adjourned.
