Commission Denies School Board Funding Request
The Jefferson County Commission held a Called Meeting on Monday, May 13, 2013 in the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. The Meeting was Called to Order by Commission Chairman Mills. Absent from Roll Call were Commissioners Patterson, Musick, Solomon, Blevins and Tucker.
Budget Committee Chairman Griffith brought amendments from the Jefferson County Department of Education with a recommendation for approval by the Budget Committee. Amendments concerning Food Service and Federal Funds were Approved. Amendment #8 from the School General Purpose fund included 20 separate items and a total potential fund balance impact of $370,624 from the school system fund balance. Jefferson County Finance Director Helton stated that the Department of Education has an undesignated fund balance of $2.3-$2.4 million dollars and approval of the requested amendment would leave a balance of around $2 million dollars, of which $1.4 million is required by the State for reserve.
Commissioner Scarlett requested to take items one at a time, rather than a group. Commissioner Estes requested that only items of controversy be taken separately. Items 1, 2,5,10,12,14,17 and 19 were line item transfers and taken by consent following a question regarding other contracted services ($15,000), which Department of Education Director of Business Affairs Phagan stated was a contract for diesel tank removal.
Amendment #7 Passed following an explanation that funds previously allotted for one special education teaching position that were not used were being redirected for the purchase of a special education bus.
Amendments #9, 11 and 13 Passed following questions regarding the amount of funds needed for wrestling mat purchase ($5,995) vs. amount requested $9,000.
Amendment #16 Passed with Commissioners Maples and Barriero voting No.
Amendment #18, which held the bulk of the fund balance impact, including utility increases, increases in insurance rates and $100,000 in other contracted services removed during the last budgeting season, Failed with a 9-6 vote, following questions regarding the Trane contract. Voting No were Commissioners Kesterson, Maples, Barriero, Scarlett, Dockery and Carmichael.
Amendment #20, concerning coaching supplements for non system employees, Passed.
A County General Fund Amendment, allowing an equipment purchase for the Highway Department in the amount of $200,000 from the Highway Department Fund Balance, Passed.
A Resolution to form an Audit Committee, per a dictate from the State of Tennessee, to address the reoccurring audit finding in Sanitation (Landfill Closure Costs) was presented to the Commission with a deadline of June 30, 2013 for State approval and final Commission vote. The Resolution placed a committee of 3, which included the Commission Chairman, Budget Committee Chairman and Finance Committee Chairman. Commissioner Barriero offered an amendment to the Resolution to have one Commissioner and 4 citizens that are not connected to other government funded bodies. 2nd Maples-Failed 7-8. Commissioner Scarlett offered an amendment that would included the Finance Committee Chairman, Budget Committee Chairman and 3 citizens. 2nd Dockery-Failed 8-6. Scarlett offered an amendment to remove a portion that provided for adequate funds for the committee, stating that the language left the dollar amount of funding too open. 2nd Barriero-Passed 12-2. The original Resolution, as amended to remove adequately funded, Failed with a 10-4 vote. Director Helton stated that the Resolution required adequate time to get State approval. Barriero offered an amendment to add 2 citizens in addition to the original 3 chairmen. 2nd Carmichael-Passed. The Resolution as amended twice Passed.
A Resolution declaring surplus property (weapons) for the Sheriff’s Department Passed with a Motion from Commissioner Beeler and 2nd from Commissioner Kesterson.
