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Wednesday, May 23, 2012 – 1:00 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER ............................................................................. Chairman Doug Mangham
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ........................................................... Chairman Doug Mangham
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
4. COUNTY MANAGER COMMENTS
5. FIRST READING OF THE FY 2012-13 BUDGET
6. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT
Agenda subject to revision.
This meeting was attended by all five commissioners, County Clerk Teresa Watson, and county attorneys/ and interim county managers Rob and Tom Morton. Some members of the public were in attendance as well as many department heads. They went through the budget by department and then did the same for revenue.
Fuel costs were revisited. The guardian ad litem line item had been omitted. Staff recommended $12,000 that it be added rather than pulled from contingency later because it is a yearly cost. Motion to recommendation. 5-0. All modifications to the budget were given to commissioners on a modified sheet that rather than printing the entire budget over again. County Attorney Rob Morton praised County Clerk Watson and financial officer Kay Landers for their hard work on the budget.
Commissioner Carol Bass asked about the number of vehicles in the county. There was a question of how many vehicles are owned by the county. There was a question whether we own 77 vehicles. County Clerk Watson advised that 73 are on insurance because some have been decommissioned. County Clerk Watson and County Attorney Morton will get clarification on this. Commissioners can tweak the vehicle policy if needed at a later date.
Commissioners received a letter from the tax assessor's office in reference to additional funds for someone working while an employee is gone during maternity leave. Consensus was that if leave is necessary, there should be sufficient money in their budget.
They received a letter from the Chief Magistrate advising that she is entitled to a fulltime associate magistrate for $23,108 and asking for $7200 for an on call magistrate which had been cut to $2700 in the budget. Judge Callaway-Ingram's attorney objected to her speaking to the county attorney so her requests were submitted in writing. County Attorney Morton advised that he does not know her intent on this whether to increase the associate magistrate or use in other areas. For more on the specifics of this letter, click here to read from the 5.29.12 BOC meeting.
In discussion of the sheriff's budget, Commissioner Bass made a motion to remove $38,452 for four new cars under the lease agreement. She said this will encumber the county for four years and said we can't get a number on the inventoried cars and the Board of Commissioners is responsible for this inventory. County Clerk Watson advised that four cars will be placed into inventory when these four are purchased and that there are a fair number of cars that are high mileage. Commissioner Jarrett 2nd'ed for discussion. Major Tracy Vincent spoke on behalf of the sheriff's office and advised that three vehicles at mileage over 220,000 and five have over 160,000 miles. They did not get new cars last year to replace those already worn out that were placed transmissions, etc. but said that does not make the cars new including the necessary needed electronics. They have chosen to lease--instead of purchase--four cars. It was noted that the previous BOC set up a rotation for cars and it did not occur because of cost. However, the cars are still worn out. The motion failed with a vote of 1-4 with only Commissioner Bass voting the affirmative.
During the discussion of the coroner's budget, the question was asked why do we need a coroner and two deputy coroners. This came about because of the amount of money required for training. County Attorney Morton advised that it could be because of a state mandate. Commissioner Collins said that if we are going bare bones, we might need to reduce a position. It was noted that training is required for the coroner and the deputy coroners and all three can go out on a call if needed. It was noted that Deputy Coroners only get paid by the call. Mr. Morton was asked if to inquire on the necessity of the two deputy coroners and follow up with commissioners.
There was a requested increase from the Recreation Authority by Director Kevin Teate. Commissioners were asked for an increase of $46,387 which would stop the furloughs for employees or $37,504 with the 6 employees taking 12 furlough days. Director Teate noted that they have exhausted their bank account and are paying for items such as $5000 for replacement poles and soccer field lights out of concession funds. They will probably lose one employee if commissioners do not help with this. He noted that in 2013, they have the additional responsibility of running all youth sports and are not asking for any funds from the county. Commissioners made no motion on this request.
Update 6.4.12
There was discussion about the contract with the City of Meansville Fire Department. Commissioner Collins asked why we were paying them $5000 annually. Commissioner Powers advised that they are contract because they turned down becoming a part of the county fire department. Commissioner Collins said that their equipment was bought with SPLOST money and we should bring them all together. He asked how we can let one stay outside when the rest have joined? The consensus was that this contract with the City of Meansville is necessary in order to maintain Pike County's ISO rating. It was noted after this discussion that each fire station within the county fire department is tracked individually for expenditures. Fuel with adjusted to ensure that the supply is adequate for next year's needs.
[Note from the Editor: The equipment referenced by Commissioner Collins is the new fire truck in the City of Meansville. Personally, I think that it would be better for the City of Meansville to be a part of Pike County Emergency Services to ensure that they have the exact same training and procedures as all of our other volunteers with PCES. Having two different sets of protocols at a response scene is a possible problem/safety issue at a time when we need everyone to work together for the safety of those who need help on that scene. I sincerely hope that the City of Meansville considers this each year as it decides whether to become a part of the county emergency response team. Safety of our citizens--both inside of Meansville and in the county--should be the top priority in emergency response.]
For a better picture of the situation in Meansville, click here.
Update 6.7.12
HB 685, the Responsible Dog Ownership Law which became law on July 1, 2012, requires Pike County to appoint a Dog Control Officer for our county. There was a lot of discussion on how to abide by this law. It was stated that the county can even work with cities within the county to accomplish what is needed. County Attorney Rob Morton advised that this law is simply designationed for viscious dogs and is not for an animal control officer. He suggested that the commissioners maybe hold a workshop with the cities to address the costs, etc, and figure out who to contact in the case of a viscous dog.
The question was asked if this needed to be addressed in the budget. Commissioner Jarrett made a motion to put $5000 in contingency to pay for this if it is needed. Commissioner Bass seconded for discussion. Commissioner Bass asked why not leave this as it is. We have money to pull it is needed Mr. Morton said that it is best for unanticipated costs to come out of contingency. It is needed in the future, the county needs to give a line item for this. Commissioner Jarrett rescinded her motion.
Commissioners then went through revenues. This was the first reading of the budget. The second reading was held on May 30. Motion to approve first reading. 4-1 with Commissioner Bass opposed. Motion to adjourn at 2:19 PM.
Click here for more from the 5.9.12 budget meeting.
Click here for more from the 5.16.12 budget meeting.