August 21, 2008

                                                                Budget Workshop

Bonifay, Florida

 

 

            The Holmes County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on the above date with the following members present:  Commissioner Kenneth Williams, Commissioner Monty Merchant, Commissioner Jim King, Commissioner Phillip Music, Commissioner Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Board.

 

            Administrator Greg Wood was present.

            Alice Vickers, Deputy Clerk, was present and kept the minutes.

            Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with prayer and led the pledge.

 

            The Board discussed the projected local effects of Tropical Storm Fay.  Commissioner King offered a motion to approve Resolution #08-08, declaring a local state of emergency with Commissioner Music offering a second.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

(Resolution #08-08)

           

            Administrator Wood presented requests to change to a four day work week from the following:

 

Extension Service Office – Monday - Thursday – Hours from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Emergency Management Office-Increase to 40 Hour Workweek, Monday – Thursday –

         Hours from 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Administrative Assistant- 4 days with hours from 6:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for 40 hours a week or

         4 days with hours from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. for 38 hours per week

 

 

Administrator Wood advised the Board that Clint Erickson, 911 Coordinator, had verbally requested to change to a four day workweek as well.  He recommended that the Board approve all requests with the exception of the Administrative Assistant.  Chairman Thomas advised that the State has approved for the Extension Service to go to a four day workweek.  Commissioner  Williams asked if the County or the State has authority over the Extension Service and advised that this information is necessary before making a decision.  He also advised that all these jobs are for the purpose of serving the public and that the public expects to be served five days of the week, not four.  Clint Erickson, 911 Coordinator, advised that he could come in early and do the addressing out in the field before opening the office if he is on the ten hour day schedule.  Commissioner Music stated that he felt all the employees should be treated the same and that these offices should be allowed to go to the four day workweek as well.  Commissioner Merchant stated that he had agreed for Building Department employees to change to a four day week but that the office is still open for five days. He advised that he would not be for these offices closing the additional day.  Commissioner King offered a motion to keep the hours as is.  The motion died for lack of a second.  Chairman Thomas advised that the Board should not take any action until the question regarding who has authority over the office of the Extension Service had been settled.

                                                            (Requests)

 

            The Board made the following changes to the General Fund proposed budget:

 

            Small Grants                             EOC Building Match                            -  50,000

            County Recycling                      Contingencies                                       -100,000

            Parks & Recreation                  Salaries                                                +   6,500

                                                            FICA                                                   +      498

            Miscellaneous                           Holmes Creek Soil                               -    2,000

                                                            TCCC-Disadvantaged Transport          -       500

                                                            TCCC-Housing Program                      -       500

                                                            TCCC-Community Services                 -       500

                                                            TCCC-Commodities                            -       500

                                                            Chamber of Commerce                        -    7,500

                                                           

            The Board made the following change to the Special Transportation Trust proposed budget:

            Infrastructure-Rd & Bridge                                                                   -  15,131

 

            The proposed budget was balanced.

 

            The Board discussed alternative fuels for Road Department use.  Chairman Thomas advised that a workshop regarding this issue will be held in Santa Rosa County on September 19, 2008 and suggested that all commissioners may want to attend.  He stated that it will have to be advertised as a “gathering of commissioners” if all of the Board attends.

 

            Administrator Wood advised that the Board will not be acting on the Library’s request for salary increases until the Union negotiations are settled.

 

            Commissioner Music offered a motion to adjourn with Commissioner Williams offering a second.  The motion passed unanimously.

 

 

________________________________                    __________________________________

Clerk                                                                            Chairman