Tentative Budget Hearing
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, and Commissioner Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Greg Wood, Administrator, was present.
Alice Vickers, Deputy Clerk, was present and kept the minutes.
Chairman Thomas opened the meeting with prayer and led the pledge.
Pursuant to Public Notice, the Board held a public hearing to adopt the tentative millage and budget for 2008-09. Chairman Thomas stated that the proposed millage rate is 9.5 and that the rolled-back rate is 10.2573. He also stated that the percentage decrease in the proposed millage over the rolled-back rate is 7.38. He asked for public input with no one responding. Commissioner King offered a motion to set the tentative millage at 9.5 with Commissioner Williams offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Thomas advised that the 2008-09 budget was balanced and asked the Board if anyone wished to make changes. No changes were suggested. Commissioner King offered a motion to adopt the tentative 2008-09 budget with Commissioner Music offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
Chairman Thomas informed the public
that the Final Budget Hearing would be held on
Administrator Wood presented quotes
for the pump and tank replacement for the water well at
Daniel Smith Pump, Tank, & Labor $687.00
Jamie Conner Well Drilling Pump, Tank, & Labor $925.00
Commissioner King stated that a considerable amount of grant funds had been spent on the Park with many families utilizing it, but that vandalism is a serious problem. He recommended that this should be the last time the Board would make this repair if vandals damaged it again. Chairman Thomas stated that he agreed that if it happens again within two or three months, it should not be replaced but if it was two or three years, then the Board might consider paying for the repairs again. Administrator Wood advised that the ordinance is now in place requiring everyone to vacate all County parks at sunset and that he is working with the Sheriff’s Department to lock the restrooms at night, which seems to be when the vandalism occurs. Commissioner King offered a motion to accept the low quote of Daniel Smith and to make this the last time the repair will be made if vandals damage it again. Commissioner Music offered a second. Commissioners Williams, King, Music, and Thomas voted yes with Commissioner Merchant voting no. The motion passed.
Administrator Wood advised that the Mosquito Control Grant Contract was here and requested that the Board authorize the Chairman to sign it. Commissioner King offered a motion to approve the Chairman to sign the contract with Commissioner Music offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Mosquito Control Contract)
Administrator Wood discussed various
methods being used for mosquito control.
Commissioner King suggested using mosquito monitors near the River and
in the
Administrator Wood discussed the petroleum bid which was authorized in a previous meeting. He requested that the bid only include “bulk items” since the Shop Foreman priced around for sales on the smaller items. The Board agreed to bid all items and then compare the smaller items bid to the most recent prices paid before deciding which items would be awarded.
Commissioner Merchant advised that he and Commissioner King had met with Mr. Kelly of the Department of Transportation regarding milled asphalt, bridge replacement, and other transportation issues. He stated that Mr. Kelly suggested that the Board send a letter periodically to keep these issues on the minds of the DOT administration. Commissioner Merchant advised that Mr. Kelly had also reiterated the importance of good record keeping for all road related projects and maintenance, in the event that FEMA became involved later due to a disaster. Administrator Wood advised that the Emergency Management Director had met with the Road Foreman regarding the record keeping issue and provided forms that they would use on a daily basis.
Commissioner Music asked the Board
to allow the City of
Chairman Thomas advised that he had
talked with Richard Woodham, City of Bonifay Councilman, regarding a water
issue near CR #177. Several families
have a problem with oil in their water and the City of
Chairman Thomas advised that two graders recently had a problem with “running hot”. He stated that Mr. Hendrix, Shop Foreman, had found that the cause was the oil pan being encased with mud which could be eliminated if the pan was washed regularly. The Board agreed to send their foremen to the Shop on Monday for instructions regarding this issue. Discussion also included documenting this instruction and taking disciplinary action if this is not followed since the cost could be great to repair the damages.
Commissioner King offered a motion to adjourn with Commissioner Music offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
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Clerk Chairman