Final 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.
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 millage rate and final budget for 2008-09. Chairman Thomas stated that the rolled-back rate is 10.2573 and that the percentage decrease in the millage over the rolled-back rate is 7.38. He asked for public input with no one responding. Commissioner Music offered a motion to adopt Resolution #08-11, setting the millage rate at 9.5. Commissioner Merchant offered a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution #08-11)
Chairman Thomas read the list of proposed changes to the tentative budget. He also advised that a 2% salary increase for employees had been negotiated and should be added. Commissioner King offered a motion to approve the list of changes with Commissioner Music offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(List of Changes)
Commissioner Music offered a motion to adopt Resolution #08-12, adopting the final budget for 2008-09. Commissioner King offered a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution #08-12)
Mr. Bob Jones of Jones, Phillips,
& Associates, advised the Board that he is applying for a CDBG grant for
the City of
The Board discussed a 911 grant application submitted by Clint Erickson for a “net clock”. Commissioner Merchant offered a motion to table this until Mr. Erickson could be
contacted for further information. The motion died for lack of a second. Further analysis of the application indicated that the “net clock” is software that will provide a date and time stamp on recorded messages, which will enhance retrieval of the files. Commissioner Williams offered a motion to approve the grant application with Commissioner Music offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Grant Application)
The Board discussed a 911 grant application for travel expenses to attend the Fall 911 Conference. Commissioner Music offered a motion to approve the application with Commissioner Merchant offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Grant Application)
Commissioner Merchant asked that more information be provided to the Board in advance of the meeting for all future applications.
Commissioner Music asked for permission to allow a “one-time courtesy grade” up to the residence of Calvin Blount, a Hospice care patient, so that the ambulance could have easier access. Commissioner Williams offered a motion to allow this with Commissioner King offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Brenda Rogers, Secretary for the Gritney Fire Department, reminded the Board of the Department’s request to fuel up at the County tanks this next fiscal year. Chairman Thomas advised that Administrator Wood was checking with the State regarding this issue and would have an answer soon.
Mrs. Susan Harris, Library Director, asked if the Board had made a decision about the raises that had been requested for Library employees. Chairman Thomas advised that the Board had approved a 2% and is waiting for information regarding a cut to the Library Grant before approving any additional raise over this amount.
Mr. Wayne Powell advised the Board that employees are using ambulances to run personal errands such as going to restaurants and the bank. He stated that with the high cost of fuel, he feels this practice should not be allowed. The Board advised that they would address this issue.
Commissioner Music offered a motion to adjourn with Commissioner Merchant offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
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Clerk Chairman