Special Session/Budget Workshop
The Holmes County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on the above date with the following members present: Commissioner Ron Monk, Commissioner Kenneth Williams, Commissioner Jim King, and Commissioner Monty Merchant, Chairman of the Board.
Mr. Brandon Young,
Alice Vickers, Deputy Clerk, was present and kept the minutes.
Chairman Merchant opened the meeting with prayer and led the pledge.
Clint Erickson, 911 Coordinator, spoke with the Board regarding the wiring for the 911 backup system located at the New Hope Fire Station which was discussed at the previous meeting. He clarified that after further investigation, it was determined that the wiring was correct but the plugs that were installed were not correct. He further advised that Pat’s Electric had changed the plugs and everything was now according to the specs. Commissioner Williams reiterated that Mr. Erickson should always have written specifications when requesting quotes for a job.
Keith Goddin of the Sheriff’s Department spoke with the Board regarding courthouse security. He advised that the courthouse presently does not have a security system and at the request of the Judges and the Clerk, he was presenting a three part system for the Board’s consideration. Part I would consist of a metal detector at the front door of the courthouse which would require the employment of two additional deputies. The metal detector would be funded by a grant but the salaries, benefits, and supplies for the deputies would be funded by the County through an $86,242 addition to the Sheriff’s budget. Part II would consist of the installation of “panic buttons” throughout the offices in the courthouse. When the button was pressed, a message would break into the Sheriff’s radio system advising them of the need for assistance at that location. The “panic button” system could be purchased for $10,645 from “Courthouse Facilities” funds with a grant providing funding for the updated repeater system for the Sheriff’s Department radio system. Part III would secure all outside access doors with the exception of the front door of the courthouse at a cost of $8,961.57. This would only be necessary if Part I was implemented and would also be funded by “Courthouse Facilities” revenues. Cody Taylor, Clerk discussed the importance of providing a safe place for the public to conduct business as well as a safe workplace for employees. The Board discussed the additional costs for personnel to implement Parts I and III and agreed to review the budget before making a decision. Ms. Lori Patterson also spoke regarding this issue. No action was taken.
(Quotes)
The Board discussed the proposed
budget and agreed to try to balance using 9.5 mills. Commissioner King
suggested cutting each department back to last year to try to balance. Cody
Taylor, Clerk, advised that in the absence of a
Cody Taylor, Clerk, advised the Board of a change in the Florida Statutes regarding the investment interest he has historically received from the Board. He asked the Board to approve Resolution 09-10 which would allow the Clerk to continue to receive the General Fund interest from the investment of County funds for the purpose of funding his office. He also advised that he would continue to return any unused interest at the end of the year as he has done in the past. Commissioner King offered a motion to approve Resolution 09-10 with Commissioner Williams offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
(Resolution 09-10)
Cody Taylor, Clerk, also discussed the possibility of receiving a percentage of administrative fees on grants that the Board receives in the future due to the extra work required by his office. He advised that he would bring this to their attention for action when an eligible grant was acquired.
The Board discussed the possibility of financing equipment purchases for the Road Department. Cody Taylor, Clerk, advised that each company submitting a bid for the equipment would include financing options and that his office would also seek bids for financing from other sources. He further advised that interest rates are very low at the present time.
Mr. Jason Powell spoke with the Board regarding installing a water line under Highway #173. He stated that he had spoke with Commissioner Music and had been given permission to cut the road and install the line. He stated that he was starting the work when David English, Road Foreman for District 3, advised that he should come discuss this with the Board. Commissioner King stated that cutting the road would cause a permanent dip because the correct compaction could not be achieved in such a small area. Mr. Powell advised that Commissioner Music had indicated that the road was old and would soon be repaved. He further advised that he would be responsible for maintaining this area to prevent a dip from occurring. Chairman Merchant stated that County policy required the line to be buried at least four feet deep and that a utility permit should be obtained from the Road Department. Commissioner Williams offered a motion to allow him to continue with cutting the road after obtaining the required permit from the Road Department. Commissioner Monk offered a second. Commissioners Williams, Monk, and Merchant voted yes with Commissioner King voting no. The motion passed.
The following cuts were made to the General Fund proposed budget:
Clerk to Board $ 25,000
Clerk – Recording $ 30,953
Tax Collector – Equipment $ 5,669
Circuit Judge $ 7,960
Sheriff $323,090
Judicial $ 12,667
Public Defender $ 3,167
Supervisor of Elections $ 7,387
Emergency Medical Services $ 35,000
Extension Service $ 8,056
Agri-Center $ 900
Fire Control $ 55,700
Development Commission $ 13,147
Library $ 15,349
Capital Improvements $ 50,000
Miscellaneous $102,152
The following additions were made to the General Fund budget:
Medical Examiner $ 302
The following cuts were made to the Transportation Trust Fund budget:
Repair & Maintenance $ 20,000
Gas, Oil $ 53,550
Road Materials & Supplies $ 70,000
Bridge Materials $ 10,000
Improvements (Building) $ 3,000
New Equipment – Inmate $ 5,000
Employee Raise $ 35,500
The Board discussed the Building Department budget deficit. The proposed budget will require a County subsidy of $16,369 due to a decline in building activities. Discussion included changing one full-time secretary back to part-time, cutting working hours for both secretaries, or possibly using Planning Department funds to subsidize since Building Department personnel are now assisting with planning. No action was taken.
Commissioner Kenneth Williams stated that he had attended a meeting that was held with Mr. Tony Arrant regarding the Evaluation and Appraisal Report (EAR) and the Comprehensive Plan. He advised that an agreement had been reached regarding the completion of the EAR and that Attorney Brandon Young would be preparing a contract for the Board’s approval. Cody Taylor, Clerk, stated that Mr. Arrant will complete the EAR for an additional $10,000 after the Board holds a public hearing to rescind a prior ordinance pertaining to Canopy Crossing which conflicts with the EAR.
Mr. Jerome Szczecot,
Emergency Medical Director, discussed the proposed budget for the
The Board discussed the Recycling Department which is funded by the Solid Waste Grant. The 2009-10 grant is reduced from $277,316 to $78,787. Discussion included possibly transferring personnel to other departments if openings become available, reducing the hours that the Recycling Center is open, eliminating the Litter Control position, and eliminating or reducing the cardboard pickup route. The County has $62,000 which has been generated by the Center that is available to subsidize the grant. This would allow a budget of $140,787 for 2009-10 to operate the Center and to fund the required testing and analysis to be done at the Landfill. No action was taken.
The Board discussed the Planning & Zoning budget. Discussion included possibly utilizing these funds to pay for the required Comprehensive Plan update.
Commissioner King informed the Board that the restrooms at the County parks were unsanitary. Discussion included possibly closing or bull dozing them down. No action was taken at this time.
Commissioner King advised that there was friction at the Road Department between the Supervisor and two mechanics. He further advised that the County may lose two good mechanics because of this problem. No action was taken.
The Board discussed the previous
action to set the proposed millage at 10 mills. Cody Taylor, Clerk, advised that
Commissioner Monk offered a motion to adjourn with Commissioner King offering a second. The motion passed unanimously.
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Clerk Chairman