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BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Courthouse
MINUTES:
Members Present: Others Present: Others Present: Others Present: Comm. Bob Bullen Nancy Allen Steve Smith Sue O’Brien Comm. Anthony Johnson Evans Maples Angel McCloud Alan Farley Comm. Will Jordan Rev. Gardner Deb Partin Bob Shupe Comm. Robert Peay Alan Miller Elaine Cawthon Comm. Steve Sandlin Tommy Sanford Lisa Nolen Comm. Doug Shafer Regina Nelson Jeff Sandvig Comm. Joyce Ealy, Chm. Tracey Hill Jennifer Farish Other Interested Citizens
Chairman Ealy presided and called the meeting to order with all members being present.
APPROVE MINUTES:
The minutes of the May 1, 2003 were presented for approval.
Comm. Shafer moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan to approve the minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
INVESTMENT REPORT:
Mr. Evans Maples presented the monthly Investment Report for the information and use of the committee.
Mr. Maples, County Trustee advised that the current LGIP rate is 1.32%. Two events occurred during the month. Upon bidding, the County invested $5 million on April 14, 2003 with AmSouth for 90 days at 1.61% interest rate. On April 28, 2003, the county invested another $5 million with AmSouth for 90 days at 1.56% interest.
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the Investment Report as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
FUND CONDITION REPORT:
Ms. Elaine Cawthon, Deputy Finance Director, presented the Fund Condition Report for the month ending April, 2003.
Ms. Cawthon advised the Development Tax collections for the month totaled $396,000. The year-to-date collections are $3,301,500, which is ahead of projections. Year-to-date collections are still higher than in any year since the inception of the tax.
The total cash balances are $120,551,710 operating funds being $82,220,672 and borrowed funds being $38,331,038. The cash balances either meet or exceed what they were last year at this time. In regards to the insurance fund, the cash balance is $3,792,643. However, the 2 million dollar loan will be paid tomorrow. Ms. Cawthon noted all the funds which received bond proceeds.
Ms. Cawthon explained to the committee that fund 171-Lascassas Demolition, which has a cash balance of $75,870, will be used to pay the settlement and related court costs that was approved in the resolution prepared by the county attorney. The balance of this fund will be transferred to debt service.
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 2
Ms. Cawthon reviewed the summary of revenues and expenditures, and the statement of proposed operations through April 30, 2003. Additional information was included for the committee showing the required fund balance for the County General Fund, Debt Service Fund and the General Purpose School Fund.
Ms. Cawthon advised there are no other conditions to be reported at this time.
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to approve the Fund Condition Report as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENTS
PROPERTY ASSESSOR
Mr. Tommy Sanford, Property Assessor, requested approval of the following budget amendment for the Board of Equalization to pay for consultant and Legal services regarding the Bridgestone appeal. From: 101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $15,000 To: 101-51210-308 – Consultants - $15,000
Mr. Sanford stated that this lawsuit goes back to 1994. The county has been before the judge two times and has won. The suit is currently in appeal. Comm. Peay asked if they are currently paying their taxes. Mr. Sanford stated that for two years they just paid the undisputed amount, but because of publicity, they are currently paying the full amount. If the county loses the suit, then the county will have to pay the taxes back to Bridgestone.
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
ANIMAL SERVICES Ms. Tracey Hill, Animal Services Director, requested approval of the following budget transfer to provide adequate funding for the Overtime Pay Account and related benefits:
From: 101-55120-451 – Uniforms - 2,359
To: 101-55120-187 – Overtime Pay - 2,000 101-55120-201 – Social Security - 124 101-55120-204 – State Retirement - 205 101-55120-212 – Employer Medicare - 30
Ms. Cawthon asked about account 55120-451 and that there did seem to be enough funds to transfer out. Ms. Hill stated that she had a purchase order that could be liquidated so there would be funds available.
Comm. Jordan moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented, contingent on there being funds available in account 55120-451.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
CORRECTIONAL WORK CENTER Mr. Allen Miller, Correctional Work Center Superintendent requested approval of the following budget transfer to provide adequate funding for the Utilities Account for the remainder of the fiscal year:
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 3
From: 101-54220-422 – Food Supplies - $15,000 To: 101-54220-452 – Utilities - $15,000
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
AGRICULTURE EXTENTION
Ms. Cawthon requested approval for the Agriculture Extension Department of the following budget transfer to provide adequate funding for the Utilities Account for the remainder of the fiscal year: From: 101-57100-169 – Part Time Personnel - $5,000 To: 101-57100-452 – Utilities - $5,000
Comm. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
JUVENILE COURT Ms. Cawthon requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide additional funding for the Employee Insurance for Juvenile Court. An employee who left county employment was not on the County’s health insurance; however, the new employee has elected to participate:
From: 101-58600-205 – Employee Benefits - $490 To: 101-53500-205 – Employee & Dependent Insurance - $490
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Shafer, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Ms. Cawthon requested approval of the following budget amendment to adjust the amount of the for the HOME grant to the actual amount estimated to be received:
Increase Revenue: 101-47180 – Community Development - $19,463 Increase Expend.: 101-58190-310 – Contracts w/Other Public Agencies - $ 4,288 101-58190-399 – Other Contracted Svc. - 15,175
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
OFFICE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Ms. Allen presented a listing of telephone and computer related equipment that needs to be replaced due to damage sustained in the storm. Ms. Allen recommends that all costs related to the storm damage run through the OIT Department’s budget so that Brian Robertson can oversee the repairs and requests approval of the following budget amendment:
From: 101-39000 – Fund Balance - $36,000 To: 101-52600-709 – Data Processing Equipment $31,000 101-52600-411 – Data Processing Supplies 5,000
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote. Ms. Allen stated that the county’s insurance has a $100,000 deductible. Comm. Peay requested information on warranties related to the surge protectors.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT Ms. Regina Nelson requested approval of the following budget transfer to provide additional funding for prisoner extradition:
From: 101-54210-437 – Periodicals - $1,000 101-54110-312 – Contracts w/Private Agencies - 1,300 101-54110-340 – Medical/Dental Services - 1,700
To: 101-54210-354 – Transportation Other Than Students - $4,000
Ms. Cawthon asked if all the appropriations in account 54110-340 would be spent. Ms. Nelson stated that the nurse will be placing an order soon for the Hepatitis B shots.
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Ms. Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide estimated funds for the remainder of the year for Medical/Dental Services, Drugs/Medical Supplies, Food Supplies & Utilities:
From: 101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $220,000
To: 101-54210-340 – Medical/Dental Svc. - $ 50,000 101-54210-413 – Drugs/Medical Supplies - 40,000 101-54210-422 – Food Supplies - 80,000 101-54210-452 – Utilities - 50,000
Comm. Peay noted these expenses are out of the control of the commission and that we are required to pay these expenses.
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Ms. Nelson requested approval of the following budget transfer to cover the cost of a food conveyor. They could not acquire a Steam oven at the desired amount and the current food conveyor cannot be repaired:
From: 101-54210-437 – Periodicals - $400 To: 101-54210-710 – Food Service Equip. - $400
Comm. Jordan moved, seconded by Comm. Shafer, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 5
Ms. Nelson requested approval of the following budget transfer pay for graduation supplies and materials for the drug education program in elementary schools:
From: 122-54150-319 – Confidential Drug Enforcement - $4,000 To: 122-54150-499 – Other Supplies & Materials - $4,000
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented contingent on the appropriateness of paying these charges from the drug control fund.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Ms. Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide funding to cover the estimated custodial supplies for inmates:
From: 101-54210-437 – Periodicals - $ 700 101-54110-307 – Communications - 2,800 To: 101-54210-410 – Custodial Supplies - $ 3,500
Comm. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
JUVENILE COURT Ms. Angel McCloud, Youth Services Director, requested approval to re-apply for the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant. Ms. McCloud stated that part of the money would be used to continue funding the district attorney position and to provide money for software used in her office that is compatible with Detention Services.
Comm. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to grant permission to the Youth Services Director to apply for the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DRUG COURT Ms. Allen provided the committee with a written explanation of a Drug Court Enhancement Grant and explained that the Drug Court Coordinator is requesting approval to apply for the grant. This grant requires a 25% match and would be used to hire a full time Police Liaison, full time case manager and to potentially share a District Attorney with the Domestic Violence Coordinator. Ms. Allen noted that this would require additional space and funding. This is a 2-year $300,000 grant with a $100,000 match from the county. Ms. Allen is concerned that the county does not have a full year funded in the budget for the original grant (Byrne Grant), it is only funded through September. The enhancement grant can not be used to fund the original purpose. If they receive this grant, but not the Byrne Grant, then they may have to decline the enhancement. Ms. Allen stated that Ms. Schneider is also requesting additional space if she receives this grant.
After discussion, Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay, to grant permission to the Drug Court Coordinator to apply for the Drug Court Enhancement Grant.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
PUBLIC BUILDING AUTHORITY BI-PARTY AGREEMENT Comm. Ealy directed the committee to the minutes of the Property Management Committee. They have forwarded a request to the Budget Committee to modify the Bi-Party Agreement with the PBA to include $1,000,000 for the Correctional Work Center and $50,000 for the Juvenile Detention Center. Comm. Ealy related to the committee that the Chairman of Property May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 6
Management wanted to remind the Budget Committee that they have received the bond proceeds for these two projects. The Bi-Party agreement is currently with Matt Murfree and will be presented to the Public Building Authority on Tuesday. A copy of the revised agreement will be provided to the commissioners before the May Commission meeting. Ms. Cawthon noted that the professional fees for these projects will be capped at $300,000. The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Ms. Allen noted that the PBA cannot sign a contract for construction until the Commission funds the project. She noted that this authorizes the PBA to begin this project. Ms. Cawthon stated that once the design is done, then they will know how much additional funding will be needed.
Ms. Allen stated that the only thing that is changing in the contract is the scope of services and the dollar amount available.
Comm. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Shafer, to amend the Bi-Party Agreement.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
SENIOR CITIZEN FUNDING Ms. Deb Partin and Rev. Gardner addressed the committee on behalf of the county’s senior citizens. Rev. Gardner requested the committee to consider setting aside one penny of the tax rate to fund Senior Citizens. He stated that transportation is one of the biggest needs for the elderly. Ms. Partin noted that having available transportation helps the seniors be independent and perhaps more healthy. She stated that all members on the committee agree that funding transportation is the most important issue.
Ms. Partin presented a video depicting various seniors and highlighting their transportation needs. Comm. Shafer explained how beneficial transportation would be for Seniors. He noted that 65% of the seniors that use the services of the Senior Citizens are on fixed incomes. If the property tax rate goes up for Senior Citizens, then it hurts them more than the rest; however, if taxes must be raised for a reason, he recommends one cent of the property tax be used for Senior Citizens.
Comm. Johnson suggested moving some of the expenses in their own agencies budget to transportation. Comm. Jordan stated that the agency budgets have all been affected by cuts.
Ms. Allen noted that one option for the budget committee to consider is to purchase some vans for Mid-Cumberland Transportation from the development tax funds and specify that the vans only serve Rutherford County residents. Mid-Cumberland would receive matching funds from TDOT and could use the donation from Rutherford County to obtain additional funds.
Ms. Cawthon noted that the county is currently spending approximately ½ penny for senior citizen services already.
Ms. O’Brien stated that her center’s budget is still $81,000 under-funded.
SOLID WASTE & SANITATION
Ms. Cawthon requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide adequate funding for the Unemployment Compensation Account:
From: 116-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $3,000 To: 116-58600-210 – Unemployment Compensation - $3,000
Comm. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 7
RUTHERFORD COUNTY HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT Ms. Allen requested approval for Mr. Williams, Superintendent, of the following budget amendment to provide funding for a liability payment for an accident involving a county dump truck on April 16, 2002. The County is required to pay the deductible. Apparently a car pulled out in front of one of our vehicles.
From: 131-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $26,000 To: 131-65000-506 – Liability Insurance - $26,000
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Shafer, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Health & Education Committee has forwarded to the Budget Committee approval of the budget allocation for LaVergne Middle School for $5,060,000 with $375,118 for architect, $125,000 for engineering, $3,889,882 for construction and $670,000 for site development. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Sandvig stated that he expects to spend down the $5 million by the end of July. Ms. Cawthon asked how he expected to pay expenses until monies are borrowed to fund the balance of the project in the spring. Mr. Sandvig noted that they have awarded the contract and negotiated with the low bidder. The contract is now somewhat below $13 million. Mr. Sandvig stated that the first $5 million will be used for the grading and foundation. If they are able to work through the summer, then they believe the school will be ready by next August.
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson to approve the budget amendment as presented for LaVergne Middle School totaling $5,060,000.
Comm. Sandlin stated he did not want to approve only a piece of it, but felt they should have a plan in place to fund the entire project. Comm. Bullen asked what is wrong with going to the market in the fall. Ms. Allen stated that the financial advisors stated it was best to only go to the market once a year. Mr. Sandvig suggested using cash on hand from other projects, loan from GPS fund after the BEP monies arrive, or obtain a bond anticipation note to pay expenditures until they received funds from the next bond issue in the Spring of 2004. Ms. Cawthon stated she would again check with the financial advisors. Ms. Allen stated that this might be the time to look at the variable rate issue. Mr. Sandvig stated he would need 4-7 million before April, 2004.
After discussion, Comm. Bullen withdrew his motion and Comm. Johnson withdrew his second.
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Bullen, that this issue be discussed during the joint committee meeting scheduled on Friday, May 9, 2003.
The motion passed by acclamation.
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of a School Building Program amendment for Phase III to amend $778 from equipment and technology funds from Siegel Middle School and transfer to Middle School Fire Marshal repairs. He also requests the transfer available funds from Wilson Elementary and Blackman Elementary to elementary fire marshal repairs and for a playground.
Increase: 2001-2002 Middle School Improvement 189-91300-707 Building Improvement $778
Decrease: Siegel Middle School: 189-91300-722 Equipment $135 189-91300-722-TEC Technology 533 189-91300-799 Other Capital Outlay 110
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 8
Increase: 2001-2002 Elementary School Improvement 189-91300-707 Building Improvement-Playground $16,419 189-91300-707 Building Improvement-Fire Marshall Repairs 2,044
Decrease: Blackman Elementary 189-91300-711 Furniture $349 189-91300-722 Equipment 107 189-91300-722 Technology 94 189-91300-799 Other Cap. Outlay 37 189-91300-724 Site Development $7,764
Decrease: Wilson Elementary 189-91300-722 Equipment $ 354 189-91300-722 Technology 542 189-91300-799 Other Capital Outlay 333 189-91300-724 Site Development 8,883
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to approve the budget amendments as presented.
Motion passed by roll call vote.
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of an appropriation of $800,000 for Central Middle School repair and renovation work to be performed this summer. Ms. Nolen presented available sources of funds within the building program to help pay for this request. Mr. Sandvig interjected that the bids for the HVAC systems were higher than anticipated. The school board may have to delay one of the projects so that the others could be fully funded. Comm. Bullen suggested the Board of Education re-bid the HVAC systems.
Comm. Peay suggested that the furniture and equipment, totaling $285,000, not be included in the funding. He felt that repairs to the structure was more important than the furniture. To fund the balance of $515,000, the following suggestion was made.
Decrease: Rock Springs Middle and Blackman Middle Furniture & Equipment $126,000 2002 High School Improvement Oakland/Riverdale HVAC 249,416 LaVergne HS (roof) 9,917 2003 Elementary Improvement 129,667
Increase: Central Middle Building Improvement $515,000
Comm. Jordan moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment as presented, contingent upon the Board of Education’s approval.
Motion passed upon roll call vote.
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide funding for the 30% increase for the Board’s portion of medical insurance that became effective April 1, 2003:
From: 141-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance - $820,000 To: All Departments throughout the General Purpose Budget - $820,000
Comm. Shafer moved, seconded by Comm. Jordan, to approve the budget amendment as presented. Comm. Ealy noted her conflict of interest as being a Board of Education employee.
The motion passed by roll call vote.
May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 9
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following budget amendment for the General Purpose School Fund to purchase three vehicles from State Drivers’ Education Funds.
From: 141-34340 – Reserve for Drivers’ Education - $106.733 To: 141-71100-599 – Other Charges - $106,733
Comm. Shafer moved, seconded by Comm. Bullen to approve the budget amendment as approved.
The motion passed by roll call vote.
Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following budget amendment to record the additional $3,525 in revenue received for hosting the MTSU Vocational Education Conference:
Increase Revenue: 141-46790 – Other Vocational - $ 3,525
Increase Expend.: 141-71300-189 – Other Salaries/Wages - $ 9,470 141-71300-201 – Social Security - 587 141-71300-204 – State Retirement - 957 141-71300-212 – Employer Medicare - 137 141-71300-599 – Other Charges - 3,502
Decrease Expend.: 141-71300-429 – Instr. Supplies/Mat. - 11,128
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Bullen, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed by roll call vote.
DEBT SERVICE FUND
Ms. Cawthon requested approval of the following budget amendment to recognize the revenue and expenditures relative to the refunding of the 1997 Notes.
Increase Revenue: 151-49400 – Proceeds of Refunding Bonds - $7,534,395 Increase Expend.: 151-99300-699 – Other Debt Issuance - $7,534,395
Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Peay, to approve the budget amendment as presented.
The motion passed by roll call vote.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
Mr. Steve Smith and Jo Anne Robichaud provided the committee with information on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant. This is a federal grant which requires a 25% match. The estimated amounts for eligible residences within Rutherford County are: $1,856,775 federal and $618,925 local for a total of $2,475,700. Mr. Smith noted that the program is voluntary on the part of the property owner. Ms. Robichaud stated that they have contacted the 35 affected property owners in the Greenwood and Twin Oaks subdivision and that there were 20 respondents. One criterion for eligibility is water has to have been in the living space. The grant is an acquisition and demolition project. This eliminates the repetitive flooding issues. Mr. Smith requested approval to apply for the FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant.
Comm. Jordan asked if the county Highway Department could demolish the houses and use the county landfill to discard the waste, then use this cost as an in-kind match. Ms. Allen stated that all the items in the house could not be used in the Class C & D landfill. Ms. Allen is concerned of the amount of staff time to supervise the work. Comm. Peay questioned if we could obtain permits to burn the houses. May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 10
Mr. Smith noted that the land will ultimately become property of the county. Mr. Smith stated that another test that the county must pass is that the action by the county should be a solution to the problem and not cause another problem. Ms. Robichaud stated you can use the property for agriculture, recreation, other, vacant land, park or wetland.
After discussion, Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Johnson, to grant approval to apply for the FEMA Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant and if awarded the grant, fund the county’s match with development tax proceeds.
The motion passed by roll call vote.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE
Mr. Shupe noted that they just completed the re-bid process of the employee medical insurance program. The insurance committee received nine bids. The county is currently with PHCS (Private Health Care Systems). Having been with that network, employees were able to use St. Thomas, Baptist, Middle Tennessee and Vanderbilt facilities. On July 1, all the HCA facilities will drop out of PHCS. The committee will have to decide to either stay with PHCS or go with the community PPO. An alternative is the positive choice network. With this, the employee can decide which network they want to be with (TNHC or PHCS). Mr. Shupe would like to see the competition between the networks. The employee would choose a network July 1st, and possibly again later during the open enrollment held during September. Comm. Peay asked if there was a difference in cost. Mr. Shupe stated there is no difference in the plan; more importantly it is who is in the network. There is a slight difference in what the county pays in fixed costs per month per employee (about $2/employee).
Comm. Sandlin expressed his concern about the overall costs the county is bearing for employee insurance.
Ms. Allen stated that only the county commission can change the plan document which provides the coverage.
Mr. Shupe discussed a personal care account program. He discussed the possibility of the county funding $500 per employee or $1,000 per family in an account yearly. The employee can use 100% of these funds for medical needs (excluding drugs). Raising the deductible is the next component-$1,000 per employee/$2,000 for the family. Once the deductible is reached then the plan pays as it always has. This is popular, because if the money is not used in the personal care account, it is rolled into the next year. This gives the employees an incentive to question unnecessary tests. He noted that there would be an increase in the fixed cost to administer this plan. This was bid out and is really an implementation question…when would you do this. The insurance committee discussed moving forward with this in January, 2004. Mr. Shupe suggested addressing the department heads with a information about how to reduce cost. He stated that 85% of the monies paid to the insurance fund is not going to insurance companies but is paid straight to hospitals, doctors and drug companies.
Comm. Peay suggested setting up our own facility. Mr. Shupe stated that there are companies that could do that but there would be upfront investments, but with spending over $20 million dollars, that is an option. Nissan has been successful in implementing an in-house pharmacy.
Comm. Jordan asked if any county has looked at giving employee’s money and let them buy their own insurance.
Mr. Shupe also suggested a concept where the employees design their own plan. With computer software, the employees choose the type of coverage and deductible they wish to have. Once choices are made, the system would provide the cost of the choices to the employee.
After discussion, Comm. Peay moved, seconded
by Comm. Johnson to approve the Positive Choice Network, remain with William C.
Beeler as the third party administrator, and allow Beeler to attempt to place
the reinsurance with Pacific Life. If any changes are made then the reinsurance
will be awarded to United HealthCare. May 8, 2003 6:00 P.M. Page 11
The motion passed by unanimously by roll call vote.
Comm. Shafer stated at all commissioners and employees need to be educated to improve the health care expenses. Ms. Allen stated that she will map out the strategy with Mr. Shupe to meet with all departments. Mr. Shupe stated that the meetings would need to be mandatory.
MISCELLANOUS
Comm. Ealy provided the committee with a memo from the county attorney discussing the subdivision drainage easement book. No action is necessary; it is only for information purposes.
Ms. Cawthon provided the committee with the final request for payment from the Hardaway Construction Corp. of Tennessee for the LaVergne Library. She noted that there were savings in the amount of $22,480.93.
Mr. Alan Farley addressed the committee. He noted that there are currently 49 local governments with entities that have contracted with individuals to represent them at the state capital. He proposes to contract with the county to assist the county in acquiring additional funding and alternative funding and represent the county before the state legislature on issues that affect Rutherford County. He believes that there are funds available and that he could help the county cut through the red tape and obtain those funds for Rutherford County. He stated he would not be working for any competing government. His fee would be $2,500 per month and the cost of his travel would be negotiable. He believes that the potential funding the county could receive as a result of his lobbying efforts would far exceed the cost of his services. However, he offers no guarantees. He would expect to work directly with the department heads and the grant coordinator. He thinks he would cause the county to be more successful in obtaining grants because he would meet face-to-face with the legislature and the congress and express to them the needs of Rutherford County.
After discussion, Comm. Bullen moved, seconded by Comm. Peay, to accept Mr. Farley’s proposal for $2,500 per month with Mr. Farley bearing the cost of any travel.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
FINANCE DIRECTOR Comm. Ealy stated that she has talked to the County Attorney and the Human Resource Director in regards to the advertisement of the finance director position. She has been assured that the County does not incur any exposure as a result of the advertisement. She encourages all the commissioners to work through the process.
There being no further business to be presented at this time, Chairman Ealy declared the meeting adjourned at 10:55 P.M.
___________________________________________ Lisa A. Nolen, Secretary
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