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BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE
May 14, 2002 5:30 P.M. Courthouse
MINUTES:
Members Present: Others Present: Others Present: Others Present: Others Present: Comm. Joyce Ealy Nancy Allen Angel McCloud Tracy Hill Bobby Page Comm. Paul Johnson Eloise Gaither Teena Sanders Mark King Whit Taylor Comm. Tina Jones Judge Royce Taylor Alan Miller Truman Jones Regina Nelson Comm. Robert Peay Judge David Loughry Lynn Duke Virgil Gammon Bob Asbury Comm. Steve Sandlin Judge Ben McFarlin Steve Smith Curtis Little Bryan Brooks Comm. Dwight Throneberry Wanda Watkins David Jones Eddie Bowman Paul Long Comm. Jimmy Evans, Chair. Bill Whitesell Tela Bayless John Brown Elaine Cawthon
Chairman Evans presided and called the meeting to order with all members being present.
APPROVE MINUTES:
The minutes of the May 2, 2002 meeting were presented for approval.
Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the minutes as presented.
The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.
RECOMMENDATION TO HIRE OUTSIDE INDEPENDENT AUDITOR:
Chairman Evans distributed a letter to County Executive Allen and the committee members requesting that the County Executive recommend to the full County Commission to consider hiring an outside independent auditor to be instructed to undertake the most comprehensive audit of county finances ever conducted. He stated there has never been a more critical time to be concerned about the county’s budget. He stated the county needs now, more than ever, the best accountability for the tax dollars.
The letter stated “the increasing uncertainty over the state’s deteriorating fiscal standing is putting a burden on counties and local municipalities to consider the prospect of taking added measures to ensure efficiency and accountability for all tax dollars collected and spent.”
Chairman Evans also recommended that additional measures be taken to put in place a confidential hotline to encourage county employees to report waste and abuse of government funds as it occurs.
Chairman Evans asked the County Executive what her opinion was of this suggestion.
She stated that since she had just received the letter she would like the opportunity to analyze it further, do some research as to what would be entailed in that process and report back to the committee with a final determination. She reported she has had some discussions with some other local entities that are doing this. She advised she would come back with a recommendation.
Chairman Evans stated he believed it was important to know if the County Executive was for or against the proposal.
She advised she would be glad to look at it, do some analysis as to the process, discuss it again with other entities and how their system works, analyze the cost, and bring that back with her recommendation at that time. She stated she would like the opportunity to review the information. She stated she believed there were some real assets in the letter, but would like the benefit of doing some analysis, how the process would work, and how it works in other communities she has already talked with. She stated she would be glad to bring that back to the committee.
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He stated he was not talking about a full time auditor, but he stated the county is in a situation this year that delays and studies could possibly hinder the ability to know exactly what the county has and where it is.
He stated he would like a simple yes or no.
County Executive Allen stated the committee has been presented with a very tight budget. She stated there would have to be some analysis of cost to get that accomplished and whether or not there would be the ability to fund that in the next budget year. She stated she would certainly look at that and bring some recommendation back to the committee. She stated it would have been beneficial to have it prior to the meeting in order to be able to do some research.
Chairman Evans asked with the Request for Proposal process what would be the timeframe involved taking on the task?
The County Executive stated an RFP would not necessarily have to be issued. She stated these are professional services. She stated there are several auditing firms that perform this function for municipalities and county government. She stated she could compile the information to see how they perform that by department and then what the cost would be and the timeframe to get that accomplished.
Chairman Evans stated while the State does a good job, they are having a difficult time on that level keeping their own house straight, and to depend fully on their audit concerns him.
Comm. Peay stated it seemed like the county would be getting the information late to help the county on some of the budget concerns this year. He stated it appeared the timing was a little bit off.
Comm. Ealy asked the Finance Director how comprehensive was the audit that is done on a regular basis?
The Finance Director stated the State is very thorough relative to financial and compliance audit work. He stated he did not believe there would be a better more comprehensive audit from that perspective. He stated if it is going to be looked at from the perspective of having an audit firm come in to look at how effectively the resources are managed, the State does not have the manpower to focus their attention on that aspect of auditing. He stated they basically look at the county’s stewardship and the accountability for the resources the county is provided, but not necessarily how efficient or economic the county is with those.
Comm. Ealy stated she thought the hotline was a good idea, and that this could be easily implemented.
Comm. Throneberry stated in the past, the Steering Committee discussed this several times. He stated he believed the idea of hiring an outside independent auditor was a good idea.
Following discussion, Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to direct the County Executive to begin the process of hiring an outside independent auditor to perform a comprehensive audit of county finances.
Comm. Sandlin stated this is the first time he has seen the letter. He stated he agreed with Comm. Peay that it was too late for an auditor to come in and do a comprehensive study during budget time. He stated he thought it would be too late for this year. He stated he was not saying that an outside opinion was not needed. He stated the county is restricted on the dollars it can spend. He stated the county could not keep taking it back to the homeowners every time or the builders every time. He stated the State is sending so many things to the local governments to take on. He stated the county is not for sure about those dollars. He stated at this time, he did not believe the outside audit would serve the county, but would be more of an expense. He also stated he believed the hotline was a good idea. He stated he did not believe this was the appropriate time to do this now.
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Chairman Evans stated his letter was not directed at any one person or department. He stated it was not intended to point the finger at anyone or tell anyone they are not doing a great job. He stated it was a very much-needed tool.
Comm. Jones stated this has been discussed for many years. She stated she believed any time is a good time for more accountability and efficiency when it comes to spending taxpayers dollars. She stated she believed it was a good idea, and she supported the motion.
Comm. Peay stated he would like some more information and what it was going to cost. He stated he would like to know how other counties are doing it, utilizing it, and how it is helping them. He stated he believed it would be pertinent to have that information. He stated he could not support the motion at this time. He stated that is not to say that after looking at it, he would not be in favor of it and support it.
Finance Director Paul Long stated one issue to consider if the County Executive is being directed to solicit proposals is that the scope of services has to be defined. He asked if the committee was talking about a comprehensive financial and compliance audit, or is the scope to be expanded to include performance audits of selected departments or all departments? He stated all of that would need to be defined when proposals are solicited.
Chairman Evans stated when he talks about reviewing performance, he is not talking about whether or not a position is necessary. He stated what he is talking about is how an individual operates and making suggestions that might help make it more efficient. He stated, in his opinion, he was talking about the full scope and combining the two just to make sure the county could get the most comprehensive audit for the taxpayer’s dollar.
Comm. Throneberry stated he believed the audit should be all inclusive of every department, and he clarified his motion to include that language.
Comm. Jones agreed to include that language in the second to the motion.
Following discussion, the motion to direct the County Executive to begin the process of hiring an outside independent auditor to conduct an audit of the county’s finances to include compliance, as well as efficiency and performance of all departments passed by roll call vote with Commissioners P. Johnson, Jones, Throneberry and Evans voting “yes”, and Commissioners Ealy, Peay and Sandlin voting “no”.
REVIEW PAY PLAN:
Finance Director Paul Long reminded the committee the pay increases that have been included in the 2002-2003 budget for all funds, with the exception of the Road & Bridge Fund, are based on a 3% index of the existing salary steps, with a few exceptions. The pay increases have been calculated to be effective July 1.
Mr. Long informed the committee that he believed by the time the Highway Department presents their budget, it will reflect the same 3% index of the existing steps.
Mr. Long provided a listing of the exceptions to the 3% increase as requested by the committee at the last meeting. The exceptions have been divided into two categories. The first group was listed as equity adjustments and was proposed either by the department heads or through the review of current salaries to make certain employees more equitable with other employees with similar levels of experience in the same positions. There are seven employees listed in this group.
The other group was listed as improvements. They consisted of either pay step increases or pay grade increases. They are not promotions, in terms of a position becoming vacant and an individual being moved into that position from a lower position. Mr. Long explained these positions are either not graded as high as was recommended in the budget currently, or the
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department head has requested that an additional ranking position be approved to address some manpower shortages they have in the command positions. There are 42 proposed improvements.
Mr. Long advised the increases that are reflected for these improvements provide for the additional increase above the 3% indexing that would otherwise occur. It also only reflects the increase in gross pay, not including benefits. Mr. Long advised the equity and pay improvements have already been included in the recommended budget.
The total pay improvements are $124,470. Comm. P. Johnson noted the benefits would be an additional $22,105 making the total $146,575.
Mr. Long reported some individual positions are being upgraded, and some Department Heads have requested the level of pay for their employees be increased, not necessarily because of equity, but simply because of the value of that employee to their program.
Comm. Sandlin noted some of the increases were significant. He stated a 3% raise across the board, should mean a 3% raise to every employee of the County. He stated the salary study has not done what he thought it was going to do. He stated there have been adjustments every year for something the commission thought was going to settle the problem.
The Finance Director stated this is not the first year this has happened. He stated it has happened almost every year since the County has had the pay plan. He stated there are some departments that have a tendency to request continual adjustments every year. He stated that has the potential to undermine the integrity of the pay plan to allow that to happen on an annual basis.
The Finance Director stated he believed the commission would forever see departments coming back with a request that certain positions be reviewed and possibly upgraded.
Chairman Evans stated it is important and less expensive to pay a little more to keep a good person. He stated he agreed with Comm. Sandlin. He stated the commission spent so much time on the salary study to try to make things equitable. He stated being fair and being equitable are two different things. He stated being equitable was the whole effort behind the study. He stated he believes everyone deserves as much as the county can pay them; however, he stated they still have to look within the realms of what is available and also what the county adopted. He stated they spent a lot of money and time adopting the pay plan. He stated it appeared to be a vicious cycle. He stated in believing to pay to keep good people. At the same time they have to be mindful and equitable when making the recommendations. He stated they are now considering going away from the anniversary date for raises and going to July 1, and there are some other things that will make some windfalls for employees. He stated they are doing their best to give a 3% across the board for everyone, and he believed that was an equitable situation.
Chairman Evans suggested action on the pay improvements be postponed and revisit it when they get toward the end of the General Fund.
Comm. Sandlin stated he believed it should be addressed as each department presents their budget.
The Finance Director stated the pay improvement was being presented as information only.
2002-2003 GENERAL FUND BUDGET REVIEW
CIRCUIT COURT:
Mrs. Eloise Gaither, Circuit Court Clerk addressed the committee regarding her 2002-2003 budget. The total budget being recommended is $342,250.
Mrs. Gaither advised she was satisfied with the recommendations of the County Executive. She did make the committee aware that the jury fees might be increased from $11 per day to $20 per
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day. She reported this has not been adopted by the State, yet, but if it is it will have to be amended later.
Comm. P. Johnson noted the recommended budget was the same as the 2001-2002 budget.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the 2002-2003 Circuit Court budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $342,250.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE:
Judge Royce Taylor addressed the committee regarding the 2002-2003 Circuit Court Judge budget. The total budget being recommended is $177,793.
Judge Taylor advised the major item to be addressed is regarding the Parenting Plan Coordinator. He reported he has requested this position in the last three budget cycles. He stated they have managed to find funding again for the position. The Administrative Office of the Courts has advised they will fund the position as a county employee and pay the County $43,818 for the next fiscal year, which includes salary and benefits. He advised this position started out as a pilot program and then became a statutory requirement.
County Executive Allen advised the position is not currently included in the budget, because notification of the funding had not been received at the time the budget was compiled. She reported she had just received the information today. The budget will be revised to reflect the one-year grant for the full amount.
County Executive Allen advised Account 790 for $19,395 is for the video cameras for added security in the judicial building, and it is being funded through the Development Tax.
Following discussion, Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the 2002-2003 Circuit Judge budget as revised to include the Parenting Plan Coordinator position and benefits to be funded from a grant to be received from the Administrative Office of the Courts to Rutherford County.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
GENERAL SESSIONS COURT:
Judge David Loughry, Judge Ben Hall McFarlin, and Mrs. Wanda Watkins presented the 2002-2003 General Sessions Court budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $722,380.
Judge Loughry advised the committee that Account 53300-719, Office Equipment, was requested at $11,229, and the County Executive’s recommendation was $10,100. He reported they were requesting a new copy machine for the Judicial Commissioners and two digital courtroom recorders. He reported their tape recorders are very old and can no longer be repaired. Judge Loughry advised the cost of the recorders is $3,029 each. He advised they also need a CD burner to transfer the recorded court proceedings to a CD. He advised that is approximately $200. He stated they need a total of $10,587 in Account 719, which is $487 more than the recommendation.
The County Executive advised the committee that she would like to review the General Sessions Court request.
The Finance Director advised there appeared to be enough money in Account 719 to purchase the digital recorders and the copy machine. He reported the department had originally requested $1,500 for miscellaneous office equipment, which is a recurring annual request for anything that might break down. However, those particular items no longer qualify as capital expenses. He reported that is why those items are no longer accounted for in Account 719. If those items, such Budget Minutes May 14, 2002 Page Six
as calculators, typewriters, etc., break down, they are considered a supply item and could be purchased from Account 435, Office Supplies.
Following discussion, Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-2003 General Sessions Court budget totaling $722,380.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
CHANCERY COURT:
There was no representative from Chancery Court present. The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-2003 Chancery Court budget totals $597,132.
Comm. P. Johnson noted the budget was only a $17,000 increase over the previous year, and that the increase was personnel related.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to accept the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-2003 Chancery Court budget totaling $597,132.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY:
Mr. Bill Whitesell, District Attorney, presented the 2002-2003 District Attorney budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $10,000.
Mr. Whitesell advised this request is for funds to match a federal grant, which the commission approved last year. He reported these funds pay the salary and associated costs for a child abuse and child sexual abuse prosecutor. He advised the grant is a four-year grant, and this will be the second year. He stated he was requesting the commission meet the local match of up to $10,000.
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the 2002-2003 District Attorney budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $10,000.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
YOUTH SERVICES:
Mrs. Angel McCloud, Youth Services Director, presented the 2002-2003 Youth Services budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $932,501.
Mrs. McCloud advised she had no disagreements with the County Executive’s recommendation.
Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the 2002-2003 Youth Services’ budget totaling $932,501.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
TRAFFIC CONTROL:
The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-2003 Traffic Control budget totals $13,172.
County Executive Allen advised this budget provided funding for electric bills for traffic lights related to Interstate 840, Walter Hill, and other traffic lights installed in the county.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the 2002-2003 Traffic Control budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $13,172. Budget Minutes May 14, 2002 Page Seven
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
CORRECTIONAL WORK CENTER:
Mr. Alan Miller, Correctional Work Center Superintendent, presented the 2002-2003 Correctional Work Center budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $1,796,407.
Mr. Miller advised the budget had been reviewed several times by the Public Safety Committee and the County Executive. He stated it is lean, but he believed he could live with it.
Comm. P. Johnson advised the budget reflected a 3.6% increase, and Mr. Miller originally requested a vehicle. The Public Safety Committee did not approve the request for the vehicle. He stated Mr. Miller does an exceptional job, and he believed he should be allowed to have the money to purchase a vehicle from the State contract with a transfer from the development tax.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the 2002-2003 Correctional Work Center budget revising it to add $20,000 for a vehicle to be purchased from the State contract and to be funded through the Development Tax.
Comm. Sandlin asked Mr. Miller to explain the need for the vehicle.
Mr. Miller advised the vehicle he would be requesting would be a mid-size sedan for staff to attend different functions. He reported he has staff members that need to attend training sessions in various parts of the state. He stated they did not have a vehicle to drive other than vehicles used to transport inmates. He explained he uses a surplus vehicle from the Emergency Management Department that has approximately 180,000 miles. He stated it was not serviceable outside the county. He advised they have been using their personal vehicles to attend different functions. He advised he has never asked for a mileage reimbursement.
Comm. Sandlin asked the County Executive what was the situation with the Sheriff’s Department and the vehicle relationship? He stated the Sheriff’s Department is going to be purchasing several new cars, with some older cars going off the road.
The County Executive advised when the Sheriff’s Department buys new vehicles, the high-mileage vehicles are shared with SRO’s, warrants, etc. She stated they could talk to the Sheriff to see if there would be an available vehicle. She stated if there was a vehicle with 180,000 miles that still would not help to meet the needs of the Workhouse Superintendent when there was travel involved.
Mr. Miller advised the new vehicle would not be specifically for his use, but for the use by the department. He stated he would use the vehicle if it was available, but if a staff member needed the vehicle, they would be able to use it first.
County Executive Allen reported the County does not have any pool cars. If the Finance Director, Workhouse Superintendent, Information Technology, etc., needed a vehicle, there were no available vehicles. Therefore, she stated vehicles are typically borrowed from her, Building Codes, or some other department that does have a vehicle. Potentially, she stated this car could be used as a pool car giving access to various departments when they need it for special trips.
Comm. P. Johnson stated he believed the Workhouse Superintendent needs a vehicle to do the job he does. He stated Juvenile Detention has a vehicle, and if they deserve a vehicle, then Mr. Miller deserves a vehicle.
Following discussion, the motion to approve the 2002-2003 Work Center budget as revised to add $20,000 for a vehicle to be purchased from the State contract and to be funded as a transfer from the Development Tax passed unanimously by roll call vote.
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Mrs. Lynn Duke, Juvenile Detention Center Director presented the 2002-2003 Juvenile Detention Center budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $725,730.
Mrs. Smith advised she was in agreement with the County Executive’s recommendation.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the 2002-03 Juvenile Detention Center budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $725,730.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT:
Mr. Steve Smith, Emergency Management Director, presented the 2002-03 Emergency Management budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $296,480.
Mr. Smith advised he had no budget requests outside the County Executive’s recommendation.
Mr. Smith advised Account 54430-799 for $45,000 would be used to replace and refurbish the repeaters for the two-way radio system. He stated these are not only used by his department, but they provide the radio communications for the volunteer fire departments throughout the county.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the 2002-2003 Emergency Management budget as recommended totaling $296,480.
Comm. Sandlin asked about the status of the storage building to house the emergency equipment.
County Executive Allen reported the building is still in the works, and that she might request that it be funded in the next borrowing.
Following discussion, the motion to approve the 2002-2003 Emergency Management budget as recommended totaling $296,480 passed unanimously by roll call vote.
BUILDING CODES DEPARTMENT:
Mr. David Jones presented the 2002-03 Building Codes budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $617,126.
Mr. Jones advised his budget consisted of a change in Account 719, Office Equipment, for a new copy machine, Account 334, Maintenance Agreements, for the maintenance agreement on the copy machine, and an addition to Account 718, Motor Vehicles for a new vehicle. He requested that the County Executive’s recommendation be considered.
Following discussion, Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the 2002-03 Building Codes budget as recommended by the County Executive.
Comm. P. Johnson noted his conflict of interest.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT, DENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM, OTHER LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES:
Mrs. Tela Bayless presented the 2002-03 budgets for the Local Health Center, Dental Health Program and the Other Local Health Services.
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The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-03 Local Health Center budget totals $549,140.
The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-03 Dental Health Program budget totals $42,392.
The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-03 Other Local Health Services budget totals $832,903.
Mrs. Bayless advised she was prepared to accept the County Executive’s recommendation on all three budgets. She pointed out that the budget for the Other Local Health Services requires no county funding and is entirely funded with State money.
Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the 2002-03 budgets for the Local Health Center totaling $549,140, the Dental Health Program budget totaling $42,392, and the Other Local Health Services budget totaling $832,903 as recommended by the County Executive.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
ANIMAL SERVICES:
Ms. Tracy Hill, Animal Services Director, presented the 2002-03 Animal Services budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $753,745.
Ms. Hill advised after several meetings with the County Executive, she was prepared to accept the County Executive’s recommendation, which contains one new full time employee to be funded for a half year, with the understanding that when the two new facilities are ready to open the County Commission will stand behind their promise and provide the additional staff necessary to operate the facilities.
Ms. Hill advised Account 718, Motor Vehicles, contained $19,000 to replace a current vehicle that has 190,000 miles.
Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the 2002-03 Animal Services budget as recommended by the County Executive.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
COMMUNITY CARE:
Mr. Mark King, Community Care Director, presented the 2002-03 Community Care budget. The County Executive’s recommendation is $50,000.
Mr. King advised this amount would be used for capital items.
Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the 2002-03 Community Care budget as recommended by the County Executive.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:
Chief Regina Nelson presented the 2002-03 Sheriff’s Department budget. The County Executive’s recommendation totals $10,222,693.
Chief Nelson advised the Sheriff’s Department would accept the County Executive’s recommendation.
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A discussion was held regarding the $500,000 in Account 718 Motor Vehicles. This will be funded through the Development Tax. It was reported the cost of the vehicles was about $27,000 each including equipment.
Account 425, Gasoline was also discussed. The Finance Director advised the gas bills are probably a month behind. The County Executive has recommended $250,000 for the Gasoline Account.
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the 2002-03 Sheriff Department’s budget as recommended totaling $10,222,693.
Comm. Sandlin questioned the Overtime Account.
Chairman Evans made the committee aware that the pay improvements and equity improvements had not been addressed at this point, and they would be reviewing them at a later time. He noted the Sheriff’s Department had several adjustments on the list.
Comm. P. Johnson noted that since 1999 over $2 million has been appropriated to purchase vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department. He stated he appreciated the Sheriff Department’s cooperation in delaying the vehicles for the 15 grant patrol deputies.
Following discussion, the motion to approve the 2002-03 Sheriff Department’s budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $10,222,693 passed unanimously by roll call vote.
SPECIAL PATROLS:
The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-03 Special Patrols budget totals $46,176.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the 2002-03 Special Patrols’ budget as recommended.
Finance Director Paul Long advised the committee it had been reported that this year’s budget would probably need amending, because the Federal Government is going to allow the service to be paid at the time-and-one-half rate. He stated this is for patrolling the Percy Priest Lake, and most of this service is performed above and beyond the normal tour of duty. He advised the request is going to go up by $8,000 plus benefits. He stated at some point in the process this would need to be adjusted depending on the request for the amendment this year. The Federal Government covers the salary cost, but not the benefits.
Following discussion, the motion to approve the 2002-03 Special Patrols budget as recommended totaling $46,176 passed unanimously by roll call vote.
JAIL:
The County Executive’s recommendation for the 2002-03 Jail budget totals $6,737,206.
Comm. P. Johnson questioned Account 499, Other Supplies & Materials. The Account was requested at $25,500, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $35,500.
County Executive Allen advised this had to do with the capitalization issue. She stated it contained items that were moved into Account 499 from some of the 700 object code numbers.
Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the 2002-03 Jail budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $6,737,206.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
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DRUG CONTROL FUND:
The projected revenue for the 2002-03 Drug Control Fund budget totals $536,000, and the County Executive’s recommendation for the expenditures total $535,837.
Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the projected revenue for the 2002-03 Drug Control Fund budget totaling $536,000, and the expenditures totaling $535,837 as recommended by the County Executive.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
SRO GRANT:
The SRO Grant is accounted for in Fund 121, Special Purpose Fund. Currently, the grant contains the five SRO’s that were approved last year. The 2002-03 SRO grant totals $204,088. The Sheriff’s Department will be applying for a grant for three new SRO’s. The new SRO’s will be assigned to Kittrell Elementary, Blackman Middle and Rock Springs Middle Schools.
The SRO currently assigned to Kittrell is on military leave. One of the new SRO’s will be assigned to Kittrell, and when the former SRO returns from military leave, the new SRO will be assigned to the new alternative school in Smyrna.
The Finance Director reminded the committee the three new SRO’s are not currently included in the 2002-03 budget. He advised when confirmation is received on the grant, adjustments will be made at that time. The SRO grant is 100% funded for personnel cost. It is a three-year grant.
Sgt. Phillip Martin advised it would probably be August or September before they would know if the new grant would be awarded for the three SRO’s.
Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the SRO grant totaling $204,088 and to approve the concept of funding three new SRO’s if the grant is awarded.
The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.
Comm. Jones noted the Budget Committee had just endorsed an additional $2.8 million for the Sheriff and Jail making a total of approximately $17 million.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to be presented at this time, Chairman Evans declared the meeting adjourned at 7:55 P.M.
___________________________________ Elaine Cawthon, Secretary
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