BUDGET

BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

May 15, 2001 5:30 P.M. Courthouse

MINUTES:

Members Present: Others Present: Others Present: Others Present:

Comm. Jerry Baxter Nancy Allen Ben Mankin Merry Hickerson

Comm. Joyce Ealy Jim Cope Mike Payne Jeff Sandvig

Comm. Joe Frank Jernigan Hooper Penuel Susan Boney Bryan Brooks

Comm. Paul Johnson Linda Vincion Tommy Sanford Paul Long

Comm. Tina Jones Jennifer Gerhart Evans Maples Elaine Cawthon

Comm. Dwight Throneberry John Davis Georgia Lynch

Comm. Jimmy Evans, Chair. Del Corbitt Becky Smith

Brian Robertson Mike Williams

Chairman Evans presided and called the meeting to order with all members being present.

2001-2002 GENERAL FUND BUDGET

COUNTY COMMISSION:

Finance Director Paul Long reported there was no change in the County Commission 2001-2002 budget from the current year. The request totals $210,250, and the County Executive’s recommendation also totals $210,250.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the 2001-2002 County Commission budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

COUNTY EXECUTIVE:

Chairman Evans reported the County Executive’s request totals $250,897, and the recommendation is for $251,449.

County Executive Allen reported the slight increase is due to the salary adjustments.

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the 2001-2002 County Executive’s budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

HUMAN RESOURCE DEPARTMENT:

County Executive Allen advised included in the budget for next year is a position for a Human Resource Director and a secretarial assistant. She stated she believed this is something the county needs, since Rutherford County is now the fifth largest county in the State of Tennessee.

Chairman Evans reported the request totals $114,030, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $110,790.

Comm. P. Johnson wanted to know who would be involved in the selection process.

The County Executive advised the position would be advertised, and she would hire the Human Resource Director. The Human Resource Director would then hire the administrative assistant. She advised she would ask the head of the Insurance Department and the Finance Director to sit in on the initial interviews. She stated she would then make a final decision as a result of the second interview.

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jernigan to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Human Resource budget of $110,790 with the stipulation that the

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Two

Budget Chairman be included in the interview/selection process of the Human Resource Director, along with the County Executive, Insurance Department Head, and the Finance Director.

County Executive Allen stated she welcomed the opportunity for all of the individuals to be involved in the process of analyzing the candidates. She stated she believed that it was important for the ultimate decision to be made by the County Executive, since the individual would answer to her on a day-to-day basis.

Comm. P. Johnson stated he believed there should be some dialogue among the selection members, and that there should be a consensus for the right person, at the right place, for the right position.

County Executive Allen advised Comm. Jones previously had requested a list of department heads and constitutional officers who would utilize the Human Resource Department, and that she would have the list available at the meeting on May 16.

Comm. Jones asked if the Human Resource budget could be deferred until May 16.

Comm. P. Johnson agreed to withdraw the motion, and Comm. Jernigan agreed to withdraw the second to the motion so that the item could be reviewed at the meeting on May 16.

COUNTY ATTORNEY:

Mr. Jim Cope, County Attorney, was present to answer questions relative to the 2001-2002 County Attorney budget. The request totals $190,578, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $190,537.

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 County Attorney budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

ELECTION COMMISSION:

Mr. Hooper Penuel, Election Registrar, and Mrs. Linda Vincion, were present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Election Commission budget. The request totals $535,093, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $494,066.

Mr. Penuel advised he accepted the County Executive’s recommendation.

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the County Executive’s recommendation totaling $494,066 for the 2001-2002 Election Commission budget.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mrs. Jennifer Gerhart, Register of Deeds, was present to answer questions from the committee. The request totals $197,831, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $149,750.

Mrs. Gerhart requested the following adjustments: Account 196, In-Service Training, from $950 to $350; Account 355, Travel, from $1,000 to $300; Account 709, Data Processing Equipment, from $50,000 to $68,796; Account 711, Furniture & Fixtures, from $2,000 to $4,000; and Account 719, Office Equipment, from $1,000 to $300. The total budget requested was $168,546. She advised this had been discussed with the County Executive, and the County Executive agreed.

Mrs. Gerhart reported the biggest adjustment to the Data Processing Equipment would come from data processing fees the Register of Deeds’ Office collects.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Three

The Finance Director advised the Register has a reserve for data processing in the General Fund of approximately $35,000. He stated this would result in a reduction in the reserve. He explained the expense for the data processing equipment would be a one-time expense. He reported he would have some information at the next meeting to show how much would be coming out of the reserve.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the 2001-2002 Register of Deeds budget as amended totaling $168,546.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

PLANNING DEPARTMENT:

Mr. John Davis, Planning Director, and Mr. Del Corbitt, County Engineer, were present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Planning Department budget. The request totals $527,268, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $503,203.

Mr. Davis advised he agreed with the County Executive’s recommendation with the exception of Account 196, In-Service Training. He requested that $1,500 be restored to this account. He reported next year there would be more of a burden on the training with the implementation of the G.I.S.

County Executive Allen advised that some of the money had been reallocated to the Geographic Information System budget. She stated she has attempted to identify the cost related to G.I.S. through the Property Assessor’s budget, the Planning budget, and the Information Technology budget.

Mr. Davis expressed concern that his office might not have access to those training funds for G.I.S.

The County Executive stated the funds had been placed there for that purpose.

Mr. Brian Robertson explained to the committee that there is $4,000 in the G.I.S. budget for training. He advised that $2,000 of this money is to be used by the Planning Department and $2,000 is to be used by the Property Assessor’s Department. Mr. Robertson reported there were G.I.S. funds in the Property Assessor’s budget, the Planning Department budget, and in the Information Technology budget. He stated it was recommended to the County Executive that she consider consolidating those funds into a separate category for budgetary purposes.

The County Executive stated the in-service training money for the Planning Department individual responsible for G.I.S. is included in the Geographic Information System budget. She stated the question is if the $5,000 remaining in the Planning Department budget is sufficient for the County Engineer’s training and the other employees who need training. It was pointed out the original request was for $7,500, and that $2,000 has been transferred to the Geographic Information System budget to be utilized by the Planning Department for G.I.S. training. The County Executive has recommended $5,000 for the Planning Departments In-Service Training, which is a net reduction of $500.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Planning Department budget totaling $503,203.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

ENVIRONMENTAL:

County Executive Allen reported the Codes Compliance-Environmental budget supplies a secretarial position for the Environmental Department. The request totals $33,281, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $33,640.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Environmental budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Four

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM:

Mr. Brian Robertson, Director of Information Technology, was present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Geographic Information System budget. The County Executive has recommended the new category in the budget totaling $79,110.

Mr. Robertson advised the G.I.S. funds, which initially appeared throughout the budget, has been separated out to create a new category. He explained that approximately $40,325 was actually allocated in the other budgets originally. He stated he believed this would be a better way to track the G.I.S. expenditures. The major expense is Account 317, Data Processing Services. He reported $20,000 of this amount would be paid to Wiser & Company to complete the G.I.S. parcel information.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation of $79,110 for the 2001-2002 Geographic Information System budget.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY:

Mr. Brian Robertson answered questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Information Technology budget. The request totals $522,662, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $510,072.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Information Technology budget as presented.

Mr. Robertson reported the decrease from last year’s budget is due to the video production system not being in the budget again. That was a one-time cost. Mr. Robertson also noted, at the time he submitted the budget to the County Executive, his office had not been asked to tape the Budget Committee meetings. He made the committee aware this line item might have to be amended next year if the Budget Committee meetings are taped again.

Following discussion, the motion to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Information Technology budget totaling $510,071 passed unanimously by roll call vote.

COUNTY BUILDINGS:

Mr. Ben Mankin, Maintenance Supervisor, was present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 County Buildings budget. The request totals $1,026,442, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $1,002,927.

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 County Buildings budget as presented.

The Finance Director reported a purchase order has not been issued for the work on the courthouse exterior at this point.

Following discussion, the motion to approve the 2001-2002 County Building budget totaling $1,002,927 passed unanimously by roll call vote.

COMMUNITY LEARNING:

Dr. Michael Payne, Director of the Community Learning Center, was present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Community Learning budget. The request totals $178,199, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $172,718.

Dr. Payne reported he accepted the County Executive’s recommendation.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Five

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Community Learning Center budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

ARCHIVES:

County Executive Allen presented the 2001-2002 Preservation of Records (Archives) budget. The request totals $29,271, and the County Executive’s recommendation also totals $29,271.

The County Executive advised the budget reflects the relationship with Middle Tennessee State University and students who assist the county with archives. She reported the budget reflects a potential estimated increase in terms of tuition.

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Archives budget totaling $29,271.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

INSURANCE DEPARTMENT:

Mrs. Susan Boney, Insurance Department Supervisor, was present to answer questions regarding the 2001-2002 Insurance Department budget. The request totals $164,534, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $169,546.

Mrs. Boney informed the committee the budget includes a new position.

County Executive Allen advised part of the increase is related to the salaries and the pay plan. She also advised the Insurance budget is entirely funded through the Employee Health Insurance Fund and the Worker’s Compensation Fund.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Insurance Department budget totaling $169,546.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

FINANCE DEPARTMENT:

The Finance Director presented the 2001-2002 budget for the Finance Department. The request totals $647,700, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $657,828.

Mr. Long reported the increase in the budget is related to the equity adjustments made to the pay plan. He also advised there is a slight increase in the hourly rate for the part-time employees who work in the Inventory Control section.

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Finance Department budget totaling $657,828.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION:

Mr. Tommy Sanford, Property Assessor, presented the 2001-2002 Board of Equalization budget. The request totals $105,838, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $80,838.

Mr. Sanford advised he accepted the County Executive’s recommendation. He reported the Bridgestone appeal would be coming up, and the City Center appeal would be heard at the end of the month.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Six

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Board of Equalization budget totaling $80,838.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

PROPERTY ASSESSOR:

Mr. Tommy Sanford presented the 2001-2002 Property Assessor budget. The request totals $1,350,686, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $1,336,365.

Chairman Evans advised the budget includes a new employee.

Mr. Sanford reported the new employee is due to the increase in workload. He advised he agreed with the County Executive’s recommendation.

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Property Assessor’s budget totaling $1,336,365.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

REAPPRAISAL:

The Property Assessor presented the 2001-2002 Reappraisal Program budget. The request totals $330,020, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $337,620.

Mr. Sanford advised this is tracked separately from the regular Property Assessor’s budget, because it is shared by the cities during the reappraisal.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Reappraisal budget totaling $337,620.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

TRUSTEE:

Mr. Evans Maples, Trustee, presented the monthly Investment Report for the use and information of the committee. The LGIP interest rate for the month was 4.71%.

Mr. Maples explained the investment transactions that occurred during the month.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the monthly Investment Report as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mr. Maples presented the 2001-2002 Trustee’s budget. The request totals $40,480, and the County Executive’s recommendation also totals $40,480.

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Trustee budget totaling $40,480.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

COUNTY CLERK:

Mrs. Georgia Lynch, Chief Deputy County Clerk’s Office, was present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 County Clerk budget. The request totals $149,550, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $141,050.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Seven

Mrs. Lynch reported she accepted the County Executive’s recommendation.

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 County Clerk budget totaling $141,050.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

2001-2002 SOLID WASTE/SANITATION FUND BUDGET

SANITATION EDUCATION/INFORMATION (LITTER GRANT):

County Executive Nancy Allen presented the 2001-2002 Litter Grant budget for review by the committee. The request totals $91,495, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $90,880.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the 2001-2002 Litter Grant budget as recommended by the County executive totaling $90,880.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

CONVENIENCE CENTERS:

Ms. Becky Smith was present to answer questions from the committee regarding the 2001-2002 Convenience Center budget. The request totals $1,422,617, and the County Executive’s recommendation totals $1,229,477.

Comm. Ealy asked for clarification of Account 718, Motor Vehicles. The request for this line item was $111,000, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $15,000.

The Finance Director explained the reduction is $96,000 for a roll off truck, which is being funded from the Development Tax next year.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Convenience Center budget totaling$1,229,477.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

OTHER WASTE COLLECTION (RECYCLING):

County Executive Allen presented the 2001-2002 Recycling budget for review by the committee. The request totals $408,000, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $373,000.

The County Executive advised this budget is utilized to pay an outside agency for hauling from the recycling centers at the Kroger locations, school sites, and all of the convenience centers. She reported it also reflects advertising that Recycle Rutherford uses for special events. She explained the Solid Waste Equipment Account is a recycling rebate through the State of Tennessee.

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Recycling budget totaling $373,000.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

LANDFILL OPERATION & MAINTENANCE:

Mr. Delwyn Corbitt, County Engineer, was present to answer questions regarding the 2001-2002 Landfill budget. The request totals $917,143, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $630,283.

Mr. Corbitt reported he accepted the County Executive’s recommendation.

Comm. Ealy asked about the status of the scales, as that is a part of the five-year plan.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Eight

Mr. Corbitt advised the scales are included in the budget. He reported the chipper, which is also a part of the five-year plan, has been removed from the budget. The chipper was estimated at $200,000.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Landfill Operation & Maintenance budget totaling $630,283.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

POSTCLOSURE CARE COSTS:

Mr. Corbitt also presented the 2001-2002 Postclosure Care Cost for review by the committee. The request totals $82,500, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $68,000.

Mr. Corbitt advised this budget reflects the ongoing operations to close the landfill and what is required by the State. He reported the budget has been reduced due to the fact they were paying an engineering firm to do some of the work, and he has been able to do some of it himself.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Postclosure Care Cost budget totaling $68,000.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

The committee reviewed the 2001-2002 Employee Benefits for the Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund budget. The request totals $29,000, and the County Executive’s recommendation is also $29,000.

The Finance Director reported a budget amendment would be forthcoming to the Budget Committee for the Unemployment Compensation for the current year. He explained the reduction in the Worker’s Compensation from $30,000 to $24,000 is possible because the Worker’s Compensation Fund has an approximate $200,000 reserve.

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Worker’s Compensation Account for the Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund totaling $29,000.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

MISCELLANEOUS:

The committee reviewed the 2001-2002 Miscellaneous budget for the Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund. The request totals $47,800, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $44,500.

The Finance Director reported this account is utilized for payments for Building & Contents Insurance, Liability Insurance, and the Trustee’s Commission. He advised the budget reflects a reduction in Trustee’s Commission due to lower estimated revenue.

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the County Executive’s recommendation for the 2001-2002 Miscellaneous Account for the Solid Waste/Sanitation Fund budget totaling $44,500.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

2001-2002 ROAD & BRIDGE FUND BUDGET:

Mr. Mike Williams, Road Superintendent, presented the 2001-2002 Road & Bridge Fund budget totaling $6,666,460, which does not include longevity pay. Mr. Williams advised the Road Board has voted to include longevity in the budget.

Budget Minutes May 15, 2001 Page Nine

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the 2001-2002 Road & Bridge Fund budget totaling $6,666,460.

Comm. Jernigan read a statement pertaining to a conflict of interest since he is an employee at the Highway Department.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

2001-2002 INDUSTRIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUND:

Chairman Evans reported the 2001-2002 Industrial Economic Development Fund Budget, as recommended by the County Executive totals $295,030.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the 2001-2002 Industrial Economic Development Fund budget as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

2001-2002 LOCAL PURPOSE TAX FUND (DEVELOPMENT TAX)

The Finance Director presented the 2001-2002 Local Purpose Tax Fund budget. He advised the revenue totals $3,160,000, which reflects $2,900,000 in Development Tax collections and $260,000 in interest earnings.

The expenditures include $31,600 for Trustee’s Commission, $310,000 for two new ambulance stations, $96,000 for the roll off truck for the Solid Waste Department, and a $550,000 transfer to the General Fund to cover the cost for Sheriff’s vehicles. The total recommendation is $987,600.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the 2001-2002 Local Purpose Tax Fund budget with revenue totaling $3,160,000 and expenditures of $987,600.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

GENERAL DEBT SERVICE FUND:

The Finance Director presented the 2001-2002 General Debt Service Fund for review by the committee. The request totals $26,539,350.

Mr. Long advised the only things appropriated are principal and interest requirements for the debt obligations that already exist, as well as some small administrative expenses. He stated any new projects issued during the next fiscal year would probably have to result in an amendment to the Debt Service budget.

A discussion was held regarding the Trustee’s Commission.

Following discussion, Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the 2001-2002 General Debt Service Fund budget totaling $26,539,350.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

ADJOURNMENT:

There being no further business to be presented at this time, Chairman Evans declared the meeting adjourned at 6:50 P.M.

_____________________________________

Elaine Cawthon, Secretary

Back To
Agenda