BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

 

May 22, 2002                                                 5:30 P.M.                                        Courthouse

 

MINUTES:

 

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

Comm. Joyce Ealy                      Nancy Allen                Faye Elam                     Dana Everts-Boehm

Comm. Paul Johnson                 Tommy Sanford         Karen Baker                  Linda Anderson

Comm. Tina Jones                      Mary Schneider        Sherry Naulin                  Eric Wagner

Comm. Robert Peay                   Bart Smith                 Sue O’Brien                    Ken Honeycutt

Comm. Steve Sandlin                 Laura Williams          Deborah Johnson         Joe Johnson

Comm. Dwight Throneberry       Roger Wright             Ann Ritchie                    Ray Bohrer

Comm. Jimmy Evans, Chair.     Wade Hays                Laurel Best                    David Chambliss

 

Ellen Gassler, Susan T. Maguigan, Cheryl Hultman, Wanda Chandler, Clytus A. Smith, George Curray, Freddie Hobbs, Perry Jenkins, Connie Honaker, Debra Crandall, Joel Johnson, Jeff Sandvig, Joe Jackson, Bryan Brooks, Paul Long, Elaine Cawthon

 

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

 

APPROVE MINUTES:

 

The minutes of the May 9 and May 14, 2002 meetings were presented for approval.

 

Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the minutes of May 9 and May 14, 2002 as presented.

 

The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

 

GENERAL FUND 2002-2003 BUDGET REVIEW

 

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION:

 

Mr. Tommy Sanford, Property Assessor, presented the Board of Equalization 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $81,890.

 

Mr. Sanford brought to the attention of the committee Account 51210-308, Consultants, budgeted for $75,000.  He advised this account is used for the Bridgestone appeals. 

 

He advised he accepted the County Executive’s recommendation. 

 

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the 2002-2003 Board of Equalization budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $81,890.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

PROPERTY ASSESSOR:

 

Mr. Sanford presented the Property Assessor 2002-2003 budget for review by the committee.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $1,640,069.

 

Mr. Sanford brought Account 52300-399, Other Contracted Services budgeted at $464,000, to the committee’s attention.  Mr. Sanford advised this account was used to pay for auditing services for personal property.  He explained this is something they have to do.  He reported they turned in a six-year audit plan.  He reported this auditing plan is a result of a federal lawsuit that was brought from the utility districts. 

 

Mr. Sanford distributed a schedule of tangible personal property audits for a six-year period.  He advised the schedule does not include any penalty and interest that is applicable.  Mr. Sanford advised if the personal property audits are not performed, the county and the cities would lose

 

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5% on utility assessments.  He stated this would amount to approximately $200,000 for the county.  He also advised his office would be written up for not doing its job. 

 

Mr. Sanford advised he originally requested $560,000, and the County Executive’s recommendation is $464,000.  Mr. Sanford advised he had requested a six-month extension, and the $464,000 would be sufficient.  He advised he was not bringing in that much revenue from auditing personal property, but it is something his office has to do.

 

Mr. Sanford advised he audits all businesses under $30,000, and Tax Management Associates audits businesses over $30,000 and greater.  The audits cost from $400 to $5,200. 

 

A discussion was held on Account 52300-719, Office Equipment, which was budgeted at $11,200.  Mr. Sanford advised this would be used to purchase a copy machine.

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Property Assessor’s 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $1,640,069.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

REAPPRAISAL:

 

Mr. Sanford presented the Reappraisal 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $355,286.

 

Mr. Sanford reminded the committee the cities share in the cost of reappraisal.  He advised the budget is basically the same as the previous year.

 

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Reappraisal 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $355,286.

 

The committee discussed Account 52310-718, Motor Vehicles.  Mr. Sanford advised he had purchased the vehicle this year, and therefore would not need the vehicle for next year.

 

Following discussion, the motion to approve the Reappraisal 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $355,286 passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

Comm. Peay asked Mr. Sanford to tell the public the dates they can contact his office to appeal the reappraisal statements.  Mr. Sanford advised his office is taking appointments now.  He advised the Board of Equalization would be meeting three days the first week in June, and all week long for the next two weeks in June.  He advised the Board would stay in session as long as they need to.  He advised anyone could call his office to make an appointment.

 

CRIMINAL COURT (DRUG COURT):

 

Mrs. Mary Schneider, Drug Court Coordinator, presented the Drug Court 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $278,557.

 

Mrs. Schneider advised this budget would be the last year of the federal grant.  She explained the grant was a two-year grant, and that she would be requesting an extension.  She advised she was also looking at other funding sources. 

 

A discussion was held regarding Account 53200-189 budgeted at $73,366.  Mrs. Schneider advised the two case managers were not hired until January, and the line item reflects funding for a full year next year, plus benefits. 

 

Account 53200-399, Other Contracted Services budgeted at $65,000, has decreased.  Mrs. Schneider advised originally there was a contract with M.T.S.U. to provide program evaluation services for $15,000 and to help set up the M.I.S. system, and that is completed.  She will only

 

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be contracting with them next year for $15,000.  The Account is also used to contract with BI.  This contract expires in February, at which time it will be re-evaluated.

 

Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Sandlin to approve the Drug Court 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $278,557.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

Mrs. Schneider advised the funds to operate this budget are provided through a federal grant, with the county providing 25% from DUI fines which have been designated for drug and alcohol treatment.

 

WHEEL TAX OFFICER:

 

Mr. Bart Smith, Wheel Tax Officer, presented the Wheel Tax Officer 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $52,736.

 

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

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the Wheel Tax Officer 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $52,736.

 

Comm. Jones asked the Finance Director if he could provide the amount of revenue collected through Mr. Smith’s efforts.  She stated she would like to have the information at the next meeting as a point of information.

 

Mr. Smith advised since the State is no longer mailing the renewal forms, if an individual renews within 30 days from the renewal date, that the court would dismiss the citation.

 

The Finance Director advised Mr. Smith performed two things.  He mails out warning letters, which serve to prompt the vehicle owner to contact the Clerk’s Office and obtain the wheel sticker.  Secondly, if the person were apprehended while the vehicle is in motion, the individual would receive a citation.  He stated it might be hard to quantify the benefit received from the program totally.  He stated he could identify the total amount of wheel tax fines.

 

Mr. Smith advised he mailed out an average of 35 to 40 letters a month requesting the individuals get in compliance or they would be issued a citation.  He stated the same thing happens relative to litter.  He stated they want the matter taken care of so that the county is not out any funds.  He advised he also collected all bad checks received by the Motor Vehicle Department. 

 

Following discussion, the motion to approve the Wheel Tax 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $52,736 passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

RESCUE SQUADS:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Rescue Squads 2002-2003 budget totals $59,000, the same as the previous year, with $23,000 for the Rutherford County Rescue Squad, and $18,000 each for Smyrna and La Vergne Rescue Squads.

 

Laura Williams, Director Rutherford County Rescue Squad, addressed the committee.  She advised they had requested an increase this year from $23,000 to $30,000.  She explained this was mostly because of an increase in operational expenses due to an increase in call volume.  She advised some of their tools needed replacing instead of repairing. 

 

The Finance Director advised the total requests for all three rescue squads was $88,000, with Rutherford County requesting $30,000, La Vergne requesting $40,000, and Smyrna requesting $18,000.

 

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Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the Rescue Squad 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $59,000, with $23,000 for the Rutherford County Rescue Squad, $18,000 for the Smyrna Rescue Squad, and $18,000 for the La Vergne Rescue Squad.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

GUIDANCE CENTER:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Guidance Center 2002-2003 budget totals $15,000.

 

Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Guidance Center 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $15,000.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

TENNESSEE REHABILITATION CENTER AT MURFREESBORO:

 

Ms. Karen Baker, Manager of the Tennessee Vocational Training Center presented the General Welfare Assistance 2002-2003 budget.  She advised the center has a new name, which is the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center at Murfreesboro.

 

The County Executive’s recommendation totals $34,650, which is a $1,049 reduction from the previous year.

 

Ms. Baker advised the reduction is a result of replacing two experienced staff personnel with new personnel, so the salaries were less.

 

Comm. Throneberry moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the Tennessee Rehabilitation Center 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $34,650.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

SANITATION AND WASTE REMOVAL:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Sanitation and Waste Removal 2002-2003 budget totals $14,265.

 

The County Executive advised this budget is used to pay Griffin Industries for the large animal pickup.

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the Sanitation and Waste Removal 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $14,265.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

OTHER PUBLIC HEALTH & WELFARE:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Other Public Health & Welfare 2002-2003 budget totals $73,200.

 

County Executive Allen advised this budget funded the medical examiner.  She advised the county currently utilized Dr. Harlan, however, Dr. Warner and the District Attorney are researching other options.

 

The County Executive advised the number of autopsies that will have to be performed is unknown.  She also advised there might be some cost increase as a result of the potential change.

 

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Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Other Public Health & Welfare 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $73,200.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

ADULT ACTIVITIES:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Adult Activity 2002-2003 budget totals $27,000.

 

The County Executive advised this money was for the Mankin Center, which assists disabled individuals in performing work for industries.

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the Adult Activity 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $27,000.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

RETIRED SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM:

 

Mr. Roger Wright, Executive Director Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency, presented the Retired Senior Volunteer Program 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $1,500.

 

Mr. Wright advised the committee this program falls under the umbrella of the various contracts and services the agency provides.  He advised the $1,500 request is the same requested and received last year.

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the Retired Senior Volunteer Program 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $1,500.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

LINEBAUGH LIBRARY:

 

Mrs. Laurel Best, Director, presented the Linebaugh Library 2002-2003 budget.  The County Executive’s recommendation totals $786,000.

 

Mrs. Best advised she accepted the County Executive’s recommendation.

 

Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the Linebaugh Library 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $786,000.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

County Executive Allen informed the committee of a problem with the roof at the Linebaugh Library.  She advised she had received some information and might be coming back to the committee with an additional recommendation to help alleviate the problem.  She advised she would be recommending that the cost to identify the problem and correct the leaking roof at the library would be on a 50%/50% split arrangement with the City of Murfreesboro. 

 

She advised, based on an estimate for the consultant to do the work, the county’s portion of that would be $3,750.  She stated that did not include the actual repair of the work, but this was only for a consultant to identify the problem.

 

Mrs. Best advised the rubber portion of the roof is still under warranty.  However, she stated the problem needed to be identified.

 

 

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TOURISM:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Tourism 2002-2003 budget totals $178,500, which includes contributions to various non-profit organizations.

 

A copy of a letter from the Arts and Humanities Council was provided for the use and information of the committee.  The letter advised that due to a lack of involved board members and volunteers, they would be ceasing operations as of June 30, 2002 and decided to withdraw their request for county funding in the amount of $4,000.

 

Chairman Evans advised this $4,000 along with $5,000 that was sent to the victims of the September 11 tragedy made a total of $9,000 that would not be re-issued.  He stated there are many groups that have requested funding for several years, and the county has not been able to grant the request.  He stated this might be an opportunity to give some of these organizations some money, even if the full request could not be granted.

 

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to take the $4,000 previously budgeted for the Arts & Humanities Council and allocate $2,000 to the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra and $2,000 to the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

Comm. Ealy moved to accept the entire Tourism contribution list totaling $178,500.

 

Comm. Ealy withdrew her motion to allow Mr. Steve Benefield, Chamber of Commerce Director, to address the committee.

 

Mr. Benefield advised the committee of a study that was completed this year.  The findings of the study were presented at a meeting in February.  One of the things the study revealed was that Rutherford County has been losing market share in relation to Hotel/Motel occupancy on an annual basis to surrounding counties as a result of marketing efforts in the area.  Mr. Benefield advised approximately 15 years ago, the Hotel/Motel Tax was instituted within Rutherford County.  The Chamber of Commerce was designated to receive approximately 20% of the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue.  The Stones River Greenway was designated to receive 10% of the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue.  The remaining portion was to go toward tourism activities.  The study revealed that the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau was not receiving enough of the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to continue to absorb the marketing share being lost to Davidson and Williamson Counties.

 

Mr. Benefield also advised they are having conversations with the City of Murfreesboro to remedy the situation.  He stated it appears they will be receiving, if not 100%, 90% minus the Stones River Greenway portion, of their Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to go toward the non-profit organizations as well as to increase the funding to the Chamber for the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau.

 

Mr. Benefield also advised he has met with County Executive Allen and Finance Director Paul Long.  He explained he was requesting an additional 10% of the county’s Hotel/Motel Tax be contributed to the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau.  He also requested to begin working to develop a formula over the next three years, whereby a certain percentage could be allocated toward the Convention/Visitor Bureau’s efforts. 

 

Mr. Benefield reported that while the City of Murfreesboro is talking in relation of giving 90% of their Hotel/Motel Tax revenue to the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau, there are tourism related agencies within that who will now begin applying to the Chamber on an annual basis for those funding revenues.  It will then be up to the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau to decide whether or not to approve those funding requests or to continue to go in some other fashion as far as marketing the community to the traveler and also the business community. 

 

 

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Chairman Evans asked Mr. Benefield to clarify if that meant the county’s tourism related organizations would apply directly to the Chamber for funding, as well as applying to the county, or would that take the responsibility away from the county and put it in the Chamber’s hands to make those decisions?

 

Mr. Benefield explained, specifically regarding the City of Murfreesboro, those agencies would apply to the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau for funding, and in essence would not go through the budgeting process at the City level.  He stated that would be a possibility for the county, as well.  Specifically, it would probably be only for those organizations located within the Murfreesboro City limits.  He stated if this was a funding mechanism the committee wanted to keep at the county level, then an organization such as the Tennessee Valley Pioneer Power Association, would be an organization the county could decide to fund directly.

 

The Finance Director advised the county’s Private Act states the Hotel/Motel Tax is to be used for Tourism related expenses or any other general purpose.  He reported up until this point in the past few years, about $360,000 per year of the Hotel/Motel Tax revenue has been applied to general county appropriations.  The Finance Director stated if this request is approved, it would take it back to the direction of the Private Act.  He advised it would be a revision of the formula, allocating 30% to the Chamber, and the recommended appropriation of $110,000 would be increased to $165,000.

 

Chairman Evans advised if a motion is made, it can always be made contingent upon the City of Murfreesboro approving a like request from the Chamber of Commerce. 

 

The Finance Director advised the General Fund was approximately $1.4 million out of balance, and this would cause it to be about $1.5 million out of balance.

 

Comm. Peay asked if any of the additional funding to the Chamber would delete some of the funding the county would be paying out to the organizations within the city limits?

 

Mr. Benefield advised the additional funding would go toward the Convention/Visitor’s Bureau marketing efforts. 

 

Mr. Long advised the $165,000 was based on 30% of the current revenue estimate.  He stated if additional revenue was realized, the expenditure for the Chamber would be amended when the revenue is amended.

 

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to amend the formula for the Hotel/Motel Tax to allocate an additional 10% of the Hotel/Motel Tax making a total of 30% to the Chamber of Commerce for the Convention and Visitor Bureau’s marketing efforts.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to approve the Tourism list as amended deleting $4,000 for the Arts and Humanities Council, allocating $2,000 for the Murfreesboro Youth Orchestra and $2,000 for the Tennessee Philharmonic Symphony, and amending the appropriation to the Chamber of Commerce from $110,000 to $165,000 for total tourism contributions of $233,500.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

Mr. Steve Benefield provided a copy of a letter for the information and use of the committee regarding an economic assessment of Rutherford County.  He advised there were many points of interest in the study, which the Chamber has decided to undertake in order to bring Rutherford County back in line from an economic development standpoint, from a quality of life standpoint, from a tourism standpoint, and from an education standpoint.

 

 

 

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Mr. Benefield advised they are pursuing a public/private partnership opportunity that has been brought to their attention through the Economic Strategy Center, Inc. of Atlanta, Georgia, with whom they contracted to complete a four-year strategic plan for this community.

 

Mr. Benefield requested the committee consider approving a funding request of $105,280 per year over the next four years.  He advised this funding request also requests funding from the Cities of Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville.  The total project calls for at this point, as a result of the plan, $2.8 million over four years.  The public sector will be requested to fund $1,120,000, while the private sector will be requested to fund $1,680,000. 

 

Chairman Evans asked Mr. Benefield if it seemed logical that Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne and Eagleville were willing to fund their share?

 

Mr. Benefield advised he has met with the municipalities, and they all did agree to pursue the additional funding.  He reported every one of the municipalities, and he would expect the county would as well, placed the caveat on the proposal that it was dependent upon the private sector funding their share.  At that point, once the goals have been met, he would expect the county and municipalities to come forward. 

 

Mr. Benefield advised before the Urban Growth Boundary Law, Rutherford County and the municipalities came together in an Inter-local Governmental Agreement to form the Economic Development Council. 

 

The County Executive recommended this appropriation be funded from Fund 119, Economic Development Fund.  She advised under the formula regarding the property at the old Sewart Air Base, an additional 15% would need to be appropriated to the Town of Smyrna for their share.  Smyrna would be receiving, based on the formula,  $18,579.  The total appropriation would be $123,859. 

 

The Finance Director advised the revenue in Fund 119 was derived from the Smyrna Airport Property in the form of interest earnings on the mortgage from Wherry Housing and additional interest on the loan from the Airport Authority.  He reported there would be a balance of approximately $214,000 at the end of this current year in the fund.  He explained with the excess revenue received each year, this obligation could be fulfilled, at least for the first two years, without any problem

 

Comm. Peay asked how would the county be notified that the private sector has fulfilled their obligation and when would the money be released?

 

Mr. Benefield advised the Chamber is currently in the process of a six to eight week feasibility analysis of the strategic plan.  He reported the consultants are going into the private sector to determine the willingness of the businesses to participate.  He stated within the next six to eight weeks, the Chamber is expecting to receive the report of the findings.

 

The Finance Director stated the formula is a 60%/40% split.  He advised the county could monitor the Chamber's collections, and the county could make their payment accordingly.

 

Comm. Sandlin moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to revise the 2002-2003 expenditures for Fund 119, Industrial/Economic Development Fund by $105,280 for the Economic Strategic Plan and $18,579 to Account 119-58700-309, Contracts w/Government Agencies, for the share to the Town of Smyrna for a total of $123,859.  This makes a total 2002-2003 appropriation for Fund 119 of $238,789. 

 

Comm. Jones asked if it would be appropriate to amend the motion to earmark the monies in the fund for next year, as well, since this is a four-year commitment?

 

The Finance Director explained the Budget Committee and the County Commission could only appropriate money for one year.  He stated the money could be designated.  He said a

 

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designation could be established in the fund for that purpose.  He advised a designation could be over-turned by the next legislative body.

 

The Finance Director advised the remaining balance would have to be designated, because it will be slightly less than this.

 

Chairman Evans asked Mr. Sandlin if he would be willing to withdraw his motion and restate it to include the remaining funds be designated for the Strategic Plan.

 

Comm. Sandlin changed his motion, and Comm. Throneberry changed the second to the motion to revise the 2002-2003 expenditures for Fund 119, Industrial/Economic Development Fund by $105,280 and $18,579 to Account 119-58700-309, Contracts w/Government Agencies, for the share to the Town of Smyrna for a total of $123,859, making total appropriations in Fund 119 of $238,789.  Further, that a designation be established in Fund 119, earmarking the funds for the Economic Strategic Plan.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

OTHER ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Other Economic and Community Development 2002-2003 budget totals $200,000.

 

Finance Director Paul Long explained this is the HOME grant that was received this past year.  He advised it is proceeding; however no money has been spent, yet.  This has been moved from Fund 121, Special Purpose Fund, to the General Fund for cash flow purposes.  He explained it is the exact same appropriation as last year.

 

Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the Other Economic and Community Development 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $200,000.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Employee Benefits 2002-2003 budget totals $359,000.

 

The Finance Director reported this budget funds the Employee & Dependent Insurance pool, Unemployment Compensation, Other Fringe Benefits (matching portion for retiree’s insurance), and Worker’s Compensation.

 

Comm. P. Johnson noted his conflict of interest and made a motion, seconded by Comm. Peay to approve the Employee Benefits’ 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $359,000.

 

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

PAYMENT TO CITIES:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Payment to Cities 2002-2003 budget totals $1,666,573.

 

The Finance Director advised this budget provided the share of the Nissan Payment In Lieu of Taxes to the Town of Smyrna.

 

Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the Payment to Cities 2002-2003 budget as recommended by the County Executive totaling $1,666,573.

 

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The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

 

MISCELLANEOUS:

 

The County Executive’s recommendation for the Miscellaneous 2002-2003 budget totals $2,328,901.

 

The committee reviewed the contribution list for the non-profit organizations which are budgeted in Account 101-58900-316 and totals $393,400.

 

A discussion was held regarding the Captain D’s Reward budgeted at $10,000.  The County Executive advised the $10,000 was not paid out this year, and that is a roll over from the previous year.  The committee was advised the reward would probably be paid out.

 

The contribution last year of $5,000 to the American Red Cross related to the September 11 tragedy was also discussed, and will not need to be appropriated this year.

 

Comm. Peay requested that Mr. Joe Johnson, President of the Rutherford County Fire Chief’s Association, be allowed to speak to the committee.

 

Mr. Johnson advised some of the fire departments requested the same appropriation as last year of $13,000.  He advised some requested substantially more.  He stated the County Executive has recommended $13,000 each for the 11 volunteer fire departments, and he requested the committee consider appropriating $15,000 for each fire department.  He advised their calls are increasing due to the population increase.  The volume has increased an average of 25%.  He explained the volunteer fire departments made a commitment, when they received the new fire engines, that they would start lowering their ISO ratings.  He advised some of the fire departments have met that commitment.  He advised they provide over 300 volunteers throughout the county.  He explained they have increased insurance cost and increased fuel cost. 

 

Comm. Peay advised due to the lowering of the ISO ratings, it has saved the homeowners a substantial amount of money.  He advised the amount of money the volunteers are spending out of their own pocket is astronomical.  He reported most of them that take the training, do so at their own expense. 

 

Following discussion, Comm. Peay moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson to appropriate an additional $1,000 for each of the 11 volunteer fire departments for a total appropriation of $14,000 each. 

 

Comm. Jones asked Comm. Peay if the committee could complete the review of the entire contribution list before making any changes so that they would know the potential increases before they vote on any one request.

 

Comm. Peay stated that would be acceptable, and therefore, he rescinded his motion.

 

Comm. Sandlin stated the $5,000 that was previously appropriated for the American Red Cross for the September 11 tragedy was not going to be used this year, and he suggested dividing it equally among the 11 volunteer fire departments.  He stated he wanted to review the entire list, and try to stay focused.  He stated if no one else made a request, then he suggested splitting the $5,000 giving each fire department an additional $454.54. 

 

Comm. Jones asked the committee to consider the request of the St. Clair Street Senior Center.  She reported the Budget Committee recommended an increase of $8,000.  She advised the County Executive ultimately removed that.  She explained this year the St. Clair Street Senior Center has again requested an additional $8,000 for a total of $88,000.  She stated the County Executive’s recommendation is $80,000.  She asked Mrs. Sue O’Brien to explain to the committee the request for the additional $8,000.

 

 

Budget Minutes                                                May 22, 2002                                              Page Eleven

 

 

Mrs. Sue O’Brien, Director of the St. Clair Street Senior Center, addressed the committee.  She advised the additional $8,000 was requested for several reasons.  She explained they have had the nurse-on-duty program at the Senior Center for 11 years.  She advised it has worked through an arrangement with the School of Nursing at M.T.S.U. where they pay the university for release time for the nurse-on-duty to volunteer her time with her senior nursing students for one and one-half days per week.  In addition, to the Health Promotion and Wellness Clinic each Wednesday afternoon, foot care has been instituted.  She stated this has been a major area of service for the Senior Center.  She advised there has not been an increase in the M.T.S.U. reimbursement for three years.  She advised Mrs. Campbell did receive a promotion, and her salary was higher.  Therefore, the reimbursement rate to the university needed to increase from $12,000 per year to $15,000.  This is an additional $3,000. 

 

The other $4,500 relates to a Caregiver Education and Resource Center.  She explained the population of aging individuals is increasing.  Adult children bear some responsibility from time to time.  She stated this is a real community need.  She stated they would like to open a Caregiver Education and Resource Center.  In an attempt to not rely on government funding solely, an arrangement has been worked out with the Alzheimer’s Association of Middle Tennessee.  They currently have an Education and Resource Center for Alzheimer’s patients that is open one day a week, and the location was not easily accessible or publicly visible.  She has asked to form a partnership with them.  She stated she wanted to hire a part-time individual for 20 hours per week.  She wants to hire a person who is trained in assessment skills and knows the resources in the county, and who is a good listener.  She advised the $4,500 would be used to pay half of the salary for 20 hours a week at $8.00 per hour.  She advised the Alzheimer’s Association has indicated they would be willing to supply a grant for part of the funding. 

 

Comm. Jones stated it was important to put the request in the proper perspective.  She stated the total budget is approximately $590,000.  Currently, the county contributes $80,000, and the request is $88,000, which is only about 15% of the total budget.  However, city residents that participate in the program are about 45% and county residents are 55%.  She stated she believed it was time for the county to provide more funding for services for seniors.

 

Comm. Jones strongly recommended that the Budget Committee endorse the $8,000 increase as requested for the St. Clair Street Senior Center.

 

Mrs. O’Brien reported the City of Murfreesboro funded $298,578 for the current year.

 

Comm. Sandlin stated all of the non-profit organizations represent great acts throughout the community.  He stated a lot of the groups have not asked for any increase.  He stated some have increased $500 to $1,000.  He stated there were some he would like to ask to be increased, but the committee is trying to hold the line.  He stated he believed every agency could justify the need for more money.  He requested the committee stay in line with what the County Executive has recommended.

 

Chairman Evans stated it is difficult when many organizations request funds to deny one or the other.  He stated it was his hope that by using the $5,000 previously granted to the American Red Cross, they would be able to give some money to the other agencies that have made a request but have not been recommended to receive anything.  He stated if the committee approved giving at least $500 to each organization who have received no funding but have made a request, there would still be some of the $5,000 left over. 

 

Following review and discussion of the non-profit organizations contribution list funded in Account 101-58900-316, Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Peay to amend the appropriation for the 11 volunteer fire departments for an additional $1,000 each giving each fire department $14,000, amend the appropriation to the St. Clair Street Senior Center from $80,000 to $88,000 and appropriate $500 each to the Adult Literacy Council, Boys & Girls Club, Child Advocacy Center, First Call for Help, People First of Tennessee, Pregnancy Support Center, Smyrna/La Vergne Assistance Coalition, and Special Kids, Inc. for a total of $4,000.  This makes the total of Account 101-58900-316 $416,400.