BUDGET, FINANCE & INVESTMENT COMMITTEE

                            November 9, 2000                                        6:15 P.M.                                        Courthouse

MINUTES:

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

Comm. Jerry Baxter                      Nancy Allen                            Brian Robertson              Brian Brooks

Comm. Joyce Ealy                        Evans Maples                           Elizabeth Crace              Paul Long

Comm. Joe Frank Jernigan            Comm. Anthony Johnson           Jeff Sandvig                   Elaine Cawthon

Comm. Paul Johnson                     Tommy Smith                            Laura Harper

Comm. Tina Jones                        Mike Brady                               Lynn Pater

Comm. Dwight Throneberry          Roger Hudson                           Steve Solomon

Comm. Jimmy Evans, Jr., Chair.    Tommy Sanford                         Judge Ben McFarlin

                                                   Regina Nelson                            Judge David Loughry

                                                    Tommy Brown                          Wanda Watkins

Chairman Evans presided and called the meeting to order at 6:15 P.M. with all members being present.

APPROVE MINUTES:

The minutes of the October 5, 2000 meeting were presented for approval.

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the minutes as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

INVESTMENT REPORT:

Mr. Evans Maples, Trustee, presented the monthly Investment Report for the use and information of the committee.

Mr. Maples explained the investment transactions that occurred during the month.  He reported the LGIP rate for the month was 6.54%.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the Investment Report as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

FUND CONDITION REPORT:

Finance Director Paul Long presented the Fund Condition Report for the month ending October 2000 for the use and information of the committee.

Mr. Long reported $252,375 was collected for the Development Tax during the month.  The year-to-date collections total $775,500.

Mr. Long reported the cash balances total $88,639,227,with $62,140,184 being operating funds and $26,499,043 being borrowed funds.

Mr. Long reported there were no other unusual conditions to report at this time.

Following discussion, Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Jernigan to approve the Fund Condition Report as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by acclamation.

INDUCEMENT AGREEMENT WITH NATIONAL SPECIALTY SERVICES, INC.:

Mr. Tommy Smith, Chairman Industrial Development Board, and Mr. Mike Brady, Director of Service for National Specialty Services, Inc., addressed the committee requesting approval of a Resolution Approving the Financing by the Industrial Development Board of Rutherford County, Tennessee.  The IDB is proposing to issue its revenue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $12,000,000 for the purpose of financing the cost of acquiring, constructing and installing the Project and the cost of issuing the Bonds with National Specialty Services, Inc.

Budget Minutes                                     November 9, 2000                                            Page Two

Mr. Smith reported N.S.S. is a subsidiary of Cardinal Health, which is a large world-wide company that has 40,000 employees.  They want to expand their operation to LaVergne and plan to make a substantial investment, as well as bringing some very good jobs here.

Mr. Brady reported N.S.S. concentrates on bio-tech by pharmaceutical distribution and plasma.  He reported they service not only hospitals, but doctor’s offices as well.He reported they are one of the largest companies of this type in the country right now and employ 168 employees at the present time in Nashville.  He reported, over the next five years, they are planning to have at least 258 employees.  He explained they are proposing to purchase 15 to 19 acres in order to have future expansion capabilities.  He stated they are growing at a rate of approximately 25% per year.  He reported the average salary is approximately $40,000 annually.  He stated since they are currently in Nashville, approximately 30% of the workforce come from the community right now.

Mr. Smith reported the IDB has negotiated with Cardinal Health and is offering a graduated tax program over ten years.  The first two years, it would be taxed as it is today.  Starting with the third, fourth, and fifth years, it would be taxed at 40%.  The sixth and seventh years would be taxed at 60%.  The eighth and ninth years would be taxed at 80%, and beginning with the tenth year, it would be taxed at 100%.  Mr. Smith reported it would amount to approximately $400,000.  He explained if it was 100% tax for that period of time, it would amount to approximately $630,000. 

Mr. Smith reported an important thing to the community is to try to keep a diversified economy.  He stated he believed it would be an excellent growth company for the community.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry, to approve the Resolution Approving the Financing by the Industrial Development Board with National Specialty Services, Inc. and to forward the same to the full commission.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENTS

COUNTY ATTORNEY:

Mr. Roger Hudson requested approval of the following budget transfer to provide funding for the County Attorney to become a member of the Tennessee County Attorney Association:

            From:  101-51400-435 – Office Supplies -                                  $100

            To:            101-51400-320 – Dues & Memberships (new item) -            $100

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the transfer as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mr. Hudson next requested approval of the following budget amendment providing funding for charges due to research of delinquent tax information.  Mr. Hudson explained they are trying to collect, not only real property taxes, but also personal property taxes.  He explained one of the things that needs to happen is to obtain a uniform commercial code search from the State Department to see if anyone has a lien on the personal property.  He stated when you request a search from the Secretary of State, a fee is charged.  He stated the budget transfer is based on an estimate of the number of requests, as well as an estimate of the number of copies.

            From:            101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -                          $2,000

            To:            101-51400-399 – Other Contracted Services (new item) -  $2,000

Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the budget amendment as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

PROPERTY ASSESSOR

Mr. Tommy Sanford, Property Assessor, requested approval of the following budget amendment to provide funding for vehicle repair for both the Property Assessor Department and the Reappraisal Department due to two automobile wrecks that have occurred:

Budget Minutes                                     November 9, 2000                                            Page Three

            From:            101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -              $1,500

            To:            101-52310-338 – Maintenance/Repair – Vehicles -           $1,000

                        101-52300-338 – Maintenance/Repair – Vehicles -                500

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to approve the budget amendment as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

CRIMINAL COURT (DRUG COURT GRANT):

Finance Director Paul Long requested approval of the committee for the following budget amendment to set up the 2000-01 budget for the Drug Court Grant, which has been previously approved.  Mr. Long explained the amendment reflects a revenue estimate this year of $175,237.  The County’s portion is $58,413, which is provided through a Reserve Account for Alcohol & Drug Treatment.  He explained this money has been accumulating for several years from the collection of DUI Fines.

Mr. Long reported it would be necessary to create a Police Liaison position through the grant, with 75% of the salary and benefits being funded in the Sheriff’s Department.  The funding for this position was requested from the Undesignated Fund Balance.  The Police Liaison position was requested in the grant application and approved with the stipulation that the cost of the police liaison will not supplant state or local funds.

            Increase Revenue:            101-47990 – Other Direct Federal Revenue -            $175,237

            From:            101-34151 -            Reserve for Alcohol & Drug Treatment -           $  58,413

            To:            101-53200-105 – Supervisor/Director -                                        $  26,054

                        101-53200-189 – Other Salaries/Wages -                                         5,140

                        101-53200-201 – Social Security -                                                      1,934

                        101-53200-204 – State Retirement -                                                2,773

                        101-53200-205 – Employee Insurance -                                                 2,252

                        101-53200-212 – Employer Medicare -                                                     453

                        101-53200-307 – Communications -                                                     945

                        101-53200-320 – Dues & Memberships -                                  500

                        101-53200-348 – Postal Charges -                                                         50

                        101-53200-355 – Travel -                                                                14,471

                        101-53200-399 – Other Contracted Svc. -                                     175,000

                        101-53200-435 – Office Supplies -                                                        650

                        101-53200-451 – Uniforms -                                                                   63

                        101-53200-499 – Other Supplies/Materials -                                       398

                        101-53200-513 – Worker’s Compensation -                                  680

                        101-53200-719 – Office Equipment -                                                2,287

            From:  101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -                          $  16,170

            To:            101-54110-189 – Other Salaries/Wages -                                       12,555

                        101-54110-201 – Social Security -                                                         779

                        101-54110-204 – State Retirement -                                                1,116

                        101-54110-205 – Employee Insurance -                                                 1,351

                        101-54110-212 – Employer Medicare -                                                     182

                        101-54110-451 – Uniforms -                                                                 187

A discussion was held regarding the Police Liaison position, with the committee members stating they did not remember this position being a part of the grant. 

The Finance Director reported this position was included in the grant application.  He stated it was hoped this requirement could be filled with an existing position, but the Federal Government would not allow it. 

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. P. Johnson, to approve the budget amendment to set up the 2000-01 budget for the Drug Court Grant as presented.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Budget Minutes                                     November 9, 2000                                            Page Four

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT:

Chief Deputy Regina Nelson requested the following budget amendments to appropriate insurance proceeds for wrecked automobiles to Maintenance and Repair Vehicles; to appropriate contributions received in 1999-2000 and 2000-01 for the Mounted Patrol; and to request to appropriate proceeds from a Spanish class that was held at the Sheriff’s Department to In-Service Training.

Increase Revenue:  101-44520 – Insurance Recoveries -                             $9,462

            Increase Expenditures:            101-54110-338 – Maint./Repair Vehicles -           9,462

            From:            101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -                          $4,000

            To:            101-54110-399 – Other Contracted Services -                                   4,000

            Increase Revenue:            101-44570 – Contributions & Gifts -               $   350

            Increase Expend.:            101-54110-399 – Other Contracted Svc -                350

            Increase Revenue:            101-48990 – Other -                                     $1,600

            Increase Expend.:            101-54110-196 – In-Service Training -                         1,600

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jernigan to approve the amendments as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE:

County Executive Allen requested approval of the following budget amendments for the Emergency Medical Services to appropriate contributions received from a private citizen and Uncle Dave Macon Days to Special Operations; and to appropriate Insurance Proceeds received for damages to a wrecked ambulance to the Maintenance & Repair Vehicles Account:

            Increase Revenue:            101-44570 – Contributions & Gifts -               $      20

            Increase Expend.:            101-55130-599 – Other Charges -                                20

            Increase Revenue:            101-44570 – Contributions & Gifts -               $     200

            Increase Expend.:            101-55130-599 – Other Charges -                               200

            Increase Revenue:            101-44520 – Insurance Recoveries -                 $    580

            Increase Expend.:            101-55130-338 – Maint./Repair Vehicles -               580

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the amendments as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

APPROVE CHANGES TO AMBULANCE CHARGES:

Mrs. Elizabeth Crace explained the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) has mandated that Ambulance Services change the way they bill for services covered by Medicare.  She reported they would no longer be allowed to bill for IV’s, cardiac monitors and drugs.  She explained they would have to bill a flat fee, plus mileage.  She stated HCFA has also decided how much Medicare will pay, which she said was good for RCEMS.  Mrs. Crace explained Medicare would now pay 80% of most of the charges, which will be an increase in revenue.

Mrs. Crace explained the downside, is that the first year they will pay 80% the old way and 20% the new way.  The second year it will be 50% to 50%, the third year 20% to 80%, etc.  She stated it would take four years to realize the full benefit of the changes. 

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the changes to the Ambulance charges as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

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RECOMMENDATION REGARDING AMBULANCE DISPATCH CENTER:

Mr. Tommy Brown and Mr. Brian Robertson were present to update the committee regarding the status of the proposed ambulance dispatch center. 

Mr. Brown distributed a revised budget showing a total request, including constructing and equipping a 2,132 square foot brick veneer building with an office, kitchen/break room area, bathroom, control room, and dispatch room of $553,198.50.  This request would also include the cost to disassemble the existing 100 foot tower, move it to the new location, and reassemble and install it.

Mr. Brown explained it has been decided that some of their needs regarding the technology would probably be greater than what was initially proposed.

Mr. Brian Robertson addressed the committee regarding the computer equipment.  He reported the main difference was due to adding Animal Services to the dispatch system. 

Mr. Brown reported the reason he could not present exact numbers last month was because he did not have a building design and a location.  He stated he is in the same predicament this month, because there is still not a location.  He explained, as far as the building is concerned, the technology, equipment, radios, etc., are fairly firm numbers. 

He stated they are ready to go, and they need to settle on a location so they can move forward.

Comm. Jernigan stated he believed the budget for the project should have been sent out to the commissioners ahead of time so they could study it.

Mr. Brown stated he would have been prepared a week ago on the budget, but they were denied on the Southgate property.  He stated he has heard that the property may be looked at again.

Comm. Jones reported the site plan was reviewed last month, and a decision was needed regarding the tower.  She stated there were two issues – the issue of the tower, which requires a variance request from the majority of the property owners within Southgate subdivision; and the issue of the Architectural Review Committee.  She stated at that point, the Architectural Review Committee had no plans or specs.

Mr. Brown stated that was correct for the building, but the building is in compliance with the restrictions of the development.  He stated the only thing that was in question was the tower.  He stated it wasn’t that it was restricted against the tower, but they did reserve the right to have their architectural committee approve any tower.  He stated the call he received back, was that the request for the tower was denied.  He stated it was not denied by the BZA, but by the members of the architectural committee.

Comm. Jones reported it was never presented to the architectural committee, because of the time constraints.  She reported only a site plan was submitted.  She explained, as far as the tower is concerned, the City of Murfreesboro has a restriction that anything over 75 feet requires a variance. 

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry, that the Budget Committee send a request to the Architectural Review Committee of the Southgate property to review plans and specifications for a new Emergency Medical Service Dispatch Center; and to request a variance for a 100 foot communication tower on the county-owned property located on Southgate Boulevard.  Additionally, if the request is approved by the county, proceed with the request to the City of Murfreesboro Board of Zoning Appeals to approve the variance on the tower.  If the BZA approves the request, the construction of the facility should be started as soon as possible.

County Executive Allen reported she has had a meeting with the City regarding the Victory Life Building.  She stated there is some concern about being able to retrofit that building.  She stated it had a lot of windows, and the floor cannot be elevated for computer cabling.

Comm. P. Johnson asked if there were any possible grants available through FEMA or some agency?  The County Executive stated the timeline is of concern, and even if there was grant money available, a grant application may not be approved until the fall of next year or the spring, which does not solve the current problem. 

Comm. Jernigan amended the original motion to include funding of $553,198 from the Local Purpose Tax Fund (Development Tax) and to require any insurance money received to be deposited back into the Local Purpose Tax Fund.  Comm. Throneberry, who seconded the original motion, agreed to the amendment.

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County Executive Allen reminded the committee the project has not been bid, so the amount could change. 

Comm. Jernigan stated if the Southgate property does not work out, he expects the project to come back to the Budget Committee.

After discussion, the motion to approve funding $553,198 from the Local Purpose Tax Fund (Development Tax) to construct and equip a new Ambulance Dispatch Center on the Southgate Property, and that the Budget Committee is to request the Architectural Review Committee of the Southgate property to review the plans and specifications and to request a variance for a 100 foot tower; and additionally, if the request is approved by the county, the City of Murfreesboro Board of Zoning Appeals be requested to approve the variance on the tower passed unanimously by roll call vote.

SOLID WASTE/SANITATION FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT:

County Executive Allen requested approval of the following budget transfer to provide additional funding for Maintenance & Repair of heavy equipment, Maintenance & Repair Vehicles, and Equipment & Machinery Parts:

            From:            116-55770-321 – Engineering Services -                                 $12,500

                        116-55770-359 – Disposal Fees -                             7,500

            To:            116-55754-336 – Maintenance & Repair Equip. -            $   7,500

                        116-55754-338 – Maintenance & Repair Vehicles -                 5,000

                        116-55754-418 – Equipment & Machinery Parts -        7,500

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the transfer as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

DRUG CONTROL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT:

Chief Deputy Regina Nelson requested approval of the following budget transfer to purchase electronic equipment for Directed Patrol:

            From:            122-54150-718 – Motor Vehicles -                       $6,603

            To:            122-54150-716 – Law Enforcement Equip. -   6,603

Comm. Baxter moved, seconded by Comm. Ealy to approve the transfer as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Chief Deputy Nelson requested approval of the following budget amendment, to appropriate $10,000 for the Dare Program, and to appropriate $25,000 to purchase electronic equipment for Directed Patrol:

            From:            122-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -            $35,000

            To:            122-54150-599 – Other Charges (new item) -            $10,000

                        122-54150-716 – Law Enforcement Equip. -   25,000

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the budget amendment as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

GENERAL PURPOSE SCHOOL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENTS:

Mr. Jeff Sandvig requested approval of the following budget amendment to appropriate grant proceeds from the Christy-Houston Foundation to be used for laptop computers for the nurses and for School Health Software:

            Increase Revenue:            141-44570 – Contributions & Gifts -               $44,333

            Increase Expend.:            141-72120-790 – Other Equipment -                    44,333

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Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the amendment as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following amendment to appropriate State revenue for the system’s Adult Education Program.  These funds are to be used for GED, ESL, and other basic adult education programs.  A five- percent local match is required.  The match can be met through savings in other non-labor items already in the department’s budget.

            Increase Revenue:            141-47120 – Adult Basic Education -                       $112,000

            Increase Expend.:            141-71600-116 – Teachers -                                $  40,406

                                                141-71600-201 – Social Security -                              2,505

                                                141-71600-204 – State Retirement -                        1,503

                                                141-71600-212 – Employer Medicare -                             586

                                                141-71600-429 – Instructional Mat./Supplies        18,000

                                                141-71600-790 – Other Equipment -                      49,000

Comm. Ealy moved, seconded by Comm. Jernigan to approve the amendment as requested.

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Mr. Sandvig requested approval of the following amendment for deferred items for Blackman Elementary and Wilson Elementary Schools.  The County Commission voted not to purchase the items until construction of the schools was further along.

Mr. Sandvig explained the Board is proposing to transfer the funds to the School Building Program from it’s Undesignated Fund Balance to purchase furniture, equipment and other items, with any unused funds to revert back to the General Purpose School Fund:

            From:            141-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -              $2,900,000

            To:            141-99200-590 – Transfers to Other Funds -                  2,900,000

Mr. Sandvig stated the Board is not requesting it at this time, but the Board was thinking that perhaps $2.9 million could be borrowed at a later time to fund secondary technology.

A list of furniture and equipment for Blackman Elementary, Wilson Elementary and Stones River Middle School was provided for the use and information of the committee.

Following discussion, Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Throneberry to approve the amendment as requested.

Finance Director Paul Long reported the Health & Education Committee referred this item to the Budget Committee with the understanding the Finance Department would work with the list and examine the list and meet with Board officials, which has been done.  Mr. Long explained the list breaks down everything the School Board expects to buy, and how the Board arrived at the estimated price.

Mr. Long distributed an analysis of the furniture and equipment request for the use and information of the committee. 

Mr. Sandvig distributed a revised furniture and equipment list showing a total request for Blackman Elementary and Wilson Elementary of $1,413,312 each.  He explained he adjusted the cafeteria system, software and computers.  He reported the primary change in technology was due to some updated numbers on the video distribution centers.  He reported some of the problems with the Blackman unit was due to the way the contractor had done some of the cabling.  He explained that problem has been repaired. 

Mr. Long stated he would suggest the amount for the fencing, which is $25,000 each, come from the Site Development money.  He also suggested that the $75,000 in start-up costs for Stones River Middle School be funded either from the current operating budget this year or next year.  He explained a lot of this money is used to purchase expendable supplies that are gone within the first six months of the school year. 

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Mr. Long reported one of the notable differences in this request is that it appears the School Board is going for a better quality teacher desk.  In the past, the desks were cheaper and required considerable maintenance and/or replacement.  The other notable difference is that typically the county has purchased one copier, and almost immediately upon opening, the school has had to lease a second copier.  This request proposes to purchase two copiers for each of the schools.

Comm. Throneberry reported at the Health & Education Committee, some of the members had a problem about not having enough time to review the list.

Mr. Sandvig reported it was a major project to develop the list, and they completed it as quick as they could.

The committee agreed and Mr. Sandvig concurred that the $25,000 each for the fencing for Blackman Elementary and Wilson Elementary could be deleted and purchased from site development.

Comm. Jernigan amended his motion, and Comm. Throneberry agreed to change the second to the motion as follows:

            From:            141-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -              $2,850,000

            To:            141-99200-590 – Transfers to Other Funds -                  2,850,000

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

RECOMMENDATION FOR DEBT ISSUANCE TO FUND FURNITURE/EQUIPMENT FOR STONES RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL:

The School Board had originally requested and the Health & Education Committee has recommended to approve funding $2,495,000 for furniture and equipment for Stones River Middle School.

The committee agreed to delete $150,000 for the network cabling and $75,000 for the start-up costs making the total needed $2,270,000, plus the share for the City of Murfreesboro of approximately $160,000.  This would make the total to be borrowed $2,430,000.

Comm. Jernigan moved, seconded by Comm. Jones to recommend a debt issuance of $2,430,000 for the purpose of providing funding for furniture and equipment for the Stones River Middle School, including the City of Murfreesboro share.

Mr. Long reported in the past, all elementary schools were funded for 12 years.  He stated this included everything.  He explained former Budget Chairman Ed Elam did not like that since the life of most furniture and equipment was not that long.  Mr. Long stated the last several borrowings have been done on a six-year pay back.  He stated this could be done that quickly also, or it could be done for six, eight, or ten years. 

Comm. Jernigan agreed to change his motion, and Comm. Jones agreed to change the second to the motion to recommend an eight-year debt issuance for the payback on the furniture and equipment for Stones River Middle School. 

Following discussion, the motion to recommend an eight-year debt issuance in the amount of $2,430,000 for the purpose of providing funding for furniture and equipment for the Stones River Middle School, including the City of Murfreesboro share passed unanimously by roll call vote.

REQUEST FOR TWO NEW JUDICIAL COMMISSIONERS:

General Sessions Judges David Loughry and Ben McFarlin addressed the committee requesting approval of hiring two new Judicial Commissioners.  Approval of the following budget amendment was requested to allow them to hire two new Judicial Commissioners:

            From:            101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -                          $28,197

            To:            101-53300-189 – Other Salaries/Wages -                                   $21,870

                        101-53300-201 – Social Security -                                                    1,360

                        101-53300-204 – State Retirement -                                              1,945

                        101-53300-205 – Employee Insurance -                                               2,702

                        101-53300-212 – Employer Medicare -                                                   320

Budget Minutes                                     November 9, 2000                                            Page Nine

Judge Loughry reported their goal is to operate the functions of the Judicial Commissioners 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  He explained currently when they are closed at night and on the weekends, they are continuing to use the Ambulance Service to issue warrants and mittimus.  He explained since the Ambulance Dispatch Center has been hit by lightening, there have been problems with the dispatchers being able to perform this service from the 911 trailer.  He explained Steve Lane would not allow them to bring a prisoner into the trailer.  He explained they have used the EMT’s for over 20 years as Judicial Commissioners. 

Judge Loughry reported they have funding for eight Judicial Commissioners in the current budget, and they are requesting two more.  He reported the current starting salary for a Judicial Commissioner is $18,500.  He reported the additional cost for salary and benefits would be approximately $50,000 annually. 

A discussion was held comparing Rutherford County’s operation to Davidson County and Williamson County.  Judge Loughry reported no county performs the service exactly the same.  He explained there is a difference in the number of warrants issued, and so forth.  He reported Davidson County has five Judicial Commissioners.  They work three weeks and are off two weeks.  They work eight-hour shifts, so that is three employees per day.  They have one person on duty at a time.  The police officers physically type out their own warrants. 

Judge Loughry reported one of his biggest problems is with individuals walking in off of the street.  He stated they are not only dealing with officers, but with individuals.  He explained in Davidson County, the DA or the Assistant DA deals with the public.  He explained Davidson County has one full-time Juvenile Judge and six Juvenile Referees.  Davidson County also has 13 General Sessions Judges.  The Judicial Commissioners in Davidson County are practicing attorneys making approximately $55,000 annually, plus benefits.  They also have nine secretaries.  Judge Loughry reported he did not have any secretaries.  He stated his Judicial Commissioners also serve as secretaries.   

Judge Loughry stated he believed this would be a great service to Rutherford County.  He reported it had really been a crisis situation on a couple of nights, but they had managed to get through it.  He stated if it didn’t get approved this time, he would continue to ask until it gets done so they can operate in a proper manner. 

Judge McFarlin reported Williamson County has five Judicial Commissioners who are working 24 hours per day, seven days a week.  He explained their entry-level salary is $28,500.  The five commissioners also have part-time individuals who help out making $10 per hour.  He explained Rutherford County’s volume is approximately three times more than Williamson County. 

Comm. P. Johnson stated he was looking at two part-time employees to fill in, and perhaps utilizing some overtime pay to accomplish the workload the General Sessions Judges want to accomplish.  He stated part-time employees do not accumulate leave and do not have the fringe benefit package that full-time employees have.  He said looking at it from this standpoint, that maybe this could be addressed down the line in the next budget process.  He wondered if this would be feasible. 

A discussion was held regarding hiring two temporary employees for 40 hours a week each.  The Finance Director stated they would not be eligible for insurance until they have worked 39 weeks.  He stated that would get them through the end of the year. 

Comm. P. Johnson moved, seconded by Comm. Jernigan to approve the following budget amendment to allow for the hiring of two part-time/temporary Judicial Commissioners at 40 hours a week each at $8.50 per hour:

            From:            101-39000 – Undesignated Fund Balance -              $23,430

            To:            101-53300-169 – Part-Time Personnel -                               $21,760

                        101-53300-201 – Social Security -                                        1,350

                        101-53300-212 – Employer Medicare -                                       320

The motion passed unanimously by roll call vote.

Budget Minutes                                     November 9, 2000                                            Page Ten

OTHER BUSINESS

COUNTY BUILDINGS:

Finance Director Paul Long reported the copy machine in the Maintenance Department has broken, and Mr. Mankin does not have enough money to replace it.  He is going to try to replace it with a copy machine that also functions as a fax machine, printer, and scanner.  Approval of the following budget transfer was requested:

            From:            101-51800-717 – Maintenance Equipment -                  $500

            To:            101-51800-709 – Data Processing Equipment -                  $500

Comm. Jones moved, seconded by Comm. Baxter to approve the budget transfer as requested.

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 8:45 P.M.

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Elaine Cawthon, Secretary