Commission Votes No To Funding $2,500 For Groundbreaking
Only three commissioners made the final meeting of the commission before the July 31 primaries, causing a bit of a problem with at least one item on the agenda.
The county charter requires a yes vote by three commissioners for a motion to pass, so when the county manager asked Commission Chairman Alan Cox, and Commissioners Jack Bernard and Mary Patrick to agree to providing $2,500 towards a groundbreaking ceremony for Baxter International at Stanton Springs, much discussion ensued.
County Manger Greg Wood said the original request was to be $6,000, but that the Development Authority of Jasper County (DAJC) had gotten the county’s portion down to $2,500. Apparently, the DAJC is hoping the city of Monticello will kick in $2,500, and the DAJC will add the final $1,000.
(The city doesn’t meet again before the decision is needed, but apparently the mayor can make that decision. As of late Tuesday, City Manager Bob Schwartz did not know what the city would do.)
When Mr. Wood brought up the request, Commissioner Bernard said, “The only thing that disturbs me is that we’ve been told we’ll have no more expense, and we’re getting nickeled and dimed to death.”
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Commissioner Patrick said “We’ve given 15 years of taxes.”
Chairman Cox indicated he wasn’t happy with the expenditure, but felt the county has no choice.
While saying he philosophically agrees with Commissioner Patrick, Commissioner Bernard made the motion to approve the expenditure. Chairman Cox seconded the motion. Commissioner Bernard said, “this nickel and diming us by the governor’s office is unconscionable.”
They voted on the motion and it failed, 2-1, with Commissioner Patrick casting the dissenting vote.
Jasper County is a 10 percent partner in Stanton Springs, a development by the Four County Development Authority. Newton and Walton Counties each carry 37.5 percent of the burden, and will receive that amount of return, and Morgan County’s portion is 15 percent.
Baxter International, a medical manufacturer, announced in April it would locate in the development, eventually creating 1,500 jobs for the company, with an expectation that other companies will be attracted to the location because of Baxter. It is considered a giant boon for the counties involved as well as the state as a whole.
The state offered numerous incentives to the company to locate there. Stanton Springs has sought such a commitment for more than a decade.
It will take time, but it is anticipated the return to the counties for their investment will be well worth the wait. Because of tax incentives it will still be some time before Jasper or the other counties begin receiving revenues.
When questioned Tuesday, David Dyer, executive director of the DAJC said, “The Development Authorities from each of the counties have met and agreed on the importance of welcoming Baxter International to our region.”
When told of the commission’s vote Monday, Mr. Dyer indicated he would ask the commission to hold a called meeting where perhaps a quorum could come up with a different answer.
“The Development Authority of Jasper County made a request to the Board of Commissioners to assist the Development Authority with funding a reception for Baxter International. The Development Authority believes it essential that our community welcome Baxter to our region,” said Mr. Dyer.
Another item which caused some consternation at Monday’s meeting was the request for a new heat pump for the 911 center. Mr. Wood explained the need for the equipment as well as the operators to be kept cool, and said the current unit is beyond repair and it is an urgent need.
They have received a quote of $5,500, and were seeking permission to purchase a new one from contingency funds with a price not to exceed that quote. Commissioner Patrick said she wanted to see the 911 budget. She said they had problems before, why was it not included in the budget.
Chief Financial Officer Lorri Smith said they had all departments do a five-year capital improvement plan, and it was in the 911 plan for 2014.
Commissioner Bernard made a motion that the county go out for bid on a replacement heat pump for the 911 center, and the commission will presumably take action on that at its first meeting in August.
