Commission O.K.s Seven-Member Board
The Jasper County Commissioners Monday agreed to change the recreation board from a five member board to a seven member board, and to advertise the vacancies. Robert Norton, board chair, said they are a working board, and they need help.
Commissioners were pleased to make the change, as in the past, the board could not get a quorum to meet, so they lowered the number. Now there is more interest which is a positive for the recreation department.
Commissioners also approved the new Extension van lettering and logo. The van will feature Jasper County 4-H on the sides, and will have the county logo on the doors, and the 4-H logo on three places on the van.
They heard from Todd Rhoad with Peachtree Recovery Services. The company goes after insurance companies for damages to county property.
For example, if there is an accident, and the stop sign is knocked down, the company would get the insurance company to pay for the damages, and remit a portion to the county after deducting their portion. It is totally on contingency, so the county could pick up money it hasn’t before, and there is no risk. The county attorney, David Ozburn, was not at Monday’s meeting, and the commissioners agreed he should look at the contract before they take any action.
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Commissioners heard from Tracy Norton, director of the Jasper County Senior Center, about places she had investigated to move the seniors to while the renovation is taking place. Originally, they had planned to move to the Get Ahead House, but due to unforeseen circumstances that is not going to work out. She has checked with several local churches and other gathering places, and narrowed it down to two. The board directed her to return to those two and get sealed bids to make the determination where the seniors will go. The upcoming renovation is expected to take about 10 months.
Commissioners reviewed a proposal from Southeastern Consulting Services, which will cruise the county’s timber on the property on 212 west where renovations and additions are planned for the Senior Center, Sheriff’s Office, Public Works, and the Recreation Department. The cost to the county would be $2,000. There was some discussion that a timber cutter might give an estimate for free. County manager Mike Benton is to check with one or more timber harvesters, and if they won’t do it for free, the commission will likely vote next week to pay the $2,000.
Mr. Benton told commissioners that he would have two design proposals for the upgrades above. There is discussion as to the best place to put the new recreation building, for example. They hope to connect the recreation department to the senior center with walking trails. Perhaps.
Commissioners asked Mr. Benton to bring them proposals on various tablets to determine if they would like to use those and save paper.
Mr. Benton said he had a letter from Judge William A. Prior, chief judge of the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit, about the attempt to lower the cost of defense for indigent juveniles.
During citizen comments, Rev. Jimmy Horton of Springfield Baptist Church questioned the county’s intentions with the old cannery. He was hoping the county would give it to his church. He talked about needing a place for young people. Commission Chairman Carl Pennamon said they would have to put it out to bid if they chose to get rid of the building.
