County O.K.’s Paving; Hears Budget Requests

The Jasper County Commission met for a 45 minute meeting, 30 minutes of which was in closed session, on Monday evening, before continuing to meet for another hour-plus in a work session on budget.

During the regular meeting, commissioners discussed the cost to contract asphalt overlay on four roads that the county had planned to chip-seal last year. The county did not get that work done, so commissioners instructed the county manager to get bids on having a contractor do asphalt overlay or surface treatment. No contractor bid on the surface treatment.

Several contractors bid on the asphalt overlay with Blount Construction being the low bidder at $337,163. Commissioners had discussed this last week, and wanted to get a price on what it would cost the county to do the prep work on the roads. Public Works Department (PWD) Director Michael Walsh provided those numbers Monday, and it totaled $23,597. The estimated cost for the county to complete the roads, which would be surface treatment only, not asphalt, is $231,896.

However, commissioners and Mr. Walsh discussed that for the county to do the project itself, it would take pulling most of the PWD personnel in, leaving regular maintenance undone. After a brief discussion, Commissioner Don Jernigan made a motion to go ahead with the contracted work. It was seconded by Commissioner Gerald Stunkel, and the commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with that.

Then the commissioners went into a 30-minute closed session to discuss personnel. After that they heard budget projections from Mr. Walsh, Sheriff Donnie Pope, Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley, Chief Registrar Carole Norris and Coroner Billy Norris.

The sheriff reviewed the three budgets he is in charge of—the sheriff’s office, the jail and Courthouse security. He showed increases in tech service, a vendor increase; general supplies, and fuel, primarily. He also is only asking for three patrol cars this year, unlike the four the county has been budgeting for his office.

The cost of vehicles has gone up significantly, he pointed out, and the total cost for a vehicle, equipment and cameras will cost close to $55,500 each this year, he said. He also is asking for an increase in utilities and food for the jail, saying everything is going up. The main increase in Courthouse security is for insurance and communications, and neither increase is high.

Chief Appraiser Lynn Bentley said the license for the software program she uses has gone up. She asked for an increase in contracted services, to get someone to help with working the building permits. She said how much they had grown, but said she is hesitant to add an employee until they see if this growth continues. Using a contractor would allow her to have help this year, and re-assess the situation next year.

Chief Registrar Carole Norris asked for increases in hours for the other registrars and an increase in pay for those working in her office, who generally make less than $10 per hour.

Coroner Billy Norris asked for an increase in general supplies, saying they have escalated in cost, and for an increase in professional services.

Lastly, the commissioners heard from Mr. Walsh about his budget. He wants funding for an equipment maintenance software program, and anticipates an increase in contracted services. For example, this year the county used Murell Tree Service for some tree trimming along the roads, and he anticipates that continuing. He also reported the cost of gravel has already gone up. He also asked for an increase in his fuel budget, as the cost of fuel is up.

Mr. Walsh desires several pieces of equipment which would make the department more productive. He currently has all but two positions filled, but commissioners have discussed adding positions to allow the department to accomplish more. Mr. Walsh also asked for four percent raises for most personnel, but singled out two that need a higher raise.

The commissioners listened to each department head, asking few questions and commenting a little, then closed the work session about 8 p.m.