Commission O.K.’s M&O Budget

The Jasper County Commissioners, at their regular meeting Monday, agreed to advertise the Maintenance and Operation (M&O) budget, and discussed taking money that has been allocated for Jasper Memorial Hospital (JMH) and changing it to be allocated for fire/rescue which includes the Emergency Medical Service (EMS), which is county operated.

Chief Chris Finch has asked for a third ambulance for the county, as the number of calls continue to increase, and each transport is basically taken out of the county. He said very few patients are transported to JMH as it just doesn’t have the resources to treat most patients.

The county designated a portion of the taxes to JMH several years ago by levying a separate tax for the hospital. This year’s allocation is a millage rate of .570, which will generate about $450,000, which is what it will cost to add a third ambulance. There would also be the cost of building out Station 7 to accommodate the ambulance. Station 7 is located on Hwy. 142 in the north end of the county, which is where the majority of calls come from currently.

Last year there were some 120 calls when Mutual Aid had to be summoned as there was not a local ambulance immediately available. The commissioners are requesting to meet with Hospital Administrator Robert Cumbie on June 14 when they will also discuss several other items. That meeting will likely begin at 9 a.m.

Commissioners agreed to advertise for persons to serve on the new Board of Elections and Registrations. The state legislature voted to remove elections from the responsibilities of Probate Court judges, saying each county would appoint an elections board. Probate Court Judge Andrea Brown told the commissioners that she hoped they would work to be representative. District 5 Commissioner Steven Ledford said we want transparent elections. Both the chairman of the local Republican party, Mary Patrick, and the Democratic party, James Belcher, were on hand, and the commissioners urged them to find a good representative to apply to serve on the elections board. Mrs. Brown encouraged the commissioners to have the board in place before the November elections so that the members can observe how elections work,and be prepared to move forward.

Andrea Gray, the attorney for the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton was there to answer any questions on the authority’s budget. The budget shows the authority taking in nearly $5 million for the year, and disbursing some $2 million to the counties. District 3 Commissioner Asher Gray had several questions for Mrs. Gray. He questioned why the authority was keeping so much, and she explained why. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) has completed a road for which the authority is responsible for upkeep. She explained they are putting money back each year to have in reserves what will be needed eventually for re-surfacing, and for general maintenance, including street lights, curbs, etc. Mr. Gray questioned a million dollar legal contingency, and Mrs. Gray pointed out how much money they have already spent, and said you don’t know who may sue or when or why. She mentioned frivolous lawsuits they had to fight, and Mr. Gray suggested they weren’t frivolous. She said that’s what the judge called them. He also questioned a $25,000 memorial garden. She said it probably wouldn’t actually cost that much, it’s an estimate, but said the authority wants to honor its founding members to include Jasper County Commissioner Carl Pennamon and Newton County Commissioner Davis Morgan, among others. He also questioned the fee for public relations, and Mrs. Gray said they needed that to combat the false information being put out on social media sites.

District 2 Commissioner and Commission Chair Bruce Henry said we got into this in 1999, and cringed every time we sent a check. Now we’re getting a return on that money, he said. District 3 Commissioner Don Jernigan said it looks to me like we’re beating up the golden goose.

The commissioners discussed the 911 authority, which the county funds, but it is governed by its own board made up of members appointed by the cities of Monticello and Shady Dale, and Jasper County as well as professionals—sheriff and fire/rescue chief. The commission talked of changing the board to a county-governed five member board. The county attorney commented, saying the original document could not be found. Sheriff Donnie Pope said he had a copy of the initial document, and agreed to share it with everyone. The attorney said he would review it, and the commissioners have a meeting set for June 14 at which they will discuss it.

Commissioners approved the purchase of six picnic tables and three benches for the pavilion at Sands Drive Park. The county paid for the pavilion to be installed, and the commissioners had allotted $30,000 for the project. Assuming freight is not much over $1,000 the tables and benches will be purchased within those constraints. Commissioner Gray was opposed to spending any more money in the city, saying he has a problem spending money every time the city wants something from us. The city is not helping us, he said.

District 1 Commissioner Shelia Jones said, “it’s not the commissioners’ money.” She talked about taking care of her constituents, saying they are in the city. Mr. Gray said his district also extends into the city, but he doesn’t feel like the county needs to fund city functions. The purchase of the benches and tables was approved 4-1, with Mr. Gray voting no.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, commissioners:

• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce which the county funds at $44,000 for tourism.

• Approved a change to the county’s insurance offering, as this year’s quotes were up significantly. The commissioners heard from their broker, Kelly Fox, who made the recommendation to change to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

• Heard the county boards and employees report, learning that the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority has two openings and the Public Facilities Authority has one. There are several employee openings.

• Learned that the Public Defender budget has increased, with Jasper County’s portion being $61, 457. Clerk of Courts LeeAnn Airington explained it to the commissioners, saying she has no control over it.

Near the beginning of the meeting, commissioners heard from Walter Smith with the Get Ahead House in Monticello. Mr. Smith outlined much of the good the GAH does for at-risk children in Jasper County, naming some successful adults who attended the GAH in childhood. He praised the work of Roberta Anderson, and said the GAH would like funding from the county. He did not give an amount, but when questioned, said he’d like the county to give more than the city which is about $60,000, he said. He said, we’ve done so much in this community, give us some funding. He assured them that the GAH serves students throughout the county.

During citizen comments, James Belcher encouraged the commissioners to purchase the picnic tables and benches. Andrea Gray introduced herself saying she was there for the JDA presentation. Mary Patrick questioned several line items in the JDA budget. She commented that the COC comes to the county for money, but that there is no line item for it in the city’s budget. (The city provides office space for the COC in return for it staffing the Visitors’ Center.) Commissioner Gray wanted a dollar amount for that. Ms. Patrick also praised Shelia Belcher for the job she’s doing on the meeting minutes.

Dan Born said he understands the county is limited, and that heavily traveled roads are the first priority, but asked commissioners to remember those who live in sparsely-populated areas pay taxes too. Don’t forget us, he said.

The only commissioner to speak during commissioner comments was Mr. Henry who reminded everyone about the Shady Dale Rodeo this weekend, and encouraged everyone to attend.