Commission Discusses Retirement

The Jasper County Commission held a work session for two and a half hours Monday evening to discuss an improved retirement plan for county employees and to discuss a recreation project.

It turned out most of the time was spent on the retirement options, with no decision being made. The county had appointed a committee some time ago to research and make recommendations, and most of those committee members were present. Most are county employees, but at least one was not affiliated with the county.

Any plan will cost the county more, but the general feeling was it will help retain quality employees if it can be improved. Sheriff Donnie Pope was among those at the meeting, and he is adamant improvement is necessary. The commissioners were concerned with where the additional monies will come from, but understand the need for improvement.

After two hours of discussion, commissioners had questions for the county manager to look into, and agreed to re-visit the matter later.

Then they discussed improvements to the recreation complex with a gymnasium being at the top of the list. The current proposal from Precision Planning called for two more football fields, but there is concern that more softball/baseball fields are needed.

County Manager Mike Benton showed where the revenue would come from and what the county can anticipate spending, and they are looking at a $10 million renovation project. Some of the funds will come from two separate Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax monies (SPLOST) and some will come from Stanton Springs revenue, with impact fees and other budgeted funds adding up to the $10 million mark.

There was little discussion on the proposal, and commissioners may seek another architect or stay with Precision Planning. Mr. Benton suggested meeting with the architect to iron out exactly what amenities are needed.

Chairman Bruce Henry expressed concern about what the architect was planning to charge for drawings to update Station 7 to house an ambulance and crew, and wondered about changing architects. No decision was made.