Commission O.K.’s 2018 Audit, Votes To Buy Mowers

The Jasper County Commissioners (BOC) at a called meeting last Thursday adopted the Solid Waste Curbside Fee for 2019 Tax Billing, adopted the Fire Protection Special District Fee for 2019 Tax Billing, adopted the FY 2020 Budget, and adopted the BOC M&O Millage Rate and Hospital Millage Rate for 2019 Tax Billing. They will meet again next Thursday, July 11, at 6 p.m. to adopt the school tax rate after the school board adopts it at a meeting next Monday, July 8.

At its regular meeting Monday, the commission received a copy of the 2018 audit, and Mark Hardison presented a power point presentation hitting the highlights of the audit. It was a “clean” opinion with no negative findings. Several adjustments had to be made, he said, but that was not a problem. He said that changing financial directors caused a slowdown in the time it took to get the audit done. The audit showed the county has a good, healthy fund balance, but it is not extravagant. The unassigned fund balance at the completion of 2018 was $4.1 million.

The audit showed again this year that the county lost money on the landfill, but Commissioner Doug Luke reminded those gathered that the closure and post-closure fees continue whether the landfill is open or not, and at this time, the commissioners feel it is best for the county to keep it open. Either way, it will lose money.

The commissioners spent extensive time discussing the purchase of two tractors and two mowers. Hays Tractor and Equipment in Mansfield was the low bidder on the tractors, and a representative of the dealership was present. The commissioners first discussed whether to get an enclosed or open cab. Once they settled on the enclosed cab, they discussed sizes of engines and tires.

The representative suggested the county buy weights and a bracket for the mowers, and commissioners agreed to. Once they made changes, it was determined one tractor was on the lot, so the county can take delivery July 8, when the new drivers start work, and the other one will be delivered in 45-60 days unless it can be found at another dealership sooner.

There was little discussion on the mowers which will be purchased from the low bidder, Town N Country.

In other action, the commissioners discussed several items. Commissioner Bruce Henry invited others to the fireworks display in Shady Dale on July 4th. Commissioner Luke asked about the progress of the bridge between Jasper and Newton counties on Pitts Chapel Road. County Manager Mike Benton said he had just learned the bids had been accepted, but not yet awarded. He assured Mr. Luke he would keep him abreast of the progress.

Mr. Luke also wanted to know about getting County Line Road repaired where it is falling apart near the entrance to Jones Estates.

Commissioners also approved naming Janette K. Hyde to the Alcovy Shores Water & Sewerage Authority. There was an opening where Ruth Wimberley had resigned, and the authority recommended Ms. Hyde who they said is not related to Maryanne Hyde who has long worked for the authority.

Commissioners approved the Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement which covers legal counsel for indigent clients in the county. In addition, the county approved several contracts for the senior center, most of which were routine annual contracts, and one that was an adjustment because of the time they were away from their building for renovation.