Commission Takes Action On Mold at Health Dept

Jasper County Commissioners voted to accept the low bid for mold remediation at the Jasper County Health Department. The entity received four bids on the mold removal, and had a consultant take a look at them. Two bids were essentially thrown out as they had technical problems, and the other two were several thousand dollars apart.

Merritt Pro Carpet Cleaning & Restoration was the low bidder at $3,679, but the tab will likely exceed that as the county is going to ask them to use a different cleaning agent than what they bid. The consultant explained what was good about the bids, and felt comfortable recommended the low bid, even though it was nearly $10,000 less than the highest bid.

Also at Monday’s meeting, commissioners learned that the $42 billion bond sale for Morning Hornet LLC had been completed, and the governor was expected to make an announcement yesterday, March 7, about Facebook bringing offices to Stanton Springs. Commission Chair Carl Pennamon said what a boon it is to the county, as we will collect 10 percent of the tax revenue, and it will cost us nothing. The county has been paying into the Four County Development Authority for the last decade, but that will cease now that Shire is about to be up and running, and Facebook is going to make its announcement. Morning Hornet LLC was the code name for Facebook, while negotiations were taking place. `

During commissioner comments, Commissioner Don Jernigan asked County Manager Mike Benton to ask all department heads to cut wherever they could as the commission starts the budget process. Mr. Jernigan expressed his desire to give five percent raises to employees, and said that wouldn’t be possible unless the budgets are reduced.

Commissioners met Charlie Todd, the new Extension agent for Jasper County. Mr. Todd gave a little background about himself, and said he is now living in Shady Dale. The commissioners welcomed him to the county.

Commissioners agreed to again designate this April as clean-up month.

Residents may dump household waste at the landfill for free during the month. In addition, interested persons may pick up gloves, vests, and trash bags to do roadside clean-up. Those items will be available at the Courthouse, the landfill, and the Visitors’ Center. Advanced Disposal partners with the county on this, providing the clean-up gear.

In other action at Monday’s meeting, commissioners:

•Agreed to purchase four more sheriff’s vehicles as approved in the budget process.

•Agreed to sign a proclamation declaring Jasper a Purple Heart county. Otis Clark, commander of the American Legion Post 110 here in Monticello made the request, and the Legion will split the cost of the signs with the county.

•After much discussion agreed on a logo for the Older Americans new van. Tracy Norton, director, wanted lettering that would showcase older Americans. Commission Chair Carl Pennamon wants generic markings so if someone else in the county has occasion to use it, it says Jasper county. They agreed on a compromise using a Jasper County logo, and the words requested by Mrs. Norton.

•Approved alcohol applications for Bear Creek Marina and restaurant.

•Approved applying for a Hazard Mitigation Plan grant.

Commissioners also heard from Mr. Benton abut House Bill 85 which concerns the Forest Land Protection Act. Under the provisions, Jasper County’s share of funding from FLPA would decrease substantially.

Lastly, commissioners discussed the meeting scheduled for next Monday, March 12, to discuss service delivery, and include representatives from Monticello and Shady Dale. As of Monday’s meeting no one from the city of Monticello had indicated they would attend. Commissioner Craig Salmon said “We’ve tried to work with the city. It’s sad you can work with somebody…They continue to shed their responsibilities…why not consolidate?” He went on to say we’ve extended the olive branch, and they’ve just cut it off.