Commissioners Discuss Purchasing Policy

The Jasper County Commissioners, at a called meeting Monday, agreed to allow Pittman Construction repair the dips before two bridges on Post Road that became apparent after bridge work was done. The cost of the repairs is not to exceed $9,900.

That discussion led commissioners to further review their purchasing policy, and will require bidding of some items that previously only quotes were gotten on.

County Manager Karen Degges reviewed the status of the 2014 contingency fund. The fiscal year ends in less than two weeks, so she wanted to be sure commissioners knew what was spent, and on what, and what was available. As there is money remaining in contingency, she suggested that air conditioning units taken out of the 2015 budget because of cuts but purchased instead with this year’ contingency. There are 22 units, and the Ms. Degges suggested replacing 10 in the 2014 and 2015 fiscal years. She said you save money by purchasing them together because a crane is necessary to set the appliances in place on the roof.

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Ms. Degges also reviewed the financials through May 31, with only 8.3 percent of the year remaining. She outlined those departments over budget, such as superior, and magistrate courts and the district attorney’s office as they are not taking furlough days. Also Emergency Medical Service (EMS) revenues are down, as previously discussed.

The commissioners discussed signage for the recreation department, and agreed new signage is needed but felt like the area should be cleared first before a sign is sought.

The commissioners agreed to re-visit one budget item. They had cut the funds for internet payments of property taxes, which will cost around $10,000, and they decided to put that back in the budget.

Commissioners learned that the chipper that is coming to clean up storm debris from the winter storms will be in the county next Wednesday. It is anticipated it will be needed for a month.

At the end of the meeting the commissioners went into closed session to discuss pending litigation, and the county attorney asked the sheriff to join them.