County O.K.s Budget, Tax Levy

The Jasper County Commission voted 3-2 last Thursday to approve the tax levy for the 2013 fiscal year, affecting taxes that Jasperites will pay in September and December.

Commissioners Charles Hill and Mary Patrick cast the dissenting vote, but did not comment.

Then Commissioner Carl Pennamon made a motion to adopt the budget, and Chairman Alan Cox seconded the motion. Then the discussion began.

Commissioner Jack Bernard said that he has an objection tot he salary increases. He said rather than giving significant raises to a couple of employees, they should establish a pool of money for the managerment to decide who gets raises. He then mentioned he thought that the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) personnel are underpaid.

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Commissioner Hill said he had some issues with personnel. Some get raises; some get laid off. He said he can’t seem to balance the issue. He said he is a commissioner of all employees. He said he had asked to see the whole 4-H budget. The budget as advertised cuts the part-time 4-H position and some positions at the Public Works Department (PWD).

He also wondered how the constitutional officers can survive with the cuts in place.

Commissioner Mary Patrick asked about maintenance. She said she has heard that the county plans to hire out maintenance, grass cutting, etc., while cutting three jobs. She questioned how that could be efficient.

Assistant County Manager and Chief Financial Officer Lorri Smith said that PWD Director Will Brown said that most maintenance is already hired out.

County Manager Greg Wood said he would rather see furloughs done away with than raises given to select individuals.

After much discussion, Commissioner Pennamon asked could staff delay the layoff and see if they can find the money, in the current total budget amount, to fund those positions.

Commissioner Patrick said she is not concerned with the 4-H position. She said 4-H works mostly with the schools, and the Board fo Education should step in and Commissioner Patrick said she is not concerned with the 4-H position. She said 4-H works mostly with the schools, and the Board of Education should step in and pick up that position. She said she is concerned with public works.

Chairman Cox asked is there was anything they could do at this late time. The new budget, with the layoffs in it, was to begin July 1. And for the tax commissioner to get her work done so that bills can be mailed on time, July 2 is the absolute deadline.

Mrs. Smith suggested holding the budget resolution until July 2, and having a work session to see what they could do.

Commissioner Hill asked about adopting the budget contingent on amendments to be done.

Someone commented that budget amendments can be done anytime. Mrs. Smith said the laid-off employees were to pick up their separation notices the next day, Friday, June 29. They received letters two weeks ago, she said.

Human Resources Director Sharon Robinson said she expected to see all of the individuals on Friday. The commissioners asked her to delay giving them separation notices and tell them the commission is working on something.

Finally, the commissioners voted 4-1 to adopt the budget pending action to be taken Monday, July 2. After discussion on July 2, commissioners took no action, making the approved budget the current working budget.