Impact Fees To Be Studied
If action taken in the regular meeting coming up June 5 reflects what was discussed in this week’s work session, the Jasper County Commission is ready to approve $48,000 for an impact fee study that could eventually generate money for the county, but will not consider spending $73,000 to assure a second water source for the county.
Neither item is in the budget, and this commission appears certain that the county will be short of money to fund all necessary items this year. According to financial statements presented at the meeting, most line items are showing expenditures at or below the budgeted level, and just under $450,000 remains in the contingency fund. Out of that fund, the commission expects to have to fund a $350,000 shortfall in Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) revenues.
The SPLOST collection expired December 31, 2005, and revenues from that are almost all in. Finance Director Susan Raynor confirmed that it looks like the county will be $350,000 short of its obligation. The SPLOST funded Courthouse expansion and renovation and fire service improvements. A bond issue was held, and money was spent, then repaid as it was collected. Therefore there is a set amount necessary to be repaid.
(In the new SPLOST Jasper County is currently funding, no bonds will be sold, so the money is used as it is raised. Therefore if there is a shortfall, presumably projects would be cut rather than the county going into debt if collections don’t meet projections.)
Commissioner Carl Pennamon and County Attorney John Nix were both absent from Monday’s meeting.
Bridge Project
On the proposals presented Monday, Ken McMichael of the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority (JCWSA) asked the county to either re-establish the funding that was obligated to JCWSA to maintain fire hydrants in service areas or co-sign on a Georgia Environmental Facilities Agency (GEFA) loan. The loan repayment would be slightly less than $5,000 annually, and Mr. McMichael said that the JCWSA was concerned it would not have enough money to fund the loan payment the first year or two.
The money would be used to prepare the entrances to the new bridge over the Ocmulgee River on Hwy. 16 so that if some time in the future Jasper County wanted to get water from Butts County, or even sell water to Butts County, the cost to move the water would not be prohibitive. By laying certain infrastructure now, it could save a large amount of money in the future, said Mr. McMichael.
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Mr. McMichael explained two options that had been considered, one would cost close to $200,000, and the other would be about $73,000. Mr. McMichael explained that the goal of both projects is to give the county a second water source, providing for safety and reliability of service. Mr. McMichael said he had been working for a year to try to find other funds for the bridge project.
Discussion revealed all commissioners appeared to agree that the more possible water sources available to the county, the better. There have been numerous discussions lately about water, and the hope that eventually all local water systems will tie in together in some way providing emergency back-up for each system.
When Mr. McMichael completed his presentation, Mr. Bernard said that he wants to “say publicly what I think of your efforts with water. You’ve done a marvelous job…. All of us are in your debt. Anything I say negative about any of these proposals you’ve got doesn’t relate to your efforts at all. I’ve got concerns with the bridge and the past directions of the water authority….I understand you’re not responsible for past problems.”
Mr. Bernard went on to criticize the JCWSA current project of running a water line down Jackson Lake Road. He also said that he thought they should have gotten involved in the bridge project years ago.
“It seemed to me personally that’s been the last thing on JCWSA’s mind….Now we’re sitting here at the last minute trying to piece together a co-signing or something. Once again, I think the water is needed.”
Veteran Commissioner Charles Hill then pointed out that the previous county commission and members of JCWSA had been working on the bridge project from the beginning. Commissioner Greg Johnson said that he did not think it was for lack of effort.
Mr. McMichael went on to discuss the severe economic development impact that could be the effect of not having this second water source. He said without the supply, water would not be available to a large shopping center or such that wanted to locate near there.
The commissioners suggested to Mr. McMichael that the JCWSA cut the $73,000 from their expenses of running a line down Jackson Lake Road, and tell the potential customer, Greg Mitchell, he has to pick up the additional expense of the line.
Mr. Johnson went on to say, “if this thing with Hoke [Thomas] works out, it would be good to be connected.” Mr. McMichael said the more places you’re connected the better. The commissioners said it is more important to be connected to Butts County than to Partners III (Mr. Mitchell’s company).
When County Manager Greg Williams reviewed the agenda for the June 6 meeting, commissioners agreed that no form of funding for the bridge project would be on the agenda.
Water Source
An item that will be on the agenda for the June 6 meeting, is a contract between Jasper County and Thomas Brothers that would allow Thomas Brothers to pursue getting an Environmental Protection Division (EPD) permit to withdraw water that could eventually be sold to Jasper County. Hoke Thomas and a representative from General Electric spoke with the JCWSA last week about the proposal. The EPD is not likely to issue a permit to a private entity, but will consider such for a public entity. The original proposal would provide water for several counties, but Jasper is the first to be approached and would be the first to sign on.
The contract being considered “would not obligate Jasper County in any way” said Bill O’Keeffe as he presented it. Mr. O’Keeffe’s role in making the presentation was not clear. He is not a member of the JCWSA. Apparently he is a Jasper County citizen with an interest in it. He said, the EPD says “show us a need,” and the only thing being sought from Jasper County is an endorsement.
Mr. Bernard said that the county’s attorney, John Nix, had looked at the contract and thought he could tweak it and it would be suitable. Commissioners will consider it at their regular meeting. Monday, June 5 is the last day that Mr. Nix will represent Jasper County. He and his firm have resigned from the county attorney position.
Mr. O’Keeffe did not mention if Newton or Walton Counties had expressed an interest. (Thomas Brothers and General Electric was to approach each of them.)
Landfill Scales
Mr. Williams and Landfill Director Ken Tillman talked about the need for new scales at the landfill. Mr. Tillman explained that the scales had not been put in right to start with [many years ago]. He said he had the scales repaired recently for a little more than $1,100.
He said that he had talked with someone with the Environmental Protection Division, and he felt like the EPD is ready to move forward with permitting the new Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill.
He said that when that is completed he did not want to lose money by not being able to take in waste because his scales aren’t working. He had a proposal that would require some in-house work and the expense to the county would be $8,500. When a commissioner asked if that was in his budget, he said, “It was, but the commissioners moved it to contingency.”
Commission Chairman Jack Bernard responded to the statement. “People have a wrong idea about the contingency fund…monies were moved into the contingency fund last year…that means they’re gone. They’re not there any more.”
There was no discussion on how long permitting was expected to take, or when the new C&D landfill might be up and running, but commissioners agreed to put the scale purchase on the next meeting agenda.
Under the current meeting schedule, commissioners meet once a month, on the first Monday at 9 a.m., to conduct business. They meet the third Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in a “work session,” where they take no official action. Monday’s meeting was a work session.
Animal Control
Raymond Rogers spoke to the commission about the needs of animal control. He presented a proposal that would include hiring two part-time people so that the department could be manned full time. Currently, the animal control officer is averaging 52 hours weekly, he said. Hiring two part-time employees, working offsetting days would reduce overtime, he said.
During his presentation, Mr. Rogers said the biggest problem is keeping the shelter clean. He said cleaning and feeding takes time every day.
Mr. Bernard praised Mr. Rogers for his presentation before going into a lecture about how “this commission needs to stop the 10 percent annual tax increase,” that Jasperites have been seeing for years. He said, “we must reduce inefficiencies.”
Mr. Bernard said he couldn’t support adding two part time people. He bemoaned the different funding agencies coming to the board complaining about cuts. He said, “We had economic development writing letters to state senators, representatives saying how awful we were…Family Connection writing letters; the library coming in here saying they’ll have to shut down, the hospital crying in here even though they made a million dollars the last two years…they said they can’t be cut. I don’t know where we’re going to get the money.”
Mr. Rogers pointed out that animal control will likely never be self-supporting but he gave the figures for the amount of money generated thus far, saying that would help offset the costs.
Mr. Bernard recommended they “churn” their proposal a little more. He also wondered what could be done with volunteers. Mr. Williams pointed out issues that volunteers create, and Mr. Bernard said that the volunteers could at least handle the phones.
Planning Issues
Chris Anderson presented a proposal from Bill Ross to study the feasibility of initiating impact fees, and to develop for the county a method of charging and the appropriate expenditure of the ensuing revenues. The law is clear that impact fees must be used to fund certain services. The board will consider approving the proposal for $48,218, when it meets June 6.
Mr. Anderson also presented a detailed example of Request for Proposal (RFP) to revamp the county’s zoning ordinance. A recent Regional Development Commission (RDC) review showed the current ordinance lacking in many areas.
Mr. Nix suggested the county start fresh rather than trying to “put 37 band-aids” on the current ordinance. Commissioners agreed for Mr. Anderson to move forward in seeking proposals. They did not feel that it required a vote.
Indigent Defense
Butch Moore who is in charge of indigent defense for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit came before the commissioners to discuss funding. Commissioners have expressed concern that the indigent defense plan now provided by the state has Thomas Brothers to pursue getting an Environmental Protection Division (EPD) permit to withdraw water that could eventually be sold to Jasper County. Hoke Thomas and a representative from General Electric spoke with the JCWSA last week about the proposal. The EPD is not likely to issue a permit to a private entity, but will consider such for a public entity. The original proposal would provide water for several counties, but Jasper is the first to be approached and would be the first to sign on.
The contract being considered “would not obligate Jasper County in any way” said Bill O’Keeffe as he presented it. Mr. O’Keeffe’s role in making the presentation was not clear. He is not a member of the JCWSA. Apparently he is a Jasper County citizen with an interest in it. He said, the EPD says “show us a need,” and the only thing being sought from Jasper County is an endorsement.
Mr. Bernard said that the county’s attorney, John Nix, had looked at the contract and thought he could tweak it and it would be suitable. Commissioners will consider it at their regular meeting. Monday, June 5 is the last day that Mr. Nix will represent Jasper County. He and his firm have resigned from the county attorney position.
Mr. O’Keeffe did not mention if Newton or Walton Counties had expressed an interest. (Thomas Brothers and General Electric was to approach each of them.)
Landfill Scales
Mr. Williams and Landfill Director Ken Tillman talked about the need for new scales at the landfill. Mr. Tillman explained that the scales had not been put in right to start with [many years ago]. He said he had the scales repaired recently for a little more than $1,100.
He said that he had talked with someone with the Environmental Protection Division, and he felt like the EPD is ready to move forward with permitting the new Construction and Demolition (C&D) landfill.
He said that when that is completed he did not want to lose money by not being able to take in waste because his scales aren’t working. He had a proposal that would require some in-house work and the expense to the county would be $8,500. When a commissioner asked if that was in his budget, he said, “It was, but the commissioners moved it to contingency.”
Commission Chairman Jack Bernard responded to the statement. “People have a wrong idea about the contingency fund…monies were moved into the contingency fund last year…that means they’re gone. They’re not there any more.”
There was no discussion on how long permitting was expected to take, or when the new C&D landfill might be up and running, but commissioners agreed to put the scale purchase on the next meeting agenda.
Under the current meeting schedule, commissioners meet once a month, on the first Monday at 9 a.m., to conduct business. They meet the third Monday of each month at 5 p.m. in a “work session,” where they take no official action. Monday’s meeting was a work session.
Animal Control
Raymond Rogers spoke to the commission about the needs of animal control. He presented a proposal that would include hiring two part-time people so that the department could be manned full time. Currently, the animal control officer is averaging 52 hours weekly, he said. Hiring two part-time employees, working offsetting days would reduce overtime, he said.
During his presentation, Mr. Rogers said the biggest problem is keeping the shelter clean. He said cleaning and feeding takes time every day.
Mr. Bernard praised Mr. Rogers for his presentation before going into a lecture about how “this commission needs to stop the 10 percent annual tax increase,” that Jasperites have been seeing for years. He said, “we must reduce inefficiencies.”
Mr. Bernard said he couldn’t support adding two part time people. He bemoaned the different funding agencies coming to the board complaining about cuts. He said, “We had economic development writing letters to state senators, representatives saying how awful we were…Family Connection writing letters; the library coming in here saying they’ll have to shut down, the hospital crying in here even though they made a million dollars the last two years…they said they can’t be cut. I don’t know where we’re going to get the money.”
Mr. Rogers pointed out that animal control will likely never be self-supporting but he gave the figures for the amount of money generated thus far, saying that would help offset the costs.
Mr. Bernard recommended they “churn” their proposal a little more. He also wondered what could be done with volunteers. Mr. Williams pointed out issues that volunteers create, and Mr. Bernard said that the volunteers could at least handle the phones.
Planning Issues
Chris Anderson presented a proposal from Bill Ross to study the feasibility of initiating impact fees, and to develop for the county a method of charging and the appropriate expenditure of the ensuing revenues. The law is clear that impact fees must be used to fund certain services. The board will consider approving the proposal for $48,218, when it meets June 6.
Mr. Anderson also presented a detailed example of Request for Proposal (RFP) to revamp the county’s zoning ordinance. A recent Regional Development Commission (RDC) review showed the current ordinance lacking in many areas.
Mr. Nix suggested the county start fresh rather than trying to “put 37 band-aids” on the current ordinance. Commissioners agreed for Mr. Anderson to move forward in seeking proposals. They did not feel that it required a vote.
Indigent Defense
Butch Moore who is in charge of indigent defense for the Ocmulgee Judicial Circuit came before the commissioners to discuss funding.
Commissioners have expressed concern that the indigent defense plan now provided by the state has not saved the county the money it was anticipated to save. The county continues to get bills from local attorneys for indigent care.
Mr. Moore assured them eventually that would end.
He said the big savings with the new set-up is seen when a county has a death penalty case. But, he said that payments to the local lawyers for indigent defense would end.
He explained how the court calendar works, and said with only three Criminal Court session a year, and a maximum of three cases per session, some drag on. He said he would look into the number of cases still on the books being defended by local attorneys, and in response to Mr. Bernard also said he would review their bills to the county.
He said, “I don’t believe my brothers in the bar [association] would do anything wrong.” That statement brought laughter from the commissioners.
He asked if the county had copies of those bills, and Mr. Bernard responded, “We do somewhere.”
County Attorney
The commission received three responses to its RFP for a new county attorney. Mr. Nix has resigned, with June 6 being his last day. Mr. Bernard asked the board how they felt about the pro-posals…did they want to interview each firm or just take action based on the proposal. Mr. Hill said he wanted to interview the candidates.
No other commissioner expressed an interest in doing so, and Mr. Bernard said “the majority are satisfied with the RFPs. We’ll read them and make a decision.”
The firms responding were Christian G. Henry LLC, a single member law firm in Madison; Sell & Melton, LLP, a firm from Macon whose representative would likely be Kevin Brown as he responded to the RFP and hand-delivered it to Jasper County, and Fears, Lawrence and Turner, PC, a firm with offices in Jackson and McDonough which represents Butts County.
Other Action
Also at Monday’s meeting, commissioners learned that the county will acquire a van for $800 from state surplus to be used to haul the prisoners for public works detail. The previous van burned in January, and so no prison detail has been used since then. The county is obligated for more than $3,000 monthly for the detail, and must provide the transportation.
Commissioners agreed to solicit bids for a vehicle for the sheriff’s department. However, Mr. Bernard said the county still needs a vehicle plan.
Commissioners also learned that the county may owe AT&T some $300,000. The money represents taxes overpaid by the utility.
