MINUTES

FY 2007 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING

STEPHENS COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

JUNE 20, 2006

 

Chairman Steve Chitwood called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. and opened the Public Hearing.

 

PRESENT:     Commissioners Steve Chitwood, Kenneth Peeples, and Rex Anderson; County Administrator Darrell Hampton;

County Clerk Donna Patterson; Finance Director Phyllis Ayers

 

Chairman Chitwood welcomed those in attendance.

 

I.          APPROVE AGENDA

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Peeples, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the agenda as presented. 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

II.        PUBLIC HEARING

 

            1.      PRESENTATION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2007 BUDGET

 

County Administrator Darrell Hampton explained the requirements in accordance with Georgia law for adopting the County budget.  The Public Hearing was advertised in the local legal organ and the public was also informed that the budget was available for review at the County Commission Office.  This was advertised in excess of the required seven days.

 

The proposed FY 2007 Budget includes four new positions (one position in the Road Department and three positions in the Sheriff’s Department); a 3.4% cost-of-living increase for all employees; and an 8% increase in health insurance costs.  The proposed millage rate is 9.94 mils, which reduces the current millage rate by .01 mils.  The overall FY 2007 Budget is $21,937,960.

 

Administrator Hampton also provided the Commission and the public with a printed copy of the highlights of the proposed budget.  This document is attached and shown as Exhibit “A” being made a part of these minutes.

 

            2.      QUESTIONS / COMMENTS - FISCAL YEAR 2007 BUDGET

 

Chairman Chitwood asked for any comments from the Commission.

 

Commissioner Peeples asked if the County was looking at ways to reduce the rising cost of employee health insurance.

 

Administrator Hampton stated that employees currently pay a portion of the costs. 

 

He will research other options to try and lower costs, without passing the increase on to the employees.

 

The Commission agreed that all governments are having the same problem with increasing health costs.

 

Chairman Chitwood called for any further comments from the public or Commissioners.

 

There being no further comments, a motion was made by Commissioner Anderson, seconded by Commissioner Peeples, to close the Public Hearing at 5:40 p.m.

 

III.       MATTERS FROM DEPARTMENTS

 

            1.      ROAD WORK PROPOSALS / TUGALO CONSTRUCTION

 

Administrator Hampton requested approval for two proposals from Tugalo Construction as follows:

 

(1)     Blue Ridge Drive & Piedmont Circle in the amount of $4,789 for prime coat and sand coat for prime.

 

(2)     Laura Drive in the amount of $3,930 for prime coat and sand coat for prime.

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Peeples, seconded by Commissioner Anderson, to approve the proposals as presented. 

Motion carried unanimously.

 

III.       ADJOURNMENT

 

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.

 

 

Approved this __________ day of ___________________, 2006.

 

 

                                                                        _______________________________________

                                                                        Chairman Steve Chitwood

 

ATTEST:                                                        

 

___________________________________

County Clerk Donna L. Patterson