GADSDEN COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

2015 BUDGET WORKSHOP

JULY 24, 2014

Present:               Eric F. Hinson, Chairman, District 1

                                Brenda Holt, Vice Chair, District 4

                                Doug Croley, District 2

                                Gene Morgan, District 3-Absent

                                Sherrie Taylor, District 5

                                Robert Presnell, County Administrator

                                Deborah Minnis, Assistant County Attorney

                                Marcella Blocker, Deputy Clerk

CALL TO ORDER  Chair called the meeting to order at 4:04 p.m.
	Mr. Presnell said this was the second Budget Workshop of the year. Overall the proposed budget is $43,520,685. Included in budget is moving Sheriff to new building, mowers, tractors, fire truck, grant writer position, park improvements, new voting machines, incinerator for Animal Control, Listed Capital projects Constitutional Officers-nothing jumps out-Supervisor of Elections increase due to machines Commissioner Holt asked why on some, the recommended amount was greater than the requested amount.
	Other Government and Community Organizations  Hinson said would like to increase Health Department to $125,000. Croley asked if way budget presented, budget balanced.  If go up, where money come from-cash balance. Hinson said would like to go up to $50,000 for emergency housing repairs, health department to $125,000 Croley requested funding for Deerwood Circle to have paved.
	COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS AND NOT FOR PROFITS First 3 on list same as every year Hinson felt like Quincy Music Theater targets the youth of the community
	Taylor-other programs coming into the health sector to help with lesser available funds. Satisfied with $100,000 and not increase.
	Holt wanted to add Senior Citizens in Gretna, Presnell said checked with City Manager and no group.  Holt said was, check with Commissioner Frances. Holt wanted to set aside $500,000 seed money to draw businesses to the area.  She added that Chamber and Economic Development knew she was not satisfied with both of them.
	Lee Garner, Chairman, Gadsden County Development Council and Beth Kirkland, Consultant appeared before the Board and asked to give their presentation. Commissioner Holt stated this had nothing to do with the process. Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Croley said this was not a Soviet country where they could dictate a “5 year plan”. Commissioner Croley pointed out that Mr. McDaniel wanted to build the business in Gadsden County. Commissioner Taylor returned. Beth Kirkland appeared before the Board to present her presentation. County’s investment of $100,000 has turned into $300,000 of match funds. Will receive monthly newsletter, ramp up logo Dollar General Market, where patterned after a Wal-Mart somewhat, that has butcher shop, grocery store, clothing-looking at several opportunities to meet the needs of people in Midway. Commissioner Hinson said wanted to keep integrity of Midway up and did not want to see pawn shop or liquor store go in. Commissioner Holt said she appreciated everything they were saying. Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Commissioner Taylor returned. Croley said good report in summary and mentioned the top taxpayers in the county. Taylor asked what expenditures were to date and $61,000 still in fund. Holt said was happy that had economic development council, but was looking for plan. Mr. Garner stated the Chamber had a seat on their Board and was welcome to attend toheir meeting. Commissioner Holt stepped out at this juncture of the meeting. Hinson asked that they contact GTI before TCC to Commissioner Holt returned. Commissioner Taylor said didn’t know if this was right avenue and did not feel comfortable.
	Mr. Presnell said Boys and Girls contract ran out and needed board direction if wanted to continue.  Mr. Presnell said Redeemed and Org. of Learning/Human Dev. Did not submit financials and so were not eligible to receive funding. Taylor said did have kindred spirits for non-profits, what if provide funding and then ask them to submit necessary financials. Ms. Minnis recommended that not be done, could not recommend that they waive ordinances or policies they have adopted. Holt asked if organizations listed were only ones that turned in request-yes. Commissioner Taylor stepped out. Croley – should be food steward of taxpayer’s money. Hinson recommended $5,000 to N. FL. Ed. Devel. Corp Hinson said this project was near and dear to his heart and wanted to add 10 summer jobs for disabled kids Holt suggested if wanted to increase money, do that and can change things with policy and procedures. Taylor did not want to go into general fund to get roads done. Asked that they look into refinancing bond to get roads done. Presnell said only thing left for Board to make decision on new administration building.  Been talk of TCC wanting County to take TCC building.  Saving of move will make payment of administration building. Commissioner Taylor stepped out at this juncture of the meeting.
	Sheriff Morris Young appeared before the Board and said needed to know direction Board wanted to take. Mr. Presnell said could refinance bond, payments would not increase. Young wanted to see both projects and did not want to choose one over the over. Said had violent people running street and people seemed more concerned with child support. Holt said if had to split, looked at jail first because where lawsuits came from. Taylor returned at this juncture. Money set aside for roof-$400,000- Croley said supports Sheriff’s request, either jail or administrative building but only way consider, can’t see keeping old building, costs too much.  Once hear about bond, probably can do both Young suggested having jail/courthouse together-right now have bailiffs at 2 courtrooms Croley-look into refinancing bond and not take on expense of old building. If no need for building, doable on bond to build pod. Hinson said his intent early on was to build new jail, why put locks on when could build new jail. Why get rid of history-build pod and make state of art facility.  Believes in refurbishing historical building.  Croley-wants Board to look objectively to help Sheriff Young, will get savings and can build building. Get out of building, save money, use some money for pod Clyde Collins appeared before the Board and said had architect at the Woodham building, to stay need new roof, to stay in building would cost $2.9-$3 Million, $1.3 for new air conditioning, replace plumbing, if stay there will have to fully renovate building top to bottom.  Will spend $3 Million at Woodham Building or for new facility. Taylor asked how much $ could be received from bond-$7 Million. $2.5 and $3.5 for administrative building and pod Hinson, first decision was to build pod first, wants on record. Presnell said current bond is set for gas tax revenue Croley-can’t retain building and build pod, administrative building.
	Hinson-got $& Million, be bold and see costs of pod and building together.
	Adjourned at 7:06 p.m.