NEWBERRY COUNTY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MAY 1, 2007
Newberry County Council met on Tuesday, May 1, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room at the Courthouse Annex for a budget work session.
Present were: William D. Waldrop, Vice-Chairman
Mike Hawkins, Councilman
John David Dawkins, Councilman
Edgar Baker, Councilman
Henry H. Livingston, III, Councilman
Wayne Adams, County Administrator
Gary T. Pope, County Attorney
Susan C. Fellers, Clerk to Council
Debbie S. Cromer, Finance Director
Absent: Henry B. Summer, Chairman
John E. Caldwell, Councilman
Media: Cindy Pitts, Newberry Observer
Notice of the meeting was duly advertised as required by law.
Mr. Waldrop called the meeting to order and determined a quorum to be present.
Mr. Waldrop had the invocation.
Mr. Livingston moved to adopt the agenda; second by Mr. Dawkins. Vote was unanimous. (Councilmen Summer and Caldwell absent.)
Mr. Dawkins expressed objection to the title of the article in the Observer “Budget Under Fire.”
At the last budget work session, Council requested additional information concerning some of the budget requests.
1. Rescue Squad requests for:
a. Bunker Gear in the amount of $30,000 is for extrication safety bunker gear for the Rescue Squad. Glenn Hamm with Prosperity Rescue Squad was present and passed out information (no information provided for permanent record).
b. $39,000 for extrication tool is for replacement of a Jaws of Life that is approximately 29 years old.
c. Chris Johnson with Newberry Rescue Squad advised the request for the $55,000 service truck was for a replacement because the old truck has no seat belts, is outdated and is improperly equipped with safety equipment.
d. Lewis Lee reported on the status of updating the districts. The maps have been given to the Emergency Services Board. They will then go to the Board of Rural Fire Control and the Board of Rescue Squads. Once they review them, they will come back to the Emergency Services Board with their recommendations.
2. A handout was provided as to the composition of “other” revenue. (copy attached)
3. As of May 1, 2007, the convenience center hours are as follows: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The hours will not change again unless directed by County Council.
4. A comparison of solid waste tipping fees for Laurens, Cherokee, Fairfield, Lexington and Orangeburg Counties was provided. (copy attached)
5. Mr. Adams advised that the appraisal staff of the Assessor’s Office would increase by 2/3 with a goal to finish all appeals by the end of 2007. His recommendation was to not increase the overtime figure, but if needed, make a supplemental request later in the year.
6. Additional information from the Election Commission as to the $10,000 request for programming voting machines was provided. (copy attached)
7. Council requested that the Sheriff, the Magistrates, and Mr. Adams investigate the bailiff position for Magistrate’s Court and make a recommendation to Council.
8. As to the OSHA requirements regarding physicals for fire fighters, Lewis Lee reported that physicals are required for all totally encapsulated fire fighters, which would mean all fire fighters in Newberry County.
9. Lewis Lee advised that all volunteer and paid fire fighters must have background checks. This can be done through SLED for $5. Rescue Squad member only would be $25.
10. The consensus of Council was to add the $49,500 request from Piedmont Technical College for capital improvement funds to assist with the Veterinary Technician renovations.
11. Council asked that the Newberry Opera House request for $100,000 to assist with repairs to the roof be added into the budget.
12. The consensus of Council was to not fund the reclassifications as proposed. If other departments had known about this, they could have submitted reclassifications. Mr. Adams advised that no department was precluded from asking for reclassifications.
13. Richard Funderburk and Beth Bozard with the Health Department requested that Council restore the funds for the nurse and one-half of the salary for the interpreter. (Handout not provided for permanent record)
14. Council discussed the additional homestead exemption and requested that this Ordinance be placed on the upcoming agenda for third reading. This would cost the County $436,700. If debt service were included, it would cost $489,637.
15. Council also discussed the residential refund, which would amount to approximately $146 on a $100,000 house for a total cost to the County of $877,633.
Council took a 15 minute break.
Upon reconvening, Mr. Hawkins moved to adjourn; second by Mr. Baker. After considerable discussion, Mr. Waldrop called for the vote. Voting for the motion to adjourn: Councilmen Hawkins and Baker. Voting against the motion: Councilmen Livingston, Dawkins and Waldrop. Motion failed. (Councilmen Summer and Caldwell absent)
Council discussed adding the following to the budget:
a. $100,000 for the Opera House
b. $72,803 to fund the nurse and one-half of the interpreter’s salary at the Health Department
c. $49,500 to assist with the renovations for the Veterinary Technician program at Piedmont Technical College
Council discussed decreasing the budget as follows:
a. Lease/purchase service truck for Rescue Squad in the amount of $15,200
b. Reclassifications in the amount of $2,374
Mr. Baker moved to not add these in because we can’t find a place to cut; second by Mr. Livingston. Voting for the motion: Councilmen Baker, Livingston, Dawkins and Waldrop. Voting against the motion: Councilmen Hawkins. Motion passed by majority vote. (Councilmen Summer and Caldwell absent).
There being no further discussion, the meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
NEWBERRY COUNTY COUNCIL
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William D. Waldrop, Vice-Chairman
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Susan C. Fellers, Clerk to Council
APPROVED: May 16, 2007