|
BILL GRAY of Bridgeport was sworn in on Wednesday, Oct. 21 to serve on the Lawrence County Board in District 3.
Proposed tax increase addressed by County Board  Share
A budget hearing to address Lawrence County property owners' questions concerning a proposed tax hike was conducted in the County Board room on Wednesday, Oct. 21 prior to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting. The 27 percent increase breaks down to an estimated additional $50 per $1,000 tax bill, Kemper CPA representative Curt Benson explained. The accountability of the board was questioned as one citizen and small business owner, David White, related reasons for the increase to ''unbridled spending.'' Reminding the board that they were ''elected to be stewards of the county - to control the spending, control the waste,'' White emphasized,''when I run out of money, I quit spending.'' A former city police chief, White also expressed fear that the county would be facing the fate of Alexander County. Five police squad cars were repossessed in that county. Board member Pat Spidel agreeably said, ''I believe we need to get ahold of spending.'' As the banter between White and board members continued, Chairman Charlie Gillespie interjected, ''we're aware of where we can make some cuts. We've pared some down, but not enough.'' To further explain reasons for the proposed tax increase, Gillespie told the group that it was largely as a result of legal settlements, insurance and workman's comp. Although one suit that was initiated in 2004 has not been resolved, one has already dug into county pockets. In addition, several county employees have pulled from the retirement fund which is depleting the torte fund.
Board member Larry Stoltz questioned the reasons for the depletion of such funds. While growth depends on investment returns, Stoltz said, ''The state invested the money. The state lost the money. Why isn't the state responsible?'' Despite its fragile state, Board member Kerry Emmons shared a more positive look at how the budget has evolved. While serving his second year on the finance committee, he said that department heads had cooperated with the board when a five percent decrease was requested. Actually, he said, ''one department even gave us 15 percent,'' Emmons said. The HOPE Director of Disaster Assistance Jerry Pacholski came to the board with news that $84,000 had been received for victims of the June 2008 flood. Incoming monies will enable the demolition of four uninhabitable homes at Lake Lawrence. In a building and grounds report, Gene Hays said that the Courthouse boiler heating system had undergone a complete overhaul to fix leaks and tubes that were plugged. ''It is the same as a new boiler now. It will be more efficient and we should get another 15 years out of it,'' he said. Hays also reported that the heating system at the courthouse annex was also up and running. After some discussion, the board approved a four-year, full-time contract for Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Jess Angle. The contract language was altered to change the position from part-time to full-time. However, Ryan Curtis noted that the salary of $12,000 remained the same. Chairman Gillespie reminded board members that the ''personality of this job has changed'' since Angle initially accepted the position. Taking location-specific potential hazards in mind, such as the New Madrid and Wabash Earthquake faults and the flood plain, as well as taking an active roll in supplying flu shots, the EMA duties are extensive. In other business, the board: - approved the 2009-10 budget at $5.9 million. - swore in Bill Gray of Bridgeport for representation of District 3 on the board. Gray fills the position left vacant by the resignation of Jake Middagh. - approved a resolution to perfect titles to properties sold at auction on behalf of the county. The following amounts were received for the properties: Bridgeport Township - $772.75, $2,280.59, and $1,697.97; Lawrence Township - $808., and Russell Township - $1,005. The courthouse and annex will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, for the observance of Veteran's Day. The meeting was recessed until 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 18. Barbara E. Allender is editor of the Bridgeport Leader.
|
This Week's Front Page »
Related Stories »
|
