JONES COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Jones County Board of Commissioner members came together to consider the 2024 budget last week and heard the needs of department heads one by one.
The Aug. 5 budget workshop was called to order by Board Chairman Chris Weidner. All commissioners attended the meeting that started at 8:30 a.m. and continued until after 2 p.m.
County Administrator Jason Rizner started the workshop with a report of the state of the county’s financial position, which he described as strong. He said the county had $1 million to roll over in capital reserves. He explained that one of the reasons for extra revenue left in this year’s budget was the struggle to fill open positions. One of the bright spots the administrator talked about is the unexpected increase in the collection of the one-penny sales tax.
Rizner said the projected amount of Special Purpose Sales Tax Collection was $194,000 a month, and the average collection has been $271,000. He estimated that could result in an extra $5 million at the end of the SPLOST.
The administrator said overall the county was in good shape at the end of the fiscal year, and the estimated revenue for 2024 increased over the previous year. He noted that the Jonesco Golf Course that has struggled in past had posted higher numbers this year.
At the conclusion of the overview, commissioners listened to the special requests of department heads. Those requests totaled $1,341,418, and the money available for the requests was $675,276.
Requests
Jones County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Earl Humphries was first on the list. He spoke about the need for a new traffic monitor that could be placed in areas where warnings of closed roads and other hazards could be posted.
Humphries said the speed trailer needed to be replaced as did older equipment at the law enforcement center. He said $21,210 was needed to upgrade the body cameras worn by deputies.
Emergency Management Director and Jones County Fire Chief Don Graham thanked the commissioners for making sure firefighters have what they need. He said the department had added 11 new volunteers since February.
Graham said they were anxious for the implementation of full-time firefighters and continued to wait for the result of their grant application.
His requests were for a new roof for Fire Station 6 and painting the exterior of Station 3.
Chief Tax Assessor Tony George requested a new front counter and the replacement of office furniture that is over 25 years old. He added that the furniture in the office was used when it was purchased by the county.
George also asked for mobile tablets for the assessors to use out in the fields and an increase in his travel budget.
Parks and Recreation Director Bert Rosenberger said his department is in good shape and moving forward due to its outstanding staff. He spoke of the need to restructure the administrative staff to be more efficient.
Rosenberger said bathrooms are needed for the recreation areas at Mattie Wells and Liberty Park. He said a pavilion is also needed at Mattie Wells and talked about the need for more equipment for the golf course and playgrounds.
Public Works Director Shawn Wood explained the need for new equipment, such as a motor grader and backhoes and a new shelter for the Rock Creek Convenience Center. He said new containers are needed at the convenience centers.
Water Superintendent Brandon Stark presented the needs of the water department, which comes from a different pot of money due to being funded by an enterprise fund. He talked about the advantages of having a drinking water lab that will become necessary when the county reaches 13,000 water customers.
Stark said the county spends $25,000 a year to have its drinking water tested, and the lab could be built for $20,000. The superintendent said the department needs a UTV for use in River North because the trucks cannot be used on the golf course.
The most pressing needs appeared to be a backup system for reading water meters that currently has no backup and an additional two employees.
“The county has 160 miles of water lines, and we have four guys to work on it,” he said.
Board members spoke about the need for an installation crew for water lines that would be needed for the big water projects slated to begin next year. That would call for an additional three employees.
Animal Services Manager Jennifer Allen talked to the board about the need for an additional animal control officer, and she asked to be able to move a part-time employee to full time. She said it is hard to retain the part time people, and being shorthanded makes it difficult to be open on Saturdays.
Building Maintenance Director Donald White talked about improvements and repairs needed for the former adult probation building. He said that included a new roof and gutters. He also told the commissioners about the need for a digital sign in front of the Government Center, and repairs needed for the Gazebo at Carol’s Park.
Decision time
After a short lunch break, commissioners received more information from Rizner about the long-range plan for the county. He talked about the additional SPLOST revenues and explained that those funds can only be used on projects identified on the referendum voted on by taxpayers who approved the sales tax.
The administrator talked about the available capital reserves and ways to leverage future SPLOST collections. He said two compelling needs for the funds were the courthouse renovations, water/ sewer projects and space for election equipment storage.
He reminded board members the courthouse renovations have an anticipated cost of $10-12 million.
“Superior Court judges have control of the courthouse, and the sheriff has control of the safety of the courthouse,” Rizner said.
He added that the big water and sewer projects are $6 million short due to unexpected increases in supply prices.
The commissioners were each given a sheet listing all the requests they had listened to from the department heads and instructed to circle their top 25 out of the 49 listed. Rizner then compiled the lists and went over the results.
Board members then discussed the possibilities of using SPLOST funds where allowed to make more funds available for the requests.
Rizner said he and CFO LaVita Crutchfield would go over the costs of the projects and present the results at the next meeting.
Commissioner Sam Kitchens talked to the board about the need for a space-needs study that could help in making decisions, such as where to move the 4-H program, courthouse expansion and equipment storage.
The administrator announced the ad for the millage rate and 2024 budget would run in the newspaper Aug. 10 and a public hearing held Aug. 17 at 6 p.m. He said commissioners would have a called meeting Aug. 24 to set the millage rate and adopt the budget.
