April 4, 2005
County Commission Meeting
Working Session

Personal minutes by David & Cindy Sobota

Approve minutes from March 7 meeting

Approved by all present

Sheriff Wall to address County Commission regarding drug fund and fines

The Sheriff explained to the commission that the rules regarding the distribution of money collected, related to drug crimes, had changed about 10+ years ago. Before this change ALL of the money collected went back to the drug fund and was used for drug related law enforcement. After the changes the first $100 per fine goes to the district of the arresting officers, the rest goes to the drug fund. The Sheriff is asking for a change in this structure so the drug enforcement fund gets more of this money. Commissioners passed a motion to have the Mayor and the Sheriff make a report on this issue and bring up the findings within 6 months.

Pond Convenience Site

The cost to move the site near the airport was quoted at $30,000. England suggested offering $200 per month and a 5-year lease. The commission voted on the $200 per month offer. No votes: Sesler, Smith, Larkins, Gray, Tidwell, Loggins, Yes votes: Wetterau, England, Reed, Motion failed. No other action was taken at this time.

Bowker Road Convenience Site

Commissioner Smith brought up a very brief discussion; no actions were taken at this time.

Rick Hollis to address Commission regarding local history museum project

This was just an FYI for the commissioners as there is no county funding related to this project. The museum should be 1 ½ to 2 years from opening and it will be located in the old hotel by the rail road tracks in downtown Dickson. Mr. Hollis wants input from the various communities as to how they would like to be portrayed in the museum.

Discussion on the selling of the downtown county building

Tri-Star bank made an offer to buy this building. In the past the county has floated the idea of closing this office to save money but it is estimated that 70% to 80% of the county transactions take place at this location. The offer from Tri-Star is for $100,000 and a 10 year lease agreement to use some of the space in there East College St. location for $500 per month. It is estimated that the utilities in the current location are more than that but the details were not certain as of this meeting. It was asked to bring this to the next working session where more actual details could be discussed and the county lawyer could look into the legal aspects of such a deal.

Report on the sale of the Nursing Home

The nursing home has been sold, the money has been deposited ($2.87 million). The only items remaining are to pay fees related to the previous issues with the nursing home and finish all of the paperwork.

Report on Bids for the water line extensions

The Bruce RD locations – East TN Construction Services, for $187,678.55
The Springer Work RD locations – D&B Investments, for $108,255.10

Financial Reports

The Mayor noted that debt service is owed $2.25 million and is to be paid before June 30.

Discussion on audit report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2004

Some of the findings:

The airport has spent $10 million over 2 years and has not been audited. The audit needs to be done unless the commission is ok with this situation. Commissioner Suggs is not ok with this situation.

The school system went over its budget by $200,000

The highway department had a high ending fund balance.

It was brought up to put the budgets for the schools and the highway department under one fund manager. This is being done in other counties and is seen as a possible way to save money in the long run. It is estimated that it would take 2 years to implement such a change. No decisions were made at this time.

A resolution was passed to have a written response, from the Mayor’s office, presented to the commission within 45 days of receiving audit findings.

Other business

Commissioner Wetterau proposed a motion to define the volunteer fire service district for the Yellow Creek area. His motion and definition passed.

Commissioner Wetterau proposed a motion to appoint an advisor for the fire departments and rescue squads. This advisor would look at things like insurance coverage, whether or not they are up to codes, and whether they are generally up to standards. This resolution was voted on. No votes: Larkins, Reed, Tidwell, Loggins, Yes votes: Sesler, Wetterau, Suggs, Smith, Corlew, England.