Hart County Board of Commissioners
October 22nd, 2002
7:00 p.m.
The Hart County Board of Commissioners met October 22nd, 2002 at 7:00 p.m. in the Hart County Administrative & Emergency Services Center.
Chairman Joey Dorsey presided with Commissioners R. C. Oglesby, Donald Burdick, Randy Banister and Ken Brown in attendance.
Call to Order
Chairman Dorsey called the meeting to order.
Welcome
Chairman Dorsey welcomed those in attendance.
Prayer
Commissioner Burdick offered prayer.
Pledge of Allegiance
Everyone stood in observance of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Approve Agenda
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to amend and approve the agenda as follows:
New Business
Remove item f. Beggs Subdivision
Add item f. York Shores Subdivision
Remove items j & l
Commissioner Burdick provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Approve Minutes
10/8/02, 10/14/02
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to approve the minutes of the meetings held October 8th and 14th, 2002. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Remarks by Invited Guests, Committees, Authorities, Etc.
None
Reports By Constitutional Officers & Department Heads
County Attorney Walter Gordon reported that the Water & Sewer Authority water line projects are moving along. He said the contractor is nearing completion on the Beacon Light Road water line project.
Attorney Gordon invited the Commissioners to the Red Ribbon Week Ceremony at the Middle School at 10:00 a.m. on the 25th.
County Administrator's Report
County Administrator Gary Cobb announced that the County Fire Department has been awarded a grant for $122,000 for equipment purchases.
He announced that Representative Alan Powell was instrumental in the county acquiring a $8,000 grant for defibrillators and $10,000 for improvements to the Fire Training Site.
Chairman's Report
Chairman Dorsey commended Fire Chief Billy Ray Vickery for paperwork that was submitted to acquire the grant for the Fire Department.
He announced that the City of Royston has requested to be involved in the non-binding arbitration hearing scheduled for November 8th, 2002 at 10:00 a.m. in the Magistrate Courtroom.
Commissioners' Reports
Commissioner Burdick reported that he has received telephone calls and visits from county residents concerned about the tax assessments.
Commissioner Banister asked about the status of the reimbursement request for water line installation from residents on Sunset Drive.
Attorney Gordon reported that he would have to explore the matter further.
Commissioner Brown requested that Public Works Director Caime contact Water Authority Executive Johnson about some issues with the water line project on Beacon Light Road.
Old Business
a. Appointments
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to remove the item from the table for discussion. Commissioner Burdick provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to appoint Alice Worthan to the serve on the DFACS Board. Chairman Dorsey provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
Chairman Dorsey entered a motion to appoint Tim Gray to serve on the Recreation Advisory Committee. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
a. Bid Opening – Behavioral Health Center
The following companies submitted sealed bids for the Behavioral Health Center:
· Matrix Admin. Total bid $461,380.75
· Massaro Corp. $505,600.00
· Joel Turner Construction $491,038.00
· Escex Co. Inc. $529,190.00
· Vandiver Inc. $550,500.00
· J.W. Spratlin & Sons $545,000.00
· Boleman Construction $493,500.00
Commissioner Burdick entered a motion to defer the bids to the County Administrator, Public Works Director and the Architect to review and make a recommendation. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
b. Public Hearing – Solid Waste Management Plan
Public Works Director Caime presented the Short Term Work Program for the Solid Waste Management Plan.
Commissioner Burdick recognized Larry Sparks from Ga. Mountains RDC for providing assistance in the Short Term Work Program.
No action was taken on the Solid Waste Management Plan.
c. Road Inventory Ordinance – First Reading
County Attorney Walter Gordon read the contents of the Road Inventory Ordinance.
d. Award of Road Stripping Contract
Commissioner Burdick entered a motion to award the Road Stripping Contract to Peek Pavement Marking, Inc. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
e. Task Order #3 – Gateway Industrial Park
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to proceed with Task Order #3. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
f. York Subdivision
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to approve York Subdivision request. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
g. FY03 Millage, Tax & Rollback Resolutions
Chairman Dorsey remarked that the Board of Commissioners does not set assessment values, but approves the tax rates. He added that the Board of Education receives approximately 76% of the property tax revenues.
Jerry Linne’, representing the Hart County Property Holders Association, questioned what would happen if the digest and millage rate is not approved by the State.
Attorney Gordon remarked that the county has two options if the digest is not approved by the State; petition the Superior Court for temporary tax collection privileges or borrow money.
Ms. Bunke stated that individual property owners that have just received their tax assessments and have not appealed would not be included in the appeal figures submitted to the State.
Attorney Gordon said a computer printout of the individuals appealing their assessments would be run as of October 29th, 2002 and taken to Atlanta.
Clelland Tyson remarked that he received his tax assessment notice October 9th, 2002 and that his appeal will add a significant amount to the disputed values. He inquired as how the digest be validated when there is not a final figure on the appeals.
Ron Rogers remarked that his lake property is coded “resort” on the tax assessment notice. He added that the county voted down zoning however; it appears that the county has zoning for tax purposes.
Mary Lee Brewster asked where did the code “resort” come from and if there is any criteria specifying how “resort” is to be determined. She also remarked that replacement value is also being considered on the tax assessments.
Attorney Gordon remarked that no one enjoys paying taxes however, everyone wants to be sure they are paying their fair share. He said that the State Legislators could change the taxing system. He also remarked that the State compels the counties to revaluate properties.
Ron Rogers asked why property values were not equally raised in the county. Commissioner Burdick suggested that he address his concerns to the Board of Tax Assessors.
Jerry Linne’ asked what would happen if there was a petition submitted to stop the digest. Attorney Gordon remarked that Mr. Linne' would need to address the question to an attorney, other than himself.
Commissioner Burdick entered a motion to delay approving the millage rate for two weeks. Chairman Dorsey provided a second to the motion.
Ruth Roosenburg requested a computer disk of the tax digest. County Administrator Gary Cobb remarked that the information could be purchased on a disk however it is not very useful.
Chairman Dorsey called for the vote. The vote carried 5-0.
County Attorney Gordon remarked that the Board of Assessors are honorable men and women and are trying to do their best to the job they are appointed to do. He said that all taxing powers are delegated by the State.
Former Commissioner Owen Atkinson remarked that every county has their own formulas to determine the property values. He questioned whether the Assessors’ office is going by the book to set values.
h. Vehicle Purchase – Sheriff’s Department
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to purchase patrol cars from the James Short Ford for the same bid amount that was submitted six weeks ago. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
I. Credit for Prior Service – Sheriff’s Department
Commissioner Brown entered a motion to grant Deputy Larry Franks with two years experience. Commissioner Burdick provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
j. Item removed from the agenda
k. Budget Amendment Resolution 2003-002
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to adopt the Budget Amendment Resolution. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0. The resolution is recorded in the minutes book.
l. Item removed from the agenda
m. Adoption of 5-Year SPLOST II Budget
County Administrator Cobb represented the budget to the board for their review.
n. Fire Truck purchase
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to purchase two fire trucks from E-One. Commissioner Banister provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
o. Eaves Subdivision
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to approve Eaves Subdivision request. Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
None
Commissioner Oglesby entered a motion to exit into executive session to discuss litigation matters as required by O.C.G.A. 50-14-2, 50-14-3 and 50-14-4(b). Commissioner Brown provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
With no further action taken during Executive Session, Commissioner Brown entered a motion to exit Executive Session and adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Oglesby provided a second to the motion. The motion carried 5-0.
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Joey Dorsey, Chairman Lawana Kahn, County Clerk