COUNTY COMMISSION FACING BIG DECISIONS - "We Are Bleeding"

(02/14/2005)

Today's county commission meeting has unpleasant items on the agenda, reflecting hard times and efforts to pay the county's bills. County Commission President Larry McCallister said "We are bleeding, unable to pay the regional jail bill and other mandates handed down by Charleston." Agenda items call for ways and means to fix a budget crisis, including more lay-offs, benefit reductions, disposal of county proprieties and equalizing property assessments with current sale values vs. an operational levy. "The county, over many years, has tried hard to keep taxes down, but a survey of property sales show that properties are being sold from 25% to over 200% higher than the assessed value," said McCallister. The cost of purchasing land and property in the county has been raising rapidly. Commissioners have cut all health benefits for elected officials and have already laid-off the single maintenance man for the Calhoun County Park. The commission is requesting all elected officials to voluntarily lay-off one employee or equivalent in each of the county offices. Other agenda items: - Set date and time for budget hearing in March. - Review suggestions to cut phone bill. - Designate name to new 911 center and Calhoun school board office and garage. - Review all appointments to boards and authorities, including resignation of 911 Director Joe Tanner; resignation of coroners John and Neil Stump, appointment E-911 board Dave Johnson. - Grants, contracts, resolutions and applications: Tim Meeks, Yellow Creek water project; Wayne Underwood Field walking trail; courthouse security grant; Tim Meeks Sand Ridge water project. - Report LK Area Development Corp. - E-911 building project. - Request for funds for 4-H camp. - Review Budget Control Report The regular commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. and the Board of Equalization and Review is slated for 10 a.m. READ 2-12-2005 MONEY CRUNCH STRIKES CALHOUN - "The Wolf Is Through The Door"

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