September 20, 2011

The County Commissioners met in SPECIAL MEETING at 9:00 a.m. in the County Commissioners office. Those present were: Chairman, Cary Carrell; Vice Chairman, Marty Clinton; Member, Anthony Fixico; County Sheriff, Roger LeVick; County Assessor, Gerald Sherrill; Court Clerk, Rhonda Stepanovich; County Treasurer, Renee Howard; County Clerk, Christi Hair; Election Board Secretary, Jennifer Wilson, Robin Booker, Norman Pruitt, Lisa Roberson, Dale Puttkamer, Susan Walker, Robin Fleming, Jerry Gibson, Allison Braker, Robert Wiginton, Kim Adams, Keith Osborne; Excise Board Members: Chairman, Charles Paris; Member, Coy Butler.

ABSENT: Excise Board Member, Rick Johnson

AGENDA:

Item No. 1: Call Meeting to Order. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Carrell. At that time, Chairman Carrell announced the Board of Commissioners would recess and reconvene in the large Courtroom on the third floor of the Jackson County Courthouse.

At 9:04 a.m., Chairman Carrell reconvened the meeting of the Jackson County Commissioners.

Item No. 2: Consideration and possible action on Acceptance of Proposed Budget/Excise Board. County Clerk, Christi Hair, presented to all members of the Jackson County Commissioners and the Jackson County Excise Board, copies of the proposed figures to complete the Budget for FY 2011-2012. Chairman Carrell announced that the budget maker, Danny Sprowls, had expressed concerns about the Jackson County General Fund borrowing monies from the Sheriff’s cash accounts to pay warrants until the tax revenues begin to come in, at which time the monies are transferred back. He stated that in Jackson County, business has been conducted in this manner since before his time, and as far as he knew, has always been conducted this way. He further explained that after visiting with Mr. Sprowls, he went over some figures with the County Sheriff, Roger LeVick. The Sheriff’s accounts have been able to reserve money which has made it possible for the General Fund to borrow the needed funds to issue warrants. He explained that the Commissioner’s and the Sheriff have worked together and have agreed that the Sheriff will begin to pay more expenses, including portions of the payroll, out of cash funds instead of the general fund, which will help the cash on hand grow, so that in the future, no money will need to be borrowed. County Clerk, Christi Hair, stated that she called the Auditor’s Office to inquire about the Sheriff’s Department giving money to the General Fund, but was told this could not be done. She stated the only way to accomplish what we are trying to do is by allowing the Sheriff to pay more expenses out of cash funds, but by doing this, it will take some time. Sheriff Levick stated that it will probably take about three years to accomplish the goal. Excise Board Member, Charles Paris, expressed concerns about the Contract Prisoner fund. He stated that other counties have been cut-off by the State of Oklahoma and is worried about that happening in Jackson County. Sheriff LeVick replied by stating that he is not under contract with the State of Oklahoma because government regulations are very strict, but he continues to house prisoners for the State of Oklahoma on a non-contractual basis. He stated that in order to break even, he must house no less than 30 prisoners at a time. At this time he is averaging about 45 prisoners at a time.

At this time, there was allowance for Public Participation; which was Item Number 3 on the Excise Board Agenda. There were several Jackson County Employees who expressed concerns that they need a raise. It was stated that it has been about five (5) years since they received a raise in pay, and the cost of everything has risen since then. It was stated that most Jackson County employees have second jobs just to make ends meet. Member Paris expressed appreciation to all Jackson County employees and stated that he agrees they all deserve raises, but feels as an Excise Board Member, he has a responsibility to the public taxpayer. He further stated that with the economy being in such a bad state, he does not feel that this is the time to approve a raise. The discussion continued with the County Officers. County Assessor, Gerald Sherrill, stated that the economy in Jackson County is stable and there are several new homes which will be added to the tax rolls before the next fiscal year. Chairman Carrell explained that if the raise is approved at this time, there would be no more raises for about three years, or until the General Cash Fund can pay all warrants without borrowing from cash funds. Member Paris expressed concerns for future years. He asked what would happen if the economy continues to go down and Jackson County is affected in the next year or two. Court Clerk, Rhonda Stepanovich, explained that all Jackson County Officers continually work to save money and spend wisely, but feels that good help is difficult to find, and the officers feel that taking care of good employees is spending wisely. She further explained that if the officers did not feel the money was available, they would not be asking, but the salaries can be cut in case of necessity. Commissioner Clinton stated that at the last Economic Development Community meeting, it was mentioned that in Oklahoma the unemployment rate is lower than the national average, and the Jackson County unemployment rate is even lower than that of Oklahoma. He continued by stating that the county is losing good, experienced, and qualified employees, and that kind of knowledge and experience is very difficult to replace. He continued by stating that the City of Altus employees have a higher salary than Jackson County Officers.

After further discussion between the Board of Commissioners, the Excise Board, and Jackson County employees, Excise Board Chairman, Charles Paris, made a motion to approve the budget as presented, but requested the newspaper be notified that the budget was approved only because there has been no pay raise in the last five (5) years, and there will be no request for another raise for at least three (3) years.

At this time, a motion was made by Clinton and seconded by Fixico to approve the budget figures as presented.

THE VOTE: Fixico, aye; Clinton, aye; Carrell, aye.

Item No. 15: Adjournment. A motion was made by Clinton and seconded by Fixico to adjourn.

THE VOTE: Fixico, aye; Clinton, aye; Carrell, aye.

ATTEST:

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Christi Hair, County Clerk Cary Carrell, Chairman of Board of County Commissioners