May 12th, 2015 Summary Minutes

Meeting Summary
May Workshop Meeting of the Lamar County Board of Commissioners
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM on May 12, 2015.
Present for the meeting were Chairman Glass, Commissioners Horton, Heiney, Baker, and Thrash, County
Administrator Zellner, County Clerk Davidson. County Attorney Mayfield was absent for the meeting.
5).
1). Towaligia Judicial Circuit Budget.
A. The Board discussed the Victim’s Advocate Assistants payments to the District
Attorney’s office and the Sheriff’s Office. Currently the county divides the money
equally between the two offices and pays a sum on money based on the amount of
money collected from fines and forfeitures. Sheriff Brad White addressed the board
regarding the laws concerning certification requirements and reasons why 100 percent
of the money should go to the Sheriff’s Office since he is certified. Al White is currently
over the Victim’s Assistance Program. The Board discussed the fact that the District
Attorney is asking for an increase in the budget including an increase of funds for the
Victim Services Budget.
B. The Board discussed the total caseloads per dollar amount compared to other counties
in the circuit.
C. The Board discussed the supplements requested for the juvenile court.
D. Heard discussion regarding what the state pays versus what the county pays.
E. The Board discussed the service contracts for Court Appointed Special Advocates(
CASA)related to the Accountability Court budget and an increase in revenue that the
court will begin seeing in the near future due to an increase in participation in the drug
courts. The Board discussed the cost of drug screenings for new employees and random
drug screening.
F. Heard discussion regarding the reasons why Lamar County is paying more money than
other counties in the circuit.
2). State Surplus Property
A. Heard possibilities for the 26 acres that has been surplused by the National Guard
Armory.
B. Heard comments from the Georgia National Guard Project Committee regarding the
purchase of the National Guard Armory and the reasons why they want they property.
The Board listened to the tier assessments regarding the asbestos discovered inside the
building.
Heard concerns from the board regarding the environmental issues with the cleanup up
of the building and the property and the unknown cost factors.
3). Side Cutter Mower
Heard reasons from the Public Works director why a side cutter mower should be
purchased. The board discussed the pros and cons of fixing, leasing, or purchasing the
mower.
4).Round Table
Heard round table conversation about the Baggarley Property on the North side of
Lamar County and possibilities of annexing the property to Monroe County.
Heard information about the Estate of Virginia Dennis on Piedmont Road.
Heard discussion about the tax assessor’s 2015 assessment notices.
The Board adjourned the meeting at approximately 11:04 a.m.