Winston Co. Supervisors Deal with Budget Issues

The Winston County Board of Supervisors met today (Monday, July 18) with budgets as the main topic. The Board agreed to cap department spending for the remaining two months of the budget at an average of the previous 10 months. This in effect limits additional discretionary spending. This cap applies only to common county departments and exempts the sheriff’s department for emergency spending for vehicle or emergency equipment repair. The Winston County Correctional Facility does not fall under this cap as well. The Board considered a requirement that any spending for supplies and discretionary purchases in excess of $100 be brought before the Board for approval. No action was taken on this option. The County is tightening budgets after Tax Assessor Brenda Miles informed the Board in the July 5th meeting that the county had lost assessed value and without budget cuts, tax increases would be likely.


In other matters:
The Board received an update from Stephanie Taylor concerning mental health programs in the county. She indicated increased usage of numerous programs in the past year and pointed out a four year, $1 million grant used to establish a program for 16-21 year olds in the community. This program is not a mental health program only but assists youth in job preparation, providing info and in some cases funds to get a GED or other education and general assistance in all areas as needed.
Dealt with solid waste issues concerning bills and pickup options.
Dealt with personnel issues at the Winston County Correctional Facility. Tim Plamer also informed the Board of the need for a new control board at the facility in the near future with costs ranging from $50 to $100k.
Met with Economic Development Director Gerald Mills who presented a budget request similar to the previous year, provided info about a possible rent increase for Teeters at the old Spartus Facility, and invited the Board to a meeting on Wednesday with USDA Rural Development concerning loans and loan options for local projects.
Authorized the payment of a bill for Dean Park from Park funds.
Received a presentation from Southern Pipe & Supply concerning new products.
Reviewed Car tag lists for waste management liens.
Approved an Energy Grant request for the Courthouse of $5065.
Authorized repair of an air conditioner unit in the Emergency Management Department.
Approved an interlocal agreement with the city of Louisville for maintenance and testing of weather sirens.
Executed change forms to real property on the County Tax Roll.
Reviewed a solid waste report on Fuel usage, tonnage, etc.
Approved 16th section leases with Board member Parkes abstaining due to personal connections.
Approved transfer of funds between account for fire code development within EMS.
Approved transfer of funds from District 4 to District 3 for gravel hauling.
Met with Randall Livingston and Clarence Kelly concerning communication repeater coverage of the county. Livingston presented maps showing current coverage areas and projected coverage areas with a new repeater installed on a Cellular South tower along highway 25 south.. No action was taken on a new repeater at this time.

The Board went into executive session to discuss legal and personnel matters. The Board’s next meeting is scheduled for August 1.