Windfall of funds pleases commission
Grant and insurance refund total more than $550,000
Staff reporter
Good news was the order of business Friday for Marion County Commission.
Michele Abbott-Becker, county communications and emergency management director, reported to the commission the recent receipt of homeland security grant funds in the amount of $498,157.
The money must be used to create and implement policies and procedures pertaining to human and animal health.
Abbott-Becker explained there are still some funds available from last year's grant. Those funds have been earmarked for radio equipment.
Of the grant money recently received, $127,000 of it must be used for law enforcement terrorism prevention programs by the sheriff's office and local police departments.
County clerk Carol Maggard reported "good revenues again" from March sales tax. For March, $41,403 was collected compared to $36,265 collected in March, 2003.
With this favorable collection, the total county sales tax revenue collected thus far for 2004 is $28,816 more than collected at this time last year.
Maggard also reported the refund of $61,785 from Blue Cross/Blue Shield due to the reduction of claims.
The funds will be deposited in the county's general fund. Maggard suggested the funds be used for an additional raise for employees or carry-over to the 2005 budget for employee merit raises.
The commission approved two fuel bids from Cardie Oil Company and Cooperative Grain and Supply.
Cardie Oil Company received the bids for 2,950 gallons of fuel at an average cost of $1.1644 per gallon totaling $3,428.
Cooperative Grain and Supply received the bids for 3,600 gallons of fuel at $1.175 per gallon totaling $4,230.
Helen and Dwight Beckham received approval from the commission for the county to serve as a purchasing agent for the Civilian Conservation Corps. statute.
The Beckhams explained there would be a cost savings of $1,000 if purchased by a tax-exempt entity. The county will order the statue, write the check, and provide the exemption status. A check was received by the clerk for payment of the first half, $9,025. The second half and freight will be due when the statue arrives.
The group still needs to raise $1,500 but the Beckhams are confident the money will be raised by the time the statue arrives in September.
Commissioner Howard Collett commended the Beckhams for their efforts.
"We appreciate your efforts," Collett said. "It will be a good improvement to the lake."
A limestone rock has been chosen for the pedestal of the six-foot, 2,600-pound statue.
In other business:
— The commission recessed for a five-minute executive session to discuss identifiable personnel with Maggard remaining for the session. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Prior to the 9 a.m. regular meeting, the commission met from 8 until 9 a.m. in executive session to complete department head job evaluations. The commission adjourned again for 20 minutes and then again for 20 minutes to conduct the evaluations.
— Elderly department director Noreen Weems recommended the appointment of Fiennes Jantz to the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging board.
Jantz would complete Virginia Downing's unexpired term through Dec. 31. The commission approved the recommendation.
— Total payroll and vouchers approved by the commission was $893,706. Maggard noted $121,000 of the amount was for the radio project.
The commission will meet at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
