MINUTES JUNE 12, 2024 9:00 AM  MERIWETHER COUNTY! BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS  Commissioners Present: Chairman Genel King, Vice Chairman Adam Worsley, Commissioner Rosla StaffPresent: County Administrator. Jarrod McCarthy, Assistant County Administrator Blue Cole, County Clerk. Allyson Stephens, Financel Director. John Gorton, and County Attorney Nathan Lee  Plant, Commissioner Emmett Collins, Commissioner Bryan Threadgill  Commissioners Absent: None Staff Absent: None I. CALLTO ORDER I. INVOCATION III. PLEDGE TOTHEI FLAG IV. ADOPT AGENDA  The meeting was called to order by Chairman! King at 9:00 a.m. Thel Invocation was given by Assistant County Administrator Blue Cole  All  An motion was madel by Vice Chairman Worsley and: seconded by Commissioner Collins to Adopt the Agenda with thei following changes: Add #14 Under. New. Business-Discussion ofLake Meriwether Host/Caretaker and Update #7 Under New Business toz read 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request L UGA County Extension. Agent with Contract Renewal and MOUand allow the Chairman to: sign.  All werei in favor. V. PRESENTATIONS I.  Financel Director. John Gorton introduced Will Derzis from Mauldin &. Jenkins, LLC. Director Gorton explained that he: received the audit repair late yesterday afternoon and will be forwarding that tot thel Board. Mr. Willl Derzis, Director ofMauldin and. Jenkins, LLC stated that hel has been with Mauldin and. Jenkins, LLC for 8 years and their firm specializes in CPA: services. Mr. Derzis stated he would be basing his presentation off oftheir auditor discussion and analysis. Mr. Derzis explained that thel Board willl be receiving copies oft this later on today or this week, andi ifthere are any questions, please let him know. Mr. Derzis stated that financial reports are the ultimate responsibility oft ther management of the County, and their responsibility is to express an opinion on those statements. Mr. Derzis explained they conduct those statements in: accordance with standards applicable and accepted within the United States as well as the government auditing standards specific to local governments. Mr. Derzis stated that he is pleased to announce they have issued an unmodified report, whichi is considered a clean opinion, meaning that the statements are considered toj present fairly the financial position and results oft the audit for the County,year-ended 2023. Mr. Derzis touched on some oft the quick highlights oft the County's financial statements, with total assets oft the County being approximately $42 million, offset by liabilities of$7.51 million, resulting in: ai net position ore equity of about $341 million. Mr. Derzis stated that about $15 million of that isi invested within the County's capital assets, not available for use. Mr. Derzis stated that aj portion is considered restricted and has to be: spent for certain purposes or imposed by restrictions by external parties. Mr. Derzis stated that the unrestricted net] position is approximately $15 million andi is considered available for use. Mr. Derzis stated the General Fund, which is the County's primary operating fund. Mr. Derzis stated that taxes make up approximately 75% oft the General Fund, followed by charges for services. Mr. Derzis stated that fore expenditures, Public Safety, General Government, and Public Works, represent thei top three    expenditures within the General Fund. Mr. Derzis stated that about 81% ofthe County's Fund Balance, its equity position is considered unassigned and available for use or for spending. Mr. Derzis stated that thet total Fund Balance at the end of September 30th is approximately $11.5 million. Mr. Derzis stated the County maintains 9 Special Revenue Funds, al blended component unit, aj proprietary component unit int thei form of the Airport Authority, the IDA, which is a governmental blended component unit, and five custodial funds for the' Tax Commissioner, Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Probate, and Magistrate Court. Mr. Derzis stated therei is only one compliance report that is applicable to the County this year andi is cailed the Yellow Book Report, which is ar required report under Government Auditing Standards and isa ar report on their test oft the County's internal controis, in compliance with certain laws and regulations. Mr. Derzis stated there was no single audit conducted this year, due to the County note expending more than $750,000 off federal expenditures and no uniform guidance opinion or report. Mr. Derzis stated that the audit was conducted in accordance with the standards accepted within the United States ofA America and Government Auditing Standards and their procedures are designed to obtain reasonable, rather than absolute assurance about the financial statements, and they believe they accomplished that objective. Mr. Derzis stated they encountered no significant difficulties or any difficulties with management, no disagreements, and requested certain representations from management: at the end ofthe audit, and they provided those written representations to them with no issue. During the year, there were adjusted journal entries to the County's accounts, and they had noj past adjustments, and as ai firm, they are independent oft the County and all related organizations, which is ar requirement and the cornerstone fo the audit process. Mr. Derzis cited two findings that are: reported within the County's financial statements; segregation ofduties for limited staffing and resources across different departments including the Water & Sewer Authority, Industrial! Development Authority and some other offices and areas that are outside central finance.. Mr. Derzis stated there is also ai finding on some oft the closeout journal entries and procedures that were: required for them to get the books squared away and ing good shape. Mr. Derzis stated that there are also some recommendations. and management points that were not toi the level ofa finding and are considered points of emphasis and recommendations: fori improvement. Mr. Derzis stated their firm recommends that the County management adapt some defined processes regardingi its financial reporting as there were a couple of different instances when testing SPLOST, TSPLOST, and General disbursements in the County, where they could not verify approval on all ofthose, as well as the Airport Authority. Mr. Derzis stated their office noted an area int the Probate Courti in which cash collections are not always deposited super timely and creates al little bit of excessive cash being held at times. Mr. Derzis stated that iti is required by State law to adopt any Special Revenue budget and noted that no budget was adopted for the SheriffDrug Forfeiture fund and that activity for that account: iss small and limited and nota a compliance issue. Mr. Derzis stated that his office made a recommendation: regarding the Tax Commissioners Office and that they more timely perform their bank reconciliations, doing sO on a monthly basis and accurately, which willl help prevent some of the back end accumulative issues that they had to work through. Mr. Derzis stated that Mauldin & Jenkins offers free quarterly education and newsletters for their clients, for anyone that wants to enroll and become a part of that. Mr. Derzis stated that it is offered for free and there are quarterly opportunities for continuing education. Mr. Derzis appreciated all the assistance from. John, Jarrod, and thel Finance team. Vice Chairman Worsley askedi ift thel Board would get the report, because there were a couple of concerns, he had questions about. Financel Director Gorton stated that he would get those out to the Board today and answer any questions thel Board may have. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ifthey would have that before their next meeting. Director Gorton stated they would have that today. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he would like to add on to the next meeting a followup to the findings and recommendations. and the County's course of action toi remedy those. Finance Director Gorton explained that Mauldin &. Jenkins gave their findings and then! Finance concurred with their findings and stated how they would proceed ini repairing those and that is alli in thei report that Mr. Derzis just read out. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he wanted to make sure the Board was involvedi in that before it was sent to them, and that they understood what those corrective actions are fort the findings    and recommendations. Commissioner Threadgill stated that those corrective actions had already been sent. Finance Director Gorton stated that is correct, and the corrective actions would bet the policy going forward and what is needed to implement inj place and that comes internally from management. Commissioner Threadgill stated there was: nothing thel Board needed to vote on. Vice Chairman Worsley stated he understands that, but he would like tol havel knowledge ofit, read it, and understand it, because he is also liable: for what goes on there, sol he wants tol know what the corrective action is tot the finding. Finance Director Gorton stated he would send Vice Chairman Worsley what they sent tot the auditors for the action plan and how management would strengthen the policies. Mr. Derzis stated that ifyou look back over the years of reporting there has been no change in the number of findings, and actually the volume has decreased over time. Mr. Derzis stated that usually in the first year, you don'tr necessarily see allt the changes manifest until thes second or third year. Mr. Theron Gay with Special Projects stated that some of the findings regarding segregation of duties are because itis very difficult for small offices.. Administrator. McCarthy stated that he! has also seen al lot of smaller local governments have the: same finding with separation of duties and went through that where he worked before. Vice Chairman Worsley stated tol be clear he was not questioning Finance Director Gorton's job, but wanted tol have clear transparency ofv what is being done and what is being told and Finance. Director. John Gorton provided thel Board with thel Bank. Balances as of4:00 p.m., June 11, 2024. Director Gorton stated that all the balances are holding steady. Director Gorton stated he had to move! $1,000,000 dollars back to the General Fund, due to thel Ledger showing the General Fund getting low on cash. Director Gorton stated this is due to outstanding checks because of delays in the mail. Director Gorton stated hel had opened the Georgial Fund One Account for the General Funds Special Projects with an initial deposit of $2.5 million, which should: settle today. Director Gorton stated the other $I.0 million should start gaining interest. Director Gorton stated that thei interest gain on the $1.01 million dollars was about $10,000 dollars, and he put that back in the General Fund for operating purposes. Director Gorton stated that SPLOST, TSPLOST, and) LOST were all within the average. Director Gorton provided al list of commitments for SPLOST and TSPLOST and explained that therei is a $1.3: million dollar deficit on SPLOST commitments. Director Gorton stated there will be monthly allocations that will come in toi reduce that deficit. Director Gorton stated that as of. June 11,2024, there is $1.1 millioni in' TSPLOST that is available to spend. Director Gorton stated that overall the County isi in a good position with al Fund balance of around $14 million dollars. Chairman King: asked about an audit ofthe landfill. Director Gorton stated it was on his calendar and he would get toi it. Director Gorton explained he was waiting to finish up the FY23 Audit. Commissioner Threadgill asked Director Gorton what the Opioid funds could be used for. Director Gorton stated that DCA: sent out guidelines tol him, and he would send them to thel Board. Director Gorton stated the funds are limited in their use, and he is estimating around $125,0001 to $150,000 available. Commissioner Threadgill stated that it would be beneficial to take those funds and use them per the Mrs. Valerie Chambers, Human Resources! Director, gave al report from May 8tht through June 10th. E911- -2r new Communication Officers hired, 1 resignation, and 22 applications and resumes: received. Fire/Rescue 14 openings, 11 Recruit Firefighter/EMT hired, 1F Firefighter/EMT resignation, I part- time Firefighter/EMT resignation, and 19 total resumes and applications received. Public Works- nol hiring activity fort thej past month, 20 applications and resumes werei received, and Director Chambers: stated that there was ai new. Public Works Administrative Assistant hired, but that person would not start until the 17th, and this is whyi it is noti in! her report. County Administrator McCarthy stated Open Enrollmenti is beingl held from June 10th until. June 16th with on-site guests from NFP, Aflac, and Empower on. June 1lth and June 13th, between 8 a.m. and  what the result is fort the County. VI. FINANCE! REPORT  rules.  VII. DEPARTMENT HEADS  there were: 5 openings.    4:30 p.m. in the Commissioners' chambers. Administrator McCarthy ençouraged employees to come out for assistance with enrolling or making changes. Door prizes will also be given out. Administrator McCarthy stated that Building and Zoning issued 44 permits inl May and 14 permits, currently, for. June. Administrator McCarthy stated that Director Sharpe met with Director Jones on addressing. Administrator McCarthy stated that the Elections office is holding early voting this week for the runoff election for the Republican 3rd Congressional district, with the election to be held on Tuesday, June 18th. Administrator McCarthy gave a report from the Recreation Department,. All-star games and stated the 8u boys team played in Heard County, winning 12-3, beating Bowden and the 10u boys, played in Bowden, beating Temple 8-1.. Administrator McCarthy stated that on. June 8th, the 8u boysp played in Heard County again for the District Championship, beating Bowden, 11-2.. Administrator McCarthy stated the 10ul boys played in Bowden the first game, winning 7-3, against Carroll, and went on to win their: second game 8-7, beating Temple and are also District Champions. Administrator McCarthy stated the GRPA tournament willl bel held in Bowden for the 8u and 10u boys, starting June 25th and running until June 29th, and the 12u girl's all-stars will be playing next week, but no time has been set. Administrator McCarthy stated that sign-ups for football had begun for ages 4-12. Administrator McCarthy stated the Fire Department is getting ai new ambulance in service and ready for state inspection, completed thel Firefighter One class with written and practical skills testing, and driving simulator testing began for all public safety personnel through ACCG, completing most ofthe Sheriff's office and working through Firefighters and EMS personnel. Administrator McCarthy stated that a safety plan was completed for the Lakel Meriwether Fireworks event, with Chief Stephens attending Peaches in the Pines at Lake Meriwether, and also signing off on a fireworks' event at' Towerhouse Brewery for. July 5th. Administrator McCarthy stated the' Tax Assessor's office is dealing with appeals, IT. installed a new sound system int the Boardroom and also updated servers and computers, as well as everyday tasks. Administrator McCarthy stated that Public Works has numerous calls and have been putting in al lot ofwork.. Assistant Administrator. Blue Cole stated that Recreation is also going to be working with Senior Services and have several things set up with Three Rivers and will be having a meeting later on in the week with Public Health. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that staff had taken care of the needs at the Cove precinct for Elections. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that there continues tol be al lot ofissuesi in code enforcement with the timbering companies. Commissioner Threadgill asked Administrator McCarthy what was taken in from the Peaches in the Pines event. Administrator McCarthy stated he did not. have the money amounts but knew the number of people and number of vendors. Fire Chief Stephens stated around 900 attendees and 70-75 vendors. Commissioner Threadgill  would like to know the profit when it comes in. VIII. CITZEN COMMENT None IX. MINUTES  Ar motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Collins to accept  the Minutes of thel May 28, 2024, Regular Meeting. All were ini favor.  X. PUBLICHEARING XI. APPOINTMENTS  None None    XII. UNFINISHED: BUSINESS  1. TSPLOST Update and Set Called Meeting with Cities.  Mr. Theron Gay, Special Projects stated that staffhad met or spoken over the phone with all the Cities and the next step int thej process for TSPLOST is to: set up ai meeting with all the Cities to discuss an Intergovermental. Agreement between the County and all the Cities. Mr. Gay stated hei tried toj poll the Cities on what dates they might be available. Mr. Gay stated that therei is a çertain period oftime for advertising and there will be al Resolution that thel Board will have to complete. Mr. Gay asked about thel Board's flexibility and setting the date for. July 2nd, or the following' Tuesday or Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. There was no vote taken at this time. Thel Board all agreed that. July 2nd would work. Mr.  Gay would get back in touch with all the Cities.  XIII. NEW: BUSINESS  1. Discussion and Consideration ofImplementing: a Policy on Meeting Decorum. Administrator, McCarthy stated thisi isap policy for the Commissioner's consideration, that addresses things such as keeping cell phones off, how Commissioners interact with one another and how the public interacts with Commissioners. Chairman King stated that in one ofhis previous classes in Savannah this was mentioned, and he asked staff to look into this. Chairman! King stated he checked with the attorney and was not: sure ift there was one1 that may have been adopted by aj previous Board. Commissioner Threadgill stated that het thought that the County had always referred back tot the most updated version ofl Roberts Rules of Order. Mr. Gay stated that is stated in the Ordinance. Chairman King asked ift this was something that needed to be adopted. Administrator McCarthy stated that itis stated, buti is very narrow, and thel Board could adopt that or make changes and updates ifthey wanted something more robust. There isa sample of what ACCG has put out as well. County Attorney Nathan) Lees stated thel Board did not have to use what ACCG put out, iti is just ai model ordinance and can be changed. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley tot tablet this until the next meeting until staff can get thel Board the current edition of Roberts Rules of Order. This was seconded by  Commissioner Collins.. All were in favor. ofl Family and Children Services.  2.  2024-2025 State Agency Budget Request and allow the Chairman to sign- - Department Finance Director Gorton explained iti is thet time of year that the state agencies request their budget subsidies as their budgets run July 1st, through June 30th. Director Gorton: stated that DFACS is not requesting ani increase andi ist requesting the same amount in the previous year of$ $28,000 dollars. Director Gorton: stated that staffrecommended. approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request for DFACS in the amount of$28,000 dollars and allow the Chairman to sign. All werei in 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request and allow the Chairman to sign - District Director Gorton stated thel District. Attorney's office is not asking for an increase and requesting the same amount as thej previous year of $263,947 for the upcoming fiscal year for their budget. Director Gorton stated that staffr recommended approval. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded1 by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget request for the District Attorney and allow the Chairman to signi int the amount of$263,947.00. All were in favor. 4. 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request and allow the Chairman to sign = Coweta Finance Director Gorton stated that the Coweta Circuit Public Defender's Office is asking for $22,501 dollars overl last budget year. Mary Ellen Simmons ofthe Coweta Circuit Public Defender's Office was in attendance.. Ms. Simmons stated that of the $22,501, $11,366 ofthat isa a: 5% administrative fee, and for the Iast several years, thes statel has allowed  favor. 3. Attorney.  Circuit Public Defender.    Meriwether County to waive those fees. Ms. Simmons stated that the County doesn't actually pay those andi instead of getting any type ofrefund from the state, ifthere was one or not, the state has always agreed to not ask fort the $11,366. Ms. Simmons stated that what they are asking fori is $11,135.00. Ms. Simmons stated that out ofthat requested amount shei is asking for ar raise for Ryan Fuller, thel Public Defender in Meriwether County. Ms. Simmons stated that hel has been the Public Defender inl Meriwether County fort the last 19: years. Ms. Simmons explained that last year the Board was. kind and gave him aj pay raise, because he was: far behind on the pay scale. Ms. Simmons stated that Mr. Fuller does an exceptional job for Meriwether County, keeping case. loads moving, and making sure those in jail are having due process and not languishing, costing the County more. Ms. Simmons stated1 the other request is for Maryanne Behrens, who is the administrative assistant, fora a $3,000 dollar pay raise. Ms. Simmons explained that with the add-ons for benefits and taxes, the requestedi increase comes to $11,135.00. Ms. Simmons stated that depending on what the Board decides, this could be! her last time coming before the Board as the Circuit will be splitting, and she will be on the West Georgia circuit. Ms. Simmons explained that she would: miss working with Meriwether County. Chairman King asked what thet total budget amount with increase would be. Ms. Simmons stated she was asking for $227,319.00, which excludes the $11,366.00 administrative fee. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget request for the Coweta Circuit Public Defender int the amount of $11,135.00, making the total budget $227,319.00 and allowing the Chair to sign.. All werei in favor. 5. 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request and allow the Chairman to sign - Department Finance. Director Gorton stated that the Department of Public Health had requested the: same budget as thej previous year of $152,500 dollars and staffi recommended approval. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley ands seconded by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 State Agency Budget request, with no change, in the amount of$152,500 and allow the Chair to sign. All 6. 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request and allow the Chairman to sign - Pine Finance Director Gorton: stated that thel Pinel Mountain! Regional Library isi requesting al budget increase in the: amount of$5,000 over thej previous year's budget. Ms. Cynthia Kilby stated that the library is asking for a $5,000 dollar increase this year due toi their health insurance increasing again. Ms. Kilby stated that health insurance will increase again in the fiscal years 25, 26, and 27. Ms. Kilby explained that shei is requesting an increase tol help the employees whol have health insurance. Ms. Kilby stated iti is the group health insurance through the State of Georgia. Ms. Kilby also stated that as ofJ June 1st, the library went fine free, and this was al big deal for the County. Chairman King askedi if this would be an increase fort the upcoming years. Ms. Kilby stated thati it wasj just an increase. for this year, and she would have to come back to1 thel Board. Ms. Kilby explained that there had been no increase in the last 10-15y years for health insurance and then last year, there were several increases. Asst. Administrator Cole let Ms. Kilby know that the County was working with GDOT to get library signs upi ini town. Ms. Kilby thanked Asst. Administrator Cole. Ms. Kilby thanked the Board for their support and left summer reading brochures in the lobby. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget request for the Pinel Mountain! Regional Library int the: amount of$138,000. All were in favor. 7. 2024-2025 State. Agency Budget Request - UGA County Extension Agent with Contract Finance Director Gorton stated that County 4HJ Extension Agent, Ashley Harmon was in attendance, and shei is asking for as smalli increasei in the amount of $330.00. Ms. Harman stated that thei increase is for the' Teacher Retirement System (TRS). Mrs. Harman stated that TRSi increased from 19.98%to 20.78%, resulting in thei request fort the $330.001 increase. Ms. Harman explained that she added the  ofPublic] Health.  were ini favor, with Commissioner Threadgill abstaining. Mountain Regional Library System.  Renewal and MOU: and allow the Chairman to sign.    MOU because one had not been signed in a couple of years and wanted new signatures. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he didn't believe Mrs. Harman ever asked the Board for an increase in her 7-year tenure. Commissioner Threadgill stated Mrs. Harman is humble and does a great job. Mrs. Harman thanked Commissioner Threadgill. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to approve the 2024-2025 State Agency Budget request of ani increase of$330.00, the total budget of $53,297.00 for the UGA County Extension Agent, with Contract Renewal and MOU, and allow the Chairman to sign. All were in favor. Administrator McCarthy stated that the Grand. Jury Presentments were in the Board's packet, and they had discussed those and need to accept those, as repairs continue with the Jail and thank the Grand Jury for performing their duties. A motion was made by Commissioner Plant and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to accept the Grand Jury Presentments as presented. All were in favor. 2024-2025. ACCG Renewal Contribution Worksheet- Approve and allow Chairman to Finance Director Gorton explained the request is for General Property and Liability insurance. Director Gorton stated the cost of coverage last year was $547,005.00. Director Gorton explained this increased 17%1 this year and the proposed renewal cost is $661,910.00. Director Gorton stated that there was a 5% discount given by ACCG after he was appointed as Safety Coordinator. Director Gorton stated that hei is one class away from completing the certificate, and quarterly safety committee meetings are being held. Staffrecommends: approving the renewal with. ACCG from July 1,2024, through June 30, 2025, in the amount of$661,910.00. Director Gorton stated that he will be putting together an. RFP to send out in the coming months to see ift there are any other options available in the future. Director Gorton explained that this amount has increased from $375,000 to almost $700,000 dollars in three years. Chairman King asked what the increased amount was. Director Gorton stated it isa total of$661,910, which isal 17.4% increase over the last year. A motion was madel by Commissioner Plant to approve the 2024-2025 ACCG Renewal Contribution Worksheet in the amount of$662,910, tol be funded out of the General Fund, and allow the Chairman to sign. This was 10. Recommendations to Change Road Projects from SPLOST Commitments to TSPLOST Finance Director Gorton stated that he is recommending moving the 2023 LMIG and 2024 LMIG projects over from SPLOST to' TSPLOST. Director Gorton stated this is mainly because these are transportation projects and fall under TSPLOST. Director Gorton stated this would take the County out ofa deficit on SPLOST, moving them into a surplus of $183,000. Director Gorton stated that SPLOST can be used for many things, including roads, but this would free up some of the SPLOST funds tol be used for existing building repairs. Director Gorton stated that he feels the match for LMIG should come from TSPLOST every year as iti is transportation related. Director Gorton stated doing this would put the' TSPLOST account at a deficit of$279,000, but with allocations in the next two months, it will be back in the positive. Director Gorton stated that he didn't see thei invoice coming in from ER Snell until early spring and the first payments would be made out ofthe $800,000 received by the state. Director Gorton stated his recommendation is to move the 2023 LMIG and 2024 LMIG commitments to TSPLOST.. Administrator McCarthy stated this is just a matter of cash flow and not a matter of under budgeting, but a matter ofhaving cash on hand. Administrator McCarthy stated that thel Board could always do a road project out of SPLOST in the future ift they chose to. Vice Chairman Worsley stated there was an issue with budgeting, due to the 2023 LMIG and the amount of change orders that came into that LMIG, increasing the amount. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that Finance wasn't aware of the total oft the change orders. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that as al Board they needed to do al better job oftracking those change orders and the impact they would have. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the Board committed to doing the projects and the amounts that were committed came in prior to the SPLOST dollars rolling into the account. Finance Director  8. Acceptance of the May 2024 Grand Jury Presentments  9. sign.  seconded by Commissioner Collins. All were in favor.  Commitments.    Gorton stated that is correct, and it is not an issue of cash flow or if we can afford it, it is an issue of invoices coming in simultaneously, which would require him to borrow from the General Fund. Commissioner Threadgill wants the public to know the. Board is not overspending. Commissioner Threadgill stated the Board has committed to an' "x" number of dollars and what the commitment of those "x" number of dollars are reflects ai negative balance at this point, but those dollars have not been spent and ift those invoices come in, this is the predicament we will bei in. Commissioner Threadgill stated this is not an overspending issue. Chairman King asked about the amount ofthe change orders coming in at over $400,000 dollars. Finance Director Gorton stated that the amount of the change orders for the 2023 LMIG was $486,704.45. Chairman King asked about the TSPLOST balance and ifitl had anything to do with thel LRA money. Finance Director Gorton stated it is separate and is int the General! Fund, totally separate, not allocated, and waiting for the Board to approve its use. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that Director Gorton did a good jobi in getting the Board the data, and a lot oft the projects were: approved before he started. Vice Chairman Worsley looks forward to getting this information earlier. A motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Threadgill to: move the 2023 and 2024 LMIG project commitments from SPLOSTto  TSPLOST. All were in favor.  11.  Consider Request from Manchester and the Manchester MDA for  Asistance/Parinerahnp for the Fourth ofJuly Fireworks.  Ms. Suzanne Pengelly stated that she came before the Board as a citizen last time and is asking the Board once again toj participate in the 4th ofJuly community event. Ms. Pengelly stated that they put together an events team last year when the City asked them to come forth and take over the event. Mrs. Pengelly stated that she has events and shows background. Mrs. Pengelly stated that she understood that the County put on the event in the past and then stopped for whatever reason. Chairman King stated that the Sheriff's Office and his budget put on the fireworks show. Ms. Pengelly stated when that stopped, the City ofManchester took it over for 10 years. Ms. Pengelly stated that they wanted toj put on as safe, fun-filled show fort the entire community, notj just Manchester. Ms. Pengelly stated that is was posted last year that the event was held by the City, the MDA, and the County, and they would like to be able to do that again. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the original request was to honor Judy Taylor Foster Pike for the services she put forth for the entire County. Commissioner Threadglli stated she was very well-known and respected throughout the County and had a large business in Manchester: for many years and felt personally that it was a great thing to dot tol honorl her. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he knows that the County has plans to do their own event at Lake Meriwether but does feel a donation in her honor would be a great thing to do. Vice Chairman Worsley asked ifthere was a dollar amount the City was asking for. Mrs. Pengelly stated that the MDA has no income, and last year they put in $15,000 and the City paid for the fireworks at around $17,500. Chairman King asked if the County paid $12,500 of the $17,000 for the fireworks. Ms. Pengelly stated that she felt the Board had a list ofa all the expenses incurred. The Board was not provided with a list. Commissioner Threadgill stated that the County paid $12,500, and didn't just go for the fireworks. Ms. Pengelly stated that it wasn't just the fireworks, there were expenses for entertainment, stage, sounds, lights, porta-potties, fly-over, helicopter rides, and t-shirts and koozies. Ms. Pengelly stated that atl last year's event, they asked for 4 off- duty Meriwether County officers to provide safety. Ms. Pengelly stated that alli the maintenance of the property before the event was an incurred expense. Ms. Pengelly stated that as it was the first time they put on the event, they didn't know the cost, but had great sponsors throughout the County and City, with many vendors. Ms. Pengelly stated that the goal was to break even, and they ended up with more than they expected, and that money went into a separate account for events. Vice Chairman Worsley asked if wel knew how much had been spent out ofthe dedicated $25,000 dollars for the fireworks at Lake Meriwether. Finance Director Gorton stated that at this time the County had taken in around $13,000 dollars from sponsorships. Chairman King stated that the Board allocated $25,000 dollars without the sponsors, and you can't take anything from thel Lake Meriwether committee that went out and raised all the money    from sponsors. Chairman King stated that right now the focus is that the Board allotted $25,000 dollars in the budget for fireworks and need tol know what the County's cost is going to be. Chairman King stated the reason for the: sponsorships was tos save the County taxpayers money. Chairman King asked what the County had spent out of the $25,000, not including the sponsorship money. Finance Director Gorton stated that the County had paid the $7,500 deposit for the fireworks contract of $15,000, and the $2,800 for the band. Commissioner Collins stated that thet total committed contract amount for the fireworks is $15,000, and there are some miscellaneous expenses for signs as well as the need for porta-potties. Finance Director Gorton stated that the total costs that will need to be spent are around $19,000. Commissioner Threadgill stated as the District 4 Commissioner he felt it would be a great opportunity to honor Judy for all the work she did in the County and considering that Manchester pays al lot of County taxes, the City ofManchester has continued to share its resources throughout the County, whether it be through recreation or anything else that they have. Commissioner Threadgill stated he would like to make ai motion to provide the City of Manchester and the MDA upon their request, with $10,000 dollars to go towards the fireworks in 2024. Chairman King stated that would put the County over the $25,000 they have aiready committed. Commissioner Threadgill stated that is what was committed to Lakel Meriwether, and this was a separate thing, and ifit had been committed to fireworks, in general, across the County, that would be one thing, but that $25,000 dollar commitment, when asked was for just Lake Meriwether fireworks. Commissioner Threadgill stated this would be a separate motion outside ofthat and the motion is to give the City of Manchester and the MDA, $10,000 dollars for their fireworks on. July 3rd. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that his concern ist that this now puts the County at $35,000 and other cities might want to dot that as well. Commissioner Threadgill stated that they did not want to and ifthey had, then the money would have to be divided. Commissioner Threadgill stated that because oft the commitment Manchester has given over the years and the amount oftaxes that come in from the City, not only the property tax, but what we receive in SPLOST, TSPLOST, and LOST, because of the sales that come through that City, he again would like to put forth the motion of$10,000 doliars to the City ofN Manchester for. July 3rd. The motion failed for the lack ofa second. Chairman King stated that when this discussion came up, ifyou review the minutes, the question was, do we want to go in with Manchester, or do we want to doa County fireworks show? Chairman King stated the decision was made to do a Meriwether County fireworks show, to spend a maximum of $25,000. Chairman King stated that there was a commitment on the taxpayers and citizens ofMeriwether County and ift the Board goes back now and commits another $10,000 dollars, that's $35,000, which was not part oft the discussion int the meeting. Chairman King stated thel Board had an opportunity, at that time, to either contribute or goar newi route. Chairman King stated this is why he keeps asking where we are at, because if the County is going to spend $22,000 and thel Board says to contribute $2,000 to $3,000, that would be: more inline with what the Board told the citizens they would do, and what they have been working so hard to do. Commissioner Threadgill stated that at the time of that meeting, Manchester and thel MDA had not come to the Board to1 request that amount of money and to him that discussion to him is irrelevant because the Board had not been requested to provide something to them. Vice Chairman Worsley stated he agrees iti is a good idea to support Mrs. Foster and support Manchester in their efforts of what they have continued to do, because Manchester citizens are County citizens as well. Vice Chairman Worsley made ai motion to commit $5,000 ofthe $25,000 firework money that the County said they would spend. Commissioner Plant seconded the motion. Voting in favor of the motion were Vice Chairman Worsley, Commissioner Plant, and Commissioner Threadgill. Voting opposed were Chairman King and Commissioner Collins. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he would like to say that it almost appears that every time something comes forward for the City ofManchester, the majority of the Board tends to vote a lot of things down. Commissioner Threadgill thanked those who supported the vote. Commissioner Threadgill stated he doesn't understand why the Board keeps having issues with the City of Manchester, when they have been very gracious and tried tol help over the years, witha minimal amount of money given to them, whether it be recreation or what have you. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he wanted on record that the County has al lot of tax money coming from    Manchester, and when dividing the TSPLOST, SPLOST, and LOST, Manchester tends to get the larger percentage because the population and most of the sales are coming from that area. Commissioner Threadgill stated that ifManchester ever decided to sever themselves from Meriwether County, the County would bel looking at a huge decrease in not only the property tax income, but a huge decrease in every other fund. Commissioner Threadgill stated ifa city severs itself from the County, it hurts the County, because the County doesn't do any work inside the City, and only does work in the rural areas. Commissioner Threadgill stated a decrease that could add up to: millions and millions ofd dollars out of the budget, he thinks that the County would see that they can't really do it without them. Commissioner Threadgill stated he is really disappointed in a lot ofdecisions that have been being made lately and understands that the County has Lake Meriwether and needs to do things throughout the County for all the citizens, but Manchester has always opened its doors to every citizen in1 the County for every event, whether it is Christmas with Santa or other events. Commissioner Threadgill stated that Lake Meriwether feeds the City of Woodbury and that is great, but there are also al lot of personal reasons from some people on the Board to feed the City of Woodbury. Commissioner Threadgill stated he wanted that on record as a statement on his behalf. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he voted in favor ofthis and the personal comment about members oft the Board is a personal assumption of either Commissioner Threadgill's or other people and doesn't see the need for that statement tol be aj part of the meeting. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the situation with Manchester is a1 two-way street, and they need the County, like the County needs them. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that they could try their luck with Talbot County and doesn't know why that statement was put out as a threat or a serious conversation ofthem severing with Meriwether County. Vice Chairman Worsley stated there is a problem in the County of Cities working in silos, and it has been that way since he was a child, and hel has never understood it. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the County has got to come together, because iti is a large County, and it takes 40-45 minutes to go to Manchester to enjoy an activity. Vice Chairman Worsley commended the City of] Manchester for its efforts through recreation and fireworks, and trying to do something as they are the largest entity that could financially absorb the costs, and they have done a good job. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that iti is extremely difficult to get to that end of the County, and the other ends of the County don't have the funds to do the events. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that the County has al beautiful location in Woodbury andi ift there was a central location in Greenville, that would be ideal. Vice Chairman Worsley agrees there is a need to work better with Manchester and feels the citizens on that end of the County, and hel lives on that end ofthe County, have got to do al better job of recognizing there is more tol Meriwether County once you are outside of Manchester and Warm Springs. Vice Chairman Worsleys stated thati is thei intention of the the Board, to improve thel life and quality oflife for every citizen in the County, noti isolated to that southern end. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that as al Board the unification of the County has to start with them. Commissioner Plant stated that having done events in the past, she feels the lack of planning in advance is critical. Commissioner Plant stated that she would encourage both entities; Manchester and the Lake Meriwether group to come together and come to a consensus about where, when, and the amount needed, because large events do notj just happen, and there are al lot of things that are unseen and unknown. Commissioner Plant stated no matter where the first event happens, you learn from it afterward, both positives and negatives. Commissioner Plant looks forward to working together ini the future and hopes to attend both events. Vice Chairman Worsley left the meeting at 10:18 a.m. Commissioner Collins stated he agreed with Vice Chairman Worsley that there needed1 to be more unity in the County and the County owns Lake Meriwether and to him, iti is ai more centralized location. Commissioner Collins stated to Commissioner Threadgill that he was born and raised in Manchester and asked Commissioner Threadgill ifManchester received around 20% of the proceeds from TSPLOST? Commissioner Collins stated that the County just gave 25% ofwhat was dedicated to the County's fireworks, and he thinks that is all that the County needs to do for Manchester. Commissioner Collins thanked the City of Manchester for what they do and stated that Commissioner Plant was right, that it did take al lot of planning, and hei is used toj planning outside of government. Commissioner Collins stated it takesa    little Ionger to plan something in government. Commissioner Threadgill stated that what he said was not at threat and was only a scenario, but the County does need to come together. Chairman King stated that since there was discussion after the vote, he would like to state that once thel Board makes votes and makes a decision, that is the vote. Chairman King stated that thel Board shouldn't question each other about why they did this and didn't do that. Chairman King stated that is why each Board member is elected int their district by their constituents to represent them and do the best they can. Chairman King stated that in thei future, after a vote, iti isi not to be called out in front of everyonei in the meeting. Chairman Kings stated that all the Board will work together in the future and try to get things done. Chairman King stated the main reason for his vote was that hel had heard SO much talk over the last couple of weeks about how much money the committee at Lake Meriwether has raised, and that since they had raised so much, the County should just givel Manchester al bunch of money. Chairman King stated that in all the years ofl him sponsoring and raising money for different organizations, nothing is more ofag gut punch, when you go out and raise money for something, and someone wants to take your money and give it to someone else. Chairman King stated it takes the wind out of your sails. Chairman King stated that since everyone has had comments, he is moving along with the Request for Engine Replacement on 2017 Dump Truck - Public Works Assistant County Administrator Cole stated that staffi is requesting an engine replacement on a 2017 box dump truck for Public Works. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that the dump truck is used tol haul rock and equipment and has been int the County fleet for 3 years. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that the staff! had obtained three quotes. Sourcewell for $9,400, Direct Buy from Mike Patton for $9,600, both with a warranty, and al used engine available from ai nearby vendor for $8,500 plus the costs of any machining and only a3 30-90-day warranty.. Asst. Administrator Cole asked the Board to approve the replacement, and with costs fluctuating, an amount not to exceed $9,585.29. Vice Chairman Worsley came back to the meeting at 10:24 a.m. Commissioner Collins questioned the type oftruck and why so many engines are having to be replaced. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that it is due to sO1 many hard miles and this was a 2017: Ford F750. Chairman King asked what type of engine. Asst. Administrator Cole stated it was a diesel engine. Discussion continued, and a motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Vice Chairman Worsley to approve the engine replacement for the 2017 dump truck, not to exceed $9,585.29.All were in favor.  Agenda. 12.  13.  Request for Purchase of 12 Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) for County Finance Director Gorton stated that as Safety Coordinator he visited the County buildings and could not locate an AED in any oft them. Director Gorton stated that he obtained three quotes. Stryker, AED Grant, which gave a discount, and Newnan CPR. Finance Director Gorton stated that with Stryker and AED grant, the County can get thel Lifepack CR2 which is compatible with what EMS has now and isj just plug and play. Finance Director Gorton stated that with the additional costs or difference between Stryker and AED Grant, iti is worth it when factoring in the time, iti is worth the cost. Chairman King asked the total price. Finance Director Gorton stated the total cost from Stryker is $26,869.80. Fire ChiefI Danny Stephens stated that the Stryker units are compatible with their equipment. Chief Stephens stated there willl be more needed and this will have to happen in phases as Narcan is required with the AEDs in the cabinet. Commissioner Threadgill asked if the units had a warranty. Finance Director Gorton stated the warranty is 8 years. Commissioner Threadgill asked Director Gorton to see ifthat warranty could be extended. Commissioner Threadgill asked Chief Stephens ifhis department would service and maintain those units. Chief Stephens stated that they would, just as they do their apparatus and vehicles. Chief Stephens stated he would like to havea hands-on check oft the units at least every 6: months. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill top purchase 12. AEDs for the County Buildings and Recreation from Stryker in the amount of $26,869.80, to be paid out ofthe General Fund. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Plant.  Buildings and Recreation.  All were in favor.    14.  Discussion ofLake Meriwether Host/Caretaker and Update.  Commissioner Collins stated that thel Lakel Meriwether Advisory Board met on June Ilth and discussed: al Host for Lakel Meriwether and the Advisory Board wanted Human Resource! Director Valerie Chambers to dos some more: research on aj potential Host for the Lake and availability. Commissioner Collins stated that int the meantime, Mr. RobertLovett) has decided that he will work part-time until al Host can bel located. Commissioner Collins stated that the Advisory Board was in favor ofal host and setting up a special campsite near the dumping station. County Administrator McCarthy stated Mrs. Valerie could potentially help with the criminal background checks, but she has afi full workload, but could look at another staff member toj pick that up and run with it and see what the availability is. There was continued discussion on who would look into aj potential host fort the Lake. Chairman King stated that Administrator McCarthy could look intoi it and once the decision is made to move: forward, then Valerie could handle the background checks. Administrator McCarthy stated that he had notes from the meeting andi information and wanted to leave it open-ended, instead ofai motion being made for Valerie specifically to spearhead it. Commissioner Threadgill asked Commissioner Collins ift there were companies that handle thel hosts. Commissioner Collins stated he researched the GA State Park Host Agreement and would reach out tol Natural Resources. There was more discussion about the expectations oft thel host. Commissioner Collins stated that more research was needed, but thel hope was1 to rehire Mr. Robert part-time.. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill to rehire Mr. Robert Lovett at the: same: rate ofp pay he was receiving prior tol him resigning. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Plant. All were in favor, with Commissioner Collins abstaining. County Administrator McCarthy stated that he attended TSPLOST meetings with the Cities and enjoyed getting to meet with them. Administrator McCarthy stated he signed off on the audit documents as well as had discussion with Financel Director Gorton regarding the reassignment of road projects from SPLOST1 to' TSPLOST. Administrator McCarthy stated he spoke at the Lion's Club about' TSPLOST: and County projects, and they were a very nice group of people and really enjoyed meeting with them. Administrator McCarthy stated they are leaders int the community that will carry that information out to others. Administrator McCarthy stated he met with Director. Jones and had further discussions on addressing. Administrator McCarthy stated he attended the' Tax. Assessor's Board Meeting and the Airport Authority Meeting, and one oft the items discussed was the GDOT Lidar approach which was established by the federal government regarding the angle for the planes andi the concern ofsome trees affecting the angle.. Administrator McCarthy stated the Airport Authority tabled the discussion of an aerobics box, discussed interneti issues with the hangars, and had discussion about installing repeaters, which they tabled for later discussion.. Administrator McCarthy stated that the Authority did sign the IGA for the operating expense reimbursement. Administrator McCarthy stated that he attended thel IDA meeting and had discussions about development and available sites as well as provided them with: some ideas for grants. Administrator McCarthy stated that he dealt with short-notice railroad closings and only two County employees were notified. Administrator. McCarthy stated he worked with the Railroad as well as their third-party consultants on contact information. Administrator McCarthy stated that he began the paperwork to be able to sign checks as well as work that was needed for the Cove Election precinct and thanked Patty and Asst. Administrator Cole for getting ahead on that.. Administrator McCarthy stated there were 76 vendors at Peaches int thel Pines and al little over 900: attendees, whichi included 52-disc golfers. Administrator McCarthy stated that he attended a meeting with] Public Safety personnel regarding the Woodbury Village and] Blue submitted comments to thel Regional Commission as well as his additional comments to make sure everything was covered. Administrator McCarthy stated that the insurance paperwork has been received from the fireworks company and the event is being paid for by the Lake Meriwether fund and: sponsors, and not by thet taxpayers.. Administrator. McCarthy stated therei isa great need for animal adoptions and thanked! Director Richmond for going to events to try and find the animals al home. Administrator McCarthy encouraged those watching to adopt.. Administrator  XIV. REPORT. FROM COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR    McCarthy stated he continues to deal with: somel HRi issues and provided an update on1 thej jail repairs, stating thei roofv was complete and thej jail locks, doors and plumbing are on the way. Administrator McCarthy stated that he met with timber companies regarding timber ordinances and expectations and feels those lines of communication are being opened up. Administrator McCarthy stated that he Assistant Administrator. Blue Cole: stated thatl he attended a meeting with 911 to discuss issues with addressing, and also attended the Water & Sewer, IDA, and Airport meetings. Asst. Administrator Coles stated that over they weekend he attended Peaches int thel Pines and thanked Director Richmond for rescheduling his day tol bei there to offer animal adoptions. Asst. Administrator Cole stated her received thel DRI back regarding Woodbury Village and the Regional Commission received comments from! 2j places in Woodbury, 3 County organizations, GDOT, and numerous citizens. Asst. Administrator Cole: stated he willl be sending that out to thel Board, as this completes their process, andi it goes back to the City of Woodbury. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that hel had been working with GDOT regarding the bridge closure on Hwy 1091 to find solutions for trucks, but GDOT cannot route traffic down a County road, and they are trying to come up with the best solution, when there aren't that many. Asst. Administrator Cole stated that hel helped with the Cove precinct as well as worked on the scope of Theron Gay with Special Projects stated that GDOT was working on1 the Dan Stribling Bridge near thel Imlac fire station. Mr. Gay stated in doing sO the contractors raised thej profile oft the road, creating and angle and slope toi the fire station that could not be managed. Mr. Gay stated that they met with GDOT and talked with them about it, and they came back and reported that they are going tol lower thej profile of that road and reduce the: slope to 9% or less. Mr. Gay stated this would: meet the specifications oft the fire department. Mr. Gay stated he understood that the Board had been receiving al lot of calls duet to assessment notices going out and he will try to write up a memo giving  continued tos send updates to the Commissioners throughout the week.  work for thel Pathways building.  asynopsis.  XV. REPORT! FROM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS  Commissioner Emmett Collins: Commissioner Collins thanked all the staff and Public Works and all thel Department Heads for thej job they do. Commissioner Collins stated that he is seeing a lot of mowing going on around the County, and they seem to be doing a good job. Commissioner Collins stated they would bel having ai meeting to discuss the fireworks at Lake Meriwether on' Thursday, June Commissioner Rosla Plant: Commissioner Plant advised that early voting is going on this week for the congressional runoff election and citizens can goi into thel Elections' office in Greenville to vote early. Commissioner Plant encouraged everyone to exercise their right to vote. Commissioner Plant stated that she has front row seats for thel bridge repair takingi place on Hwy 109 and most ofthe trucks are backing up and turning around, but there is damage to all the side streets. Commissioner Plant advised that' Terrell Street is the only street that local traffic should use. Commissioner Plant stated RVs, trailers hooked to trucks, and tractor trailers are still coming through and hopes that there isaw way to get these trucks detours inl LaGrange, prior to being committed on Hwy 109. Commissioner Plant suggested to GDOT that they notify all the trucking companies. Commissioner Plant explained this will be a 6-month project. Commissioner. Plant stated there were: 51 tractor trailers Vice Chairman Adam Worsley: Vice Chairman Worsley thanked everyone for the work they do. Vice Chairman Worsley stated there is al lot ofhard work going int the County and there's evidence of  13, 2024, at 6:00j p.m. ifanyone would like to come.  backed up receiving citations.    that all across the County from bush hogging to thei road work, and all the documents being prepared. Vice Chairman Worsley stated he appreciated the goodj job. Vice Chairman Worsley stated thati in reference tol last week's meeting and the discussion of Pathways, he stated he would investigate and see the meeting notes and was not crazy and not lost. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that in August of last year, withl him seconding the motion, thel Board agreed to pursue1 the possibility oft the Pathways facility for Elections and pursue the costs to convert thel building. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that in February, wheni it camel back to the Board, with a $500,000 cost, thel Board did not move forward, but moved forward with the. Jail and Courthouse proposals and decided not to move forward with Pathways at that time, and pursue other options that Patty wanted to be involved with, other buildings, and to see what work could be done, and get better quotes. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that confusion forl him to understand how staff was working on it without it being approved, was valid. Vice Chairman Worsley stated therei is al lot ofwork that has been done and therei is a solid plan for the building, but he doesn't know what the total cost will be andi if we can meet at timeline for this year. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that iti needs tol be addressed, and thel Board had stated that there would be another meeting with thel Elections Board, and hei feels that needs tol be done. Vice Chairman Worsley stated that he understands iti is the County Administration's right to direct County employees to work on whatever tasks or objects, but the confusion was, how much money and time wasl being spent on aj project that we don't know that wel have funding for, or can get full approval to do, int the crunched timeline. Vice Chairman Worsley stated he wanted toj put it out that he wasn't off Commissioner Bryan Threadgill: Commissioner Threadgill stated that he and Commissioner Plant had thel honor of meeting Congressman. Jim. Jordan, Congressman Burgess Owens, and Congressman Mike Coilins on Monday night. Commissioner Threadgill stated that anytime you get to1 meet individuals like that, iti is an honor. Commissioner Threadgill stated that there was ani individual who had done a great jobi in stepping up into ai role that he feelsi is one ofthe most important roles, not taking away from any other department, in the County. Commissioner Threadgill stated that since thisi individual has taken overi the new position, they have excelled. Commissioner Threadgill thanked County Clerk. Allyson Stephens for stepping up, holding it together, and not complaining. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he understands the workload and that he gets emails sometimes from County Clerk Stephens from 8:301 to 10:30 at night, which shows her dedication, even working at home. Commissioner Threadgill thanked County Clerk Stephens, personally, and wanted it on1 the record that it didn't go unnoticed. Commissioner Threadgill stated that he did want to acknowledge County Clerk Stephens and thanked her again and understood the need to get her morel help. Chairman Genel King: Chairman! King stated that that he appreciated everyone and thanked all the  his rocker a couple of weeks ago.  staff for all they have done.  XVI. REPORT: FROM COUNTY ATTORNEY County Attorney Nathan Leel had nothing to report. XVII. EXECUTIVE SESSION  County Administrator Jarrod McCarthy stated there was ai need for] Executive Session for Personnel and Litigation. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Collins go intol Executive Session for Personnel and Litigation at 11:06 a.m. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Collins to come out oft the Executive Session at 11:52 a.m. All werei ini favor. A motion was made by Commissioner Threadgill and seconded by Commissioner Collins to gol back into thel Regular Session at 11:53 a.m. All were in favor. Commissioner Plant did not return to the meeting after thel Executive Session. There was no action taken int the Executive Session.  XVIIL.FUTURE: MEETINGS & NOTICES  Future meetings and holidays were announced prior to the Executive Session.    XIX. ADJOURNMENT  With no further discussion, ar motion was made by Vice Chairman Worsley and seconded by Commissioner Collins to adjourn the meeting at 11:54 a.m. All were in favor.  Approved by: Attest: Date:  Maicnly fok Ofthe bardof Conmissibners  Aiyarhes ptpheno, uhe 35,2024  Countyclt