HIEARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION May 12, 2025 = 5:00 P.M. The Heard County Board of Commissioners held a work session on May 12, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chamber of the Heard County Administration Building. In attendance at the meeting were Chairman Tracy McCormick, District 1 Commissioner Curtis Mock, District 2 Commissioner James Perry, District 3 Commissioner Iris Harris, District 4 Commissioner Larry Hammond, District 5 Commissioner David Walls, and Felicia Adams Director of Finance. Chairman McCormick stated that this work session was called to review and discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. Director Caleb Pike from the Arena addressed the Board during the budget discussion. He requested an increase to the salary line item to allow for the addition of a full-time staff member. Mr. Pike explained that he has approximately 110 events scheduled for the 2025 calendar year and emphasized the need for additional support to manage the growing workload. He stated that having a full-time assistant would ensure continued smooth operation of events and would also allow him the ability to take time off when needed. Director Joe Jones from the Recreation Department addressed the Board to present his proposed budget. He requested an increase to the salaries line in order to hire off-duty police officers to provide security during events. Mr. Jones also noted increases in several other budget line items, including telephone services, building repairs, and utilities, citing rising costs and ongoing maintenance needs across the facility. Chief Magistrate Judge Colton Caldwell addressed the Board to discuss the proposed budget for the Magistrate Court. Judge Caldwell requested an increase to the postage line item, raising it from $300 to $500 to accommodate rising mailing costs. He also requested a travel budget increase from $1,500 to $2,000 to support attendance at required judicial conferences and training. Additionally, he Page 1 of2 proposed increasing the bailiff fees from $1,000 to $2,280 to more accurately reflect the court's current needs and service levels. Fire Chief Jim Short addressed the Board to present the proposed budgets for both EMA Ambulance Services and Emergency Management. He reported an increase in the fuel line item for EMA services due to rising fuel costs, along with increases in the medical supplies and education and training line items to support ongoing staff development and readiness. Regarding the Emergency Management budget, Chief Short noted a $3,000 overall increase to cover higher costs associated with laundry services, janitorial supplies, and general operational supplies necessary for maintaining emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Fire Chief Jim Short was the final department head to address the Board during this meeting. Following his presentation, there were no additional scheduled speakers, and the Board concluded its review of the departmental budgets discussed. The next budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. At that time, representatives from the Road Department and the Museum are scheduled to address the Board. The work session ended with no official action being taken. End time 8:00 p.m. Phatnina Billingplag aydle County Clerk Chairman @ Date 16 05/no(a5 : SBAL : ous Page 2 of2