HIEARD COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS WORK SESSION May 7, 2025 - 5:00 P.M. The Heard County Board ofc Commissioners held a work session on May 7, 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 4 Commissioner Larry Hammond, District 5 Commissioner David Walls, and Felicia Adams Director of Finance. District 3 Commissioner Iris Harris was not in attendance. Chairman McCormick stated that this work session was called to review and discuss the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The first departmental presentation was given by E9-1-1 Director Darlene Shoemake. Mrs. Shoemake explained that the proposed increase in her budget was primarily due to necessary equipment upgrades and ongoing monthly service agreements essential to department operations. The Board asked several questions regarding the nature and cost of these increases, and Finance Director Felicia Adams assisted in addressing those inquiries. Mrs. Shoemake also expressed her interest in adding a part-time position to her department to help meet operational demands, as well as incorporating uniforms into the budget for staff. Sheriff Ross Henry addressed the Board and began by reviewing the proposed budget for the Sheriff s Office. He noted that the budget increase was largely due to the implementation of a new CAD system affecting the communications line. The uniform line item had also increased, which he attributed to al higher number of employees. Sheriff Henry explained that the cost of uniforms for the three School Resource Officers (S.R.O.s) currently falls under his department's budget; however, he plans to request reimbursement for those expenses from the Board of Education. He then presented the proposed budget for the jail. Sheriff Henry explained that the operations line had increased due to rising costs and requested an additional $10,000 to help offset the increased Page 1 of2 price of food. He also requested a $2,000 increase in the uniforms line to meet current staffing needs and ensure proper outfitting for jail personnel. The Board then proceeded to review each department' S budget in order, beginning with page one of the budget document. As they reached the Human Resources budget, Director and County Clerk Katrina Billingsley addressed the Board. Mrs. Billingsley requested an increase to the salaries line in order to fund a new part-time position. This position would be responsible for managing employee benefits and would also serve in a dual role as a Deputy County Clerk. Additionally, she requested an increase in the office supplies budget, noting that she has been researching AI software that could assist in transcribing meeting minutes. She explained that such a tool would help improve her efficiency and accuracy in documenting proceedings. The Board continued reviewing the remaining departmental budgets. No additional department heads were present or scheduled to speak at this meeting. The review proceeded without further discussion or requests from individual departments. The next budget meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. During that session, representatives from the Fire Department, Recreation Department, and the Arena are scheduled to attend and present their proposed budgets to the Board for discussion. The work session ended with no official action being taken. End time 7:00 p.m. Kathina Billingplay TRgANESY County Clerk Chairman @ Date 05/a0/85 SEAL a - cOuR Page 2 of2