Financial approvals come as BOE finishes fiscal year
Board of Education, News June 26, 2022
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – June marks the end of Gilmer BOE’s fiscal year and the preparations for the new year are receiving final approvals before July. With fuel bids, natural gas, and the FY 23 budget all on the agenda, the school system prepared for its new school year.
Already approved as the tentative budget, this now moves into official status as the actual FY 2023 budget with the final touches and modifications made for the $45 million budget. This did increase slightly since the tentative budget approval as it went from $45,012,326 to final approval at $45,739,326 in June’s meetings. The difference in revenues and expenditures also slightly increased from $2,788,218 of expenditures over revenues to $2,810,338 of expenditures over revenue.
Just like the tentative budget approval, the BOE adjusts for changes like the governor’s $2,000 increase in teacher’s salaries, cost of living increases, and QBE Allotment changes, and an increase to all classified salary schedules to a minimum starting hourly pay of $12 and an eight hour workday for those classified staff.
This final budget approval is expected to take the BOE’s fund balance from $22,066,332 in July 2022 to $19,255,994 in June 2023.
The BOE also approved the 2022 Amended Budget in June and was approved for the expenditures total at $43,101,121 in the general fund.
In addition to general budgets, the Board of Education approved SCANA Energy for natural gas provider with the contract set to go from July 2022 through June 2024. Prices were set at $0.749 per therm plus $8.50 times the Dedicated Day Design Capacity.
Morgan and Hunt Oil Company were approved for Fuel with their bid of 0.0375 over cheapest rack price plus a freight cost for both Diesel and Ethanol Free Gasoline.
Other bidders on fuel included Petroleum Traders Corp at 0.0334 over highest rack cost and Gladieux Trading at 0.0693 “over rack price.”
With unanimous approvals these bid approvals were accepted for the new year.
BOE approves advertisement of Tentative Budget
News June 1, 2022
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – With the school year ended and the Board of Education (BOE) looking to begin the new one, a special called meeting saw the board approve advertisement for the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year Tentative Budget.
A $45,012,326 general fund budget, the BOE will advertise the budget before implementation on July 1, 2022. Adding together all four funds of the Board of Education including the General Fun, Special Revenues, Capital Projects, and Debt Service, the county’s education system is estimating to spend over $100 million, sourced through several places from grants, ESPLOST, taxpayers, state funding, and even smaller revenue sources such as school lunches which are scheduled to be returning to normal operations next year and leaving behind the free lunches for all program.
The estimated total revenue in the general fund budget is $42,224,108 and totals $2,788,218 of expenditures over revenues.
Taking stock of changes like the governor’s $2,000 increase in teacher’s salaries, cost of living increases, and QBE Allotment changes, the tentative budget is adjusted according to the best estimates and information that the state is sending our county in addition to local changes like local taxes, including property and TAVT, and local increases in scheduling and pay, including an increase to all classified salary schedules to a minimum starting hourly pay of $12 and an eight hour workday for those classified staff.
Finance Director Trina Penland noted that the increase to a full eight hour workday will allow school administrators to have some extra help on specific needs depending on the school and the day.
The budget also includes increases to select Academic, Activity, and Athletic supplements and an increase in elementary school teachers to handle larger classroom sizes. Gilmer Schools have provided a full breakdown of the presentation on their website.
The revenue estimation is based on receiving the same amount of money through local tax revenue, this means it operates under the assumption of continuing adoption of the Rollback Millage Rate designed to have a government entity bring in the same amount of money despite an increasing in residents, growth, or other factors.
The budget will be back before the board during the June 20, 2022, Work Session and the June 23, 2022, Regular Meeting and will be the last time citizens can sign up to speak about the budget before approval.
Gilmer approves 2022 budget in January
News January 5, 2022
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Today saw the official approval of Gilmer County‘s 2022 budget with a special called meeting that is the first meeting of 2022 for the board.
According to a document presented for the meeting, the board has set the 2022 budget total at $31,799,762. Separate from that is the $10,916,338 for SPLOST and Capital Expenditures and the $2,056,876 in GO Bond Debt repayment.
An increase over last years budget, in December of 2020, the board held a nearly $26 million budget not including bond debt or capital expenditures. The approval came with a motion from Chairman Paris, a second from Post Commissioner Hubert Parker, and a unanimous vote for approval.
There were a few last minute changes made in recent weeks, each department’s overall break down within the total budget is pictured to the right. The process continues as each department could fluctuate minor expenditure swaps and changes as long as no change to the overall budget is made.
After the individual meetings with department heads and budget trimming to fit revenue across November and December, the final document is now in place one week ahead of the county’s first meeting of 2022. January 12 will see the county’s work session at 9:00 a.m. and January 13 will see the county’s regular meeting at 6:00 p.m.
As the county moves into the new year, the budget also includes increases for elections as the county will see several offices open for qualification in March including two BOC seats, Chairman and Post 2 Commissioners. Current Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson has announced she will not run, but others have announced they will. Despite announcements no official campaign begins until candidates have completed qualification.
This is especially important as the county revisits the Comprehensive Plan this year in hopes of answering needs for housing and concerns for overdevelopment of the county, two major issues within the community right now. the current board will be setting the plan with, as of now, at least one new member coming next year.
BOC changing the budget amendment process in 2022
News September 9, 2021
ELLIJAY, Ga. – With just over a month until Gilmer’s Board of Commissioners sitting down to the budget process and holding public hearings for each department, the board is already looking at the process and is considering adjusting its amendments.
A minor change, but an important one to aid in the number of amendments made, something that has been spoken of in past years when considering the annual audit of the county. Suggestions have been made before that too many amendments could look bad on the audit.
This change will likely affect the capital budget more than the Maintenance and Operations as Chairman Charlie Paris spoke about the process of budgeting very specific amounts for specific purchases such as a motor grader. Looking at the Road Department as an example, Paris noted the example that they budgeted $300,000 for a motor grader. Having found a good slightly used one for roughly $227,000. However, some lower purchases have come in a couple thousand over budgeted price. As Paris noted that most of the purchases are balancing and the Road Department is technically staying within budget on its overall with all the purchases together.
The possible solution considered putting budgeting a general “pot” of funding without specifically budgeting each item. This “lump sum” total allocation could mean fewer amendments.
While this seems likely for the coming budget process, the board is also looking to amend the current budget as well with a resolution to perform a similar change to allow for the “lump sum” allocation.
Continuing on the process, the board is expected to move forward with the resolution at tonight’s 6 p.m. meeting, September 9, 2021. Additionally, the county is currently in the departmental stage of building the 2022 budget and scheduling the annual budget meetings. Usually in October, the county works against its own regular meeting dates as well as the return of Gilmer County’s Annual Apple Festival.
Confirmed earlier this year as the COVID numbers were decreasing, the event returns after last year’s cancellation due to the virus.
New budget could bring changes to Public Works in 2021
News December 8, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “The year of Roads and Bridges” is what Gilmer Commissioner Chairman Charlie Paris said he wanted for the 2021 budget in order to improve Public Works. One comment among many as Gilmer’s BOC is still hammering out details for its coming year.
That comment is something that he has done many times over recent years during budget sessions as he has stated that he wanted to focus on getting departments up to par through that extra focus, whether it came through the Maintenance & Operations (M&O) Budget or through the Capital budget.
This year, Some of that extra focus for roads is coming through capital as the county is funding new equipment for the department through capital expenditures and funding almost all of their capital requests along with the county looking to increase Public Works employees pay. Though the Public Works request came for 5 percent, the county looked for ways to maybe increase this a little more, to potentially 8 percent.
On the revenue side, an increase is coming with changes to the weighed trash drop off. Now becoming 14 cents per pound, the rate is similar to surrounding counties, including neighboring Fannin County who Public Works Director Jim Smith says is 12 cents per pound. However, Smith also noted that his requested changes included the elimination of individual charges for items like sofas and appliances. Now, all of that type of construction and demolition trash will follow the 14 cents per pound rate. Additionally, passenger tire disposal went to $5 and larger truck tire disposal went to $12.
If adopted, these changes go into place January 1, 2021.
Another point of note in the budget came as Paris pointed out the county is currently repaying its TAN at around $400k. In previous years, the county has been excited that the TAN has been pushing further back for use. However, they have yet to completely negate the need for a TAN as was their hope. However, in recent years that TAN has been more akin to a $1.5 million repayment.
While Paris and Sandi Holden, Gilmer’s Financial Officer, attributed some of this difference to CARES ACT funding coming for capital expenses and the way it is handled, Paris said that this wouldn’t make the entire million dollar difference they have. Additionally, the county has received additional funds this year through sales tax in LOST and SPLOST for parts of the budget as well.
Paris said the county would know next year just how much this number has been affected by unusual circumstances as to how much it mirrors this year’s $400,000 or the previous year closer to $1.5 million.
The budget is coming up for adoption and Public Comments this week as the Board of Commissioners meet for the Public Hearing at 5:30 p.m. and the Regular Meeting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 10, 2020. The BOC did cancel their Wednesday Worksession.
GIlmer BOC Budget Meetings: Videos and Notes
News November 29, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Usually spanning three days in October in the Commissioners’ Conference Room, this year saw slight changes as the Board of Commissioners met with departments heads.
Meeting over two days, the BOC held its budget meetings in the Jury Assembly Room of the Courthouse. Allowing more space for social distancing, the board also moved to allow elections to use the conference room for equipment and staff as early voting began on October 13, 2020.
Each Department meets with the commissioners to answer questions and go over certain major changes of increases or decreases.
From here, the budget is studied and adjusted among the three commissioners who, historically, have taken time in the work sessions of the final months of the year to discuss, adjust, cut, and debate priorities before final adoption.
Animal Shelter
The Animal Shelter requested a new van after major use of their previous one.
A jump in Dues and Fees is coming from adding online pay options for the shelter through fees associated with the software.
Chamber
Projecting into 2021, the Chamber said that they had to adjust as 2020 has become such an anomaly. Instead, for revenue and expenditures forecasts, the Chamber looked back to 2019. However, they will adjust in the new year as actual collections come in and they can see real projections of the county after this year’s strangeness.
Clerk of Court
An increase in Contract Services is forecasting a change in systems for the Clerk of Court as they move to a new indexing system, CoFile. This new system will perform indexing for liens, plats, and deeds. Currently, they use a “farm out” method with a company that files and indexes these things, but staff still has to perform the tasks of scanning and checking. Instead, CoFile will perform the tasks while double checking for paperwork and errors.
Code and Regulatory
Anticipating an increase in professional services for court uses and the County Attorney. However, most of this budget will remain similar to previous years.
EMA and Airport
Public Safety Director Keith Kucera said he made little changes to the EMA M&O budget since last year. One of those increases came in salary wages as some positions are shifting and they add a completely new position from the Fire Rescue Budget. However, a switch from CodeRED to Hyper-Reach for Emergency Alert System saving $8,000 in their budget’s Contract Services.
With the Airport, an employee resigned very recently. Instead of replacing the full-time position, Kucera stated they will move it to a part-time position and hire for that.
Another major change for the Airport budget comes by adding a Facilities and Maintenance line item. The Airport is looking at the Airport Hangars and improving roof maintenance their in the near future. Kucera said it is a specialty type building that needs a special roofer. It cannot be maintained with those who might work normally on shingle roofs. They are also hoping to look at runway repairs in the budget as well.
Fire Rescue
Asking for an 8% increase alongside the community paramedicine program, Fire Rescue’s budget saw this increase on the Salary and Wages line item. The Department is also looking to fund the Community Paramedicine truck. Fire Chief Daniel Kauffman said that the program has worked very well and aided in reliving some of the pressure on Fire Rescue and the county’s paramedicine.
The department is continuing to fight pay scale issues and are attempting to spread the gap so that an employee of 10 years, their example, would not be paid the same as a newly recruited rookie. Currently, they have no major benefit for long-term veterans in Gilmer’s Service. However, the issue of competitive pay is doing much better.
Dues and Fees increased as the county is entering a “recertification year” for paramedics. Paying for our paramedics recertification is something Kauffman said the county has historically covered. However, Dues and Fees also increase as they combined some line items and moved purchases like the decrease in Contract Services moved into Dues and Fees as Kauffman said he is trying to make sure these purchases stay in the correct lines.
Golf Course
Small increases in advertising and telephone along with an increase in professional services. The Golf Course is also increasing inventory for resale. Continuing positive reviews are only marked by an ever closing, but not quite accomplished revenue neutral state. However, confidence from the commissioners is high that they could reach this in the next couple of years.
Health Department
Based on contributions instead of a department under the county, the county’s budget doesn’t deal with things like salary and wages. The budget only changes with requested increases to contributions from the Health Department. However, Sandi Holden noted that they did not request an increase.
Library
Requesting a regional fee increase, this is the amount that each of the involved counties pay into the fund to run the regional library system. The library is looking to increase adjusted pay to $10 an hour as well as a 2.5 percent Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Magistrate Court
Newly elected Magistrate Judge Kevin Johnson is looking to keep the current Judge, Roger Kincaid, as a part time Judge in the coming year. Similar to how Kincaid had Judge Ken Roberts, Kincaid has already had Johnson working as a part-time Magistrate Judge since September. The new year will swap roles, only Kincaid will retain the title of Senior Judge status while working part-time for Johnsons as the new Magistrate Judge.
Parks and Recreation
Seeing increases in contract services and concessions, White explained that his contract services are from hiring people during games to keep scoreboards and similar tasks.
Discussion also arose for costs to convert more tennis courts to pickleball, but no plans were officially set.
Planning and Zoning
They are seeing increases with requests for salary and insurance coverage.
Probate Court
Probate Court is requesting a large increase as Judge Chastain hopes to appoint a new Associate Judge, Budget talks have also majorly focused on removing elections from the Probate Office or increasing the Judge’s stipend for being the elections superintendent. While debates have gone back and forth over an election board and increasing his pay, the BOC may still be looking at this in 2021.
Public Works
Solid Waste is looking to improve its revenue with an increase to rates by weight at the landfill. With surrounding counties at a higher rate already, the increase is also looking to better balance costs for the county as increases in Advanced Disposal Contracts for hauling off solid waste have been coming and will continue.
Capital budget is looking to replace shack buildings at certain locations for those montioring solid waste locations. This is set into the supplies item as the department is hoping to use on hand labor, employees, to build newer buildings over Winter months.
Roads and Bridges is also getting a major focus this year through salaries and wages increases as well as more priority in the capital budget. However, this focus is not just for roads and bridges as increases are also coming to several areas of Public Works.
Registrar’s Office and Elections
Salary and wages are increasing with a January election in 2021. Elections are also planning to look at moving precincts like Big Creek Precinct moving to Roy Road. Capital purchases are also requesting new desktop computers with camera and mic for zoom meetings as the office is looking to follow a statewide major move towards digital meetings and training rather than in person due to COVID-19. They are also replacing some computer equipment in the office.
Another request is coming as the registrars needs new shredders as they have burned through the previous one.
Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff Stacy Nicholson is carrying over a request from last year with retirement packages. According to how he explained the POAB (Peace Officers Annuity and Benefits Fund) last year, it is a retirement for certified law enforcement officers. Any officer in Georgia can join. After the officer retires, a monthly payment created by the number of years your were a member multiplied by 24.
Adjusting annualized 2020 numbers for salaries and actual positions, the Sheriff’s Office is also looking for a 3 percent Cost Of Living Increase. Nicholson said the office and most agencies in the nation are struggling to hire people. Nicholson also said he wants to adjust detention officers closer to patrol officers, but not quite have them meet. This could attract more people to the Sheriff’s Office.
E-911 is also looking to increase in salary with a 3% Cost of Living as well as some corrections on personnel seen as unfilled positions. E-911 needs upgraded computers before GCIC sanctions them if they don’t go to Windows 10.
The Sheriff’s Office will see a increases in the computer maintenance and leases for equipment.
Superior Court and Juvenile Court
Increases in Health Coverage offset by changes to several line items indicates an over decrease in the Superior Court Office. However, some concern came on the Jurors line item as they are looking to bring in more Jurors for selections.Judge Weaver simply voiced concerns that they could not correctly predict costs on this.
Tax Assessors
Looking to continue competitiveness in wages, the office is looking to build on recent years when wage increases helped with the issue. They are looking to improve other portions of staff as they have seen increases over the last two years, but not reached every employee. The office is seeking new equipment to aid with cloud computing requirements, equipment, and upgrades. This includes needs for digital meetings on Zoom Meetings and other trainings sessions.
The tax assessors office is also looking to present a lot more information for business/personal property on the website minus privileged information. This would require a one time fee to set up ($3,000) on their website for citizens to log on and view.
A jump in vendor services is due to changing needs every year. Two years ago was high, but last year was low. Teresa Gooch said she tries to put in a realistic number every year instead of an inflated number.
Tax Commissioners
With increasing time needs for efforts in the office from simple tasks like tags to major changes for vendors and deposits, Becky Marshall is requesting increases in salaries to support the increases in workloads.
Additionally, a new server was noted as a potential need. While Marshall said she wouldn’t replace it until she absolutely has to, she acknowledged that server is very old and she is already having issues with it.
UGA Extension Office
The Extension Office could be moving to the building behind the Civic Center as a part of major moves from different divisions in the Sheriff’s Office opening up this location.
The extension office is requesting a 3 percent increase to salaries but stated that most of the other things stay the same. They are preparing for another year of digital classes and Zoom meetings like most other county departments. The office is requesting $1,000 in capital for computers for this.
Paris discussed bridges and next year’s priority in Special Meeting
News August 27, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga – “Misplaced priorities” is what Travis Crouch, a local citizen, a former business owner in the county, and former Post Commissioner, called a preview into next year for the county.
That comment came for one specific project as Crouch’s first spoke in the Citizens Wishing to Speak section on two bridges over Rock Creek in Cherry Log that are constantly being used by county vehicles over the bridge weight limit. Crouch said he noticed last fall that the weight limits had been reduced.
Travis Crouch speaks to the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners about Roads and Bridges and bridge weight limits during a Special Called Meeting in August of 2020.
He said that he understood the previous plan had been to use TSPLOST to repair these. However, as the TSPLOST had been rejected by citizens, his question was how the county planned to address the issue of the bridges.
He compared the 11-ton weight limit on the higher of the two bridges to several standard vehicles that need to cross the bridge. A dump truck delivering gravel weighs around 56,000 pounds on the low side (about 26 tons). A propane tank truck is 30,000 pounds (15 tons). A county fire truck, or tanker truck, is over 60,000 pounds (30 tons). He said that if they were condemned like Lower Cartecay Road, he would be completely isolated and cut off from vehicle traffic.
County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris responded by giving a preview into his personal look into the 2021 budget process saying that he has tried to get salaries up over recent years, but wants to focus on roads and bridges in 2021. Paris said that he is wanting to find a way to allocate more resources to the area of roads and bridges in the budget process, but that is going to entail some sacrifices in other areas. Some of those areas are already seeing relief as Paris noted the CARES Act Grant is being used to support needs in the Public Safety Department. Other areas will see needs prioritized and possibly delayed. Paris gave the example that the Sheriff’s Office may not be able to get a new vehicle in 2021.
These are all examples that the Chairman gave of his own expectation and plan. All three Commissioners will be sitting through these budget meetings as they historically do every year in October. On top of that, Paris also stated that the process would not be solved in 2021. Fixing bridges and roads and getting them to the condition that is desired, he said, “It’s going to take a number of years.”
Because of that, even the roads and bridges will need to be prioritized for attention. Paris said bridges like the ones that Crouch spoke of would definitely have to be a higher priority.
Considering the process and issues the county has had in the past, Crouch asked the board to begin processes and looking into the bridges now. He considered things like permits, easements, engineering, repair needs, and other things that could be taken care of early to attempt to make the process as quick as possible.
One example of the length these projects could take is highlighted at a higher extreme as the county has gone through a lengthy process and is still looking towards state completion of replacing the Lower Cartecay Bridge, a project that has gone on for years since its closure in 2017. However, Public Works Director Jim Smith did confirm that the county has other bridges in similar status, built decades ago and sitting on “stacked rock” as they said in the Special Called Meeting.
Before leaving, Crouch asked one final question about roads and bridges in comparison to another county project. The project that he later in the meeting called, “misplaced priorities.”
Crouch asked if the county should really be building a new pool with such needs for roads and bridges.
A project that has been contentious since its inception, many citizens of the county agree with Crouch’s statement and have made similar statements in previous county meetings. Yet, also a project that has been hotly supported by many citizens in other meetings as they debated needs, designs, and locations.
Paris noted this back and forth as he said running the county is a balancing act between people and their wants. He said that he agreed that the amount the county will spend on the pool won’t do much for roads and bridges as they are so expensive.
Paris stated, “I believe that the swimming pool is essential to the youth of the county and that it needs to be built. If we decided not to, we probably wouldn’t see any difference at all in roads… because roads are so wickedly expensive.”
Crouch responded saying, “There is nothing more basic than public safety for responsibility for the Board of Commissioners… Years ago the commissioners were called Road Commissioners.”
Crouch said that roads and public safety are the primary tasks and responsibilities for the commissioners. He made a comparison between the two items calling the pool a “luxury.”
While discussion ended on the topic there for today, it is sure to re-emerge as the county draws closer to October and its marathon of meetings during the budgeting process.
BOE presents Tentative Budget with August Spending Resolution
Board of Education, News July 29, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – As they have continued awaiting budget information from the state who is still recovering from delays due to he Coronavirus spread, the Gilmer Board of Education is moving forward with their tentative budget now as they are receiving those numbers.
According to Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, state decreases are further hindering the budget with shortfalls on support funds. However, utilizing the CARES Act grant, the school is looking to fill in some of the gaps in technology, supplies, and other needs that are still seeing gaps. The school system reduced all of its budgets by 10% and then looked for staff positions that saw people leaving and decided not to refill those positions.
Despite the cuts, the board is still looking at a budget with expenditures over revenues, a not uncommon sight in the school system’s planning in recent years. According to the advertised budget, that gap will reach an estimated $2,573, 032 between the revenues under the expenditures. Covered by the boards fund balance, the issue has seen progress between the beginning of the year “budgets” vs end of year “actuals” previously. The board just approved their financial summary for July 1, 2019, to June 30, 2020. In that fiscal year, the board budgeted a $3 million gap, but the end of year “actuals” presented said the board actually met their expenditures which were held far lower than budgeted. They ended with a revenue over expenditures of $207,873.
Gilmer BOE’s Tentative 2021 Budget
However, looking at last year, the school saw $26,339,574 funded from state sources, which fell short of the expected, budgeted, $28,566,082 funding. This year’s tentative budget is already seeing a decrease to $25,784,011 expected.
The schools total expenditures for FY 2021 is $41,575,332. The total revenue for FY 2021 is $39,002,300.
If nothing changes except costs continuing to increase, Finance Director Trina Penland noted in a 5 year forecast for the board that the school’s fund balance could dip down to $2.3 million. However, Penland pointed out that the notation is a rough estimate assuming nothing changes and the school system does not make attempts to mitigate this like they did in last year’s budget.
Gilmer BOE’s 5 year tax history
Instead, she urged the board that these forecasts are meant to give an idea of the future so that the board does not only focus on the current year at the expense of the future.
The board is expecting to meet in a special called meeting to hear public input on the budget in August before they meet on August 20 to discuss final adoption of the budget.
Alongside the budget, this day will also see final approval of the Board of Education’s Millage Rate.
BOE enters July without Budget as they await State information
News June 26, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Despite a back and forth with state and Georgia Board of Education officials, Gilmer is still awaiting details to approve its budget for 2020-2021 school year. A now officially-approved spending resolution is allowing them to move forward despite that obstacle alongside other financial approvals for past budget and purchases.
The resolution came with itemized reports for extra expenses for academic supplies and subscriptions as reported in BOE to seek spending resolution tomorrow. utilizing one-twelfth, equivalent to one month, of the final amended budget from the previous year.
In their monthly purchasing policy report, the schools are continuing to expand the chromebook ratio to students as previous discussions show that the board is preparing for possibilities to return or not return to school in the fall. These discussions could see a final decision in July. The purchasing policy showed $49,140 for Chromebooks across Clear Creek Elementary School, Ellijay Elementary School, and Mountainview Elementary this month.
The board also approved their academic supplements for FY 21 including instructors and coaches for several extracurricular “academic” teams. Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs explained that some changes from last year and inclusion of Winterguard and Band in the Academic Teams as it is not recognized as a sport yet by GHSA.
A GHS Furniture purchase also saw approval as Downs explained that the “not to exceed $125,000” recommendation was to ensure any surprises as outfitting a number of rooms and spaces including mostly science classrooms.
Moving forward with their meetings into the year, the board is changing on date in September now that they have found the approved school calendar will coincide their September meetings with Fall break. Therefore, they approved a change moving the meeting dates from September 21 and 24 to its new date of September 14 and 17.
BOE to seek spending resolution tomorrow
News June 24, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – “Because the State has not yet passed a budget for FY 21 it has been recommended across the state that districts pass a spending resolution for July until we receive final numbers,” said Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs at this week’s work session of the Board of Education.
A Spending Resolution, Downs explained, will allow use of one-twelfth, equivalent to one month, of the final amended budget from the previous year. Allowing for debt service and capital expenditures, Downs said that Gilmer has a number of items that are mostly curriculum related subscriptions. The entire Itemized List is included in the Spending Resolution posted by the BOE on their website. This list is set to be voted on tomorrow. These items must be approved above the one-twelfth allowed spending resolution.
The resolution will move the board into its new fiscal year without a fully approved budget as they await those numbers of the state budget and what that will allow for the county in state money.
Additionally, the board will be voting to approve their Financial Summary. Comparing with April of last year as the board begins looking at what financial impact the outbreak of COVID-19 has had, Board Member Tom Ocobock made note that, financially, it wasn’t as bad as some expected. According to the summary, April of 2019 saw revenues at $35,804,009, and April of 2020 saw revenues at $37,638,750. The difference totals a $1,834,741 increase.
Another financial vote to be held will be for Budget amendments. Downs noted that this could include shortfalls, carry over, and even additions from state funding. This budget amendment for approval is the “Budget Amendment for Grants” and will also be up for vote at tomorrow’s 5:30 p.m. Regular Meeting for the Gilmer Board of Education alongside the Spending Resolution and Financial Summary.
Bids, Budgeting, and Personnel in May’s Board of Education
News May 25, 2020
EAST ELLIJAY, Ga. – New bids for fuel and disposal were approved this month by the Gilmer Board of Education in preparation of the coming school year.
Presented during the work-session, the bids sheet shown each bid with the low bids highlighted, which were later approved as the awarded bids for the year. This saw Cherry Log Petroleum awarded with the bid of $9.95/gallon on Motor Oil and $9.96 for antifreeze. Petroleum Traders Corp won the bid for fuel at 0.0174 for Diesel and 0.0314 for ethanol free gasoline. Appalachian Propane won the propane bid at 0.774 per gallon. Scanna Energy won the Natural Gas bid for 12 months at 0.291 per therm. Advanced Disposal won dumpster service at $4,520.56 per month.
The Personnel approvals saw a minor dissent with Board Member Ronald Watkins abstaining from a couple of votes, he said he he didn’t want to vote against these people, but he wanted to see more priority and preference to local people over searching outside the county. He said, “I feel like we have got to take care of our own.” Watkins made special note on the current economy and the difficulty some may find in getting a job. Watkins said that while some may not interview as well, but if they have worked for us, and people vouch for them, then we know what we’re getting.
Pushing for more local preference, Watkins did vote yes on most of the personnel, it was only 2 people that he abstained from. He made sure to say that he wanted it known that he wasn’t against them and, therefore, would not vote no.
A final note, Gilmer may be looking for a spending resolution next month. Though progressing on schedule with the budgeting process during the last few months, the change comes from certain uncertainties in the county and warnings from the state about funding shortages. A comment was made during the meeting that the board may not get full details until July along with the funding. Because of these issues, the budgeting is taking a hit and the board could see major differences in the available funds. It was suggested outside of the meeting that the board may supplement some needs with fund balance, but the school system’s actual response will have to wait for final say from the state before they can make any real plans to cover or cut things.
Reality Day still needing volunteers for 7th year
News March 2, 2020
ELLIJAY, Ga. – With just over a month until one of Gilmer High School’s two annual “real world” events, volunteers are still needed for the annual Reality Day.
This event delves deeper into budgets and finances for students in 10th Grade at the high school as they go through the process of budgeting a set monthly salary to provide for furniture, car payments, insurance, entertainment, clothing, unexpected expenses, and more.
Reality Day runs all day with volunteers covering shifts to be apart of the program introducing students to life after school. While most volunteers run all day, the event caters to those who can only give a half day for the morning or afternoon shifts.
Partnering with the high school on the project and hosting it in the gym allows the students to attend without having to be bused elsewhere, but also provides more time for each student to delve into the project.
Gilmer County Family Connections Coordinator Merle Naylor, who directs the event, said, “The volunteers enjoy it and they know that the students are certainly being helped and the students are gaining some knowledge.”
Many members of different parts of the community join in volunteering for Reality Day. From the Board of Commissioners Chairman and Post Commissioners in the past to School Superintendent Dr. Shanna Downs, local business owners and representatives, retirees, and members of the Chamber. People from all walks of life in Ellijay come to invest in the real world knowledge of these students.
Each year also sees small changes to the event as those involved constantly seek feedback from both the volunteers and students. One of those changes this year will see students pick a field to go into. While this doesn’t pick exactly which job they get to base their “budgets” on, it does set a certain guide that will be used to set the path based on their school progress and a little bit of random drawings.
That idea of randomness plays another key role in the students budgets as one table will present the students with an “unexpected event.” This could be something like a flat tire that needs replacing to a medical expense or something positive like an unexpected refund or bank error.
While the final details are being set now, Naylor did reiterate that they could always use more volunteers. More volunteers mean more people to provide and more time dedicated to each individual student. Naylor noted that not only do the volunteers seem to enjoy Reality Day, but the students always gain a lot saying, “We get feedback from them. It opens their eyes to what their parents have to provide and what their futures hold. They learn, I don’t think there is a student that attends that doesn’t learn something.
This will be the seventh year of the annual event, and it seems to be moving positively for the years to come as well.
Budget and Airport discussed in year end special meeting
News December 29, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Two days before Christmas, the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners met to discuss last-minute items of the 2020 Budget and an Airport lease before the end of 2019.
Approving the 2020 Budget, the Board is officially ready for the year after a process starting in September preparing for Budget Hearings with Department Heads and Elected Officials.
With discussions over the Road Department from Public Works Director Jim Smith, the topic of attracting people for positions came up as Smith requested confirmation of budgeting for two unfilled positions.
The county has been looking for people to hire into these positions for months and still has not hired anyone. Gilmer County Commission Chairman Charlie Paris did say the funding was there, but voiced concerns over the possibility of filling the positions after the long period.
The board is also moving forward with a lease to the Georgia Forestry Commission. Public Works Director Jim Smith is finalizing details alongside County Attorney David Clark as they divide one back room and split between the airport and the commission without granting access to the entire area for the commission.
The county is awaiting a response on changes to the agreement and should be finalizing the lease in the coming months. One detail still in flux is a request for control over a full hangar, another is an issue with credit cards and the county’s card reader for the purchase of fuel. With several possibilities being discussed, the board left Smith to work through the operational details over the office space, hangar space, and buying fuel. The item will return to the January agenda for the board to see the agreement and vote on approval.
BOC Meeting called two days before Christmas
News December 16, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The Gilmer County Board of Commissioners are calling for one last meeting in 2019.
Next week will see a special called meeting for the board, but it will come two days before Christmas Day. The schedule sets the meeting to begin at 8:30 a.m. on the morning of December 23, 2019.
While the meeting agenda is set with only three items, it almost got bigger last week with the Board of Commissioners looking to add a few items tabled from their regular meeting.
With Public Works Director Jim Smith returning to the meetings after taking personal time, the Commissioners had originally tabled the Concrete Bid agenda item from November. Commission Chairman Charlie Paris asked to table the bid again until this meeting on December 23 to give Smith more time to analyze the bids. However, taking time as the meeting progressed Smith worked on the bid submissions to make sure to give the board an answer. The board wound up awarding the bid in the meeting and cancelling its addition to this meeting.
However, the meetings’ second addition did not get canceled as new information is arising from the agenda item to consider possible action to rent Airport space to the Georgia Forestry Commission. The board is taking extra time to investigate issues with the Forestry Commission’s previous rental space in Pickens and agreement details.
The meeting will go forward with three agenda items;
1.Discussion and possible action to rent Airport space to the Georgia Forestry Commission
2. Discussion and possible action on approval of an MOU with SORBA/IMBA
3. Resolution to Adopt the 2020 Budget.
Budget talks consider smaller contingency fund
News November 7, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – Moving closer to the November meetings of the Gilmer County Board of Commissioners, a special called meeting this week revealed that budget cuts are not yet completed.
Commission Chairman Charlie Paris said in the meeting that he has gone over the budget numerous times and cut everywhere he thinks he can. As with recent years, the budget process has reached similar points before when previous commissions had to cut a percentage across the entire budget. Looking to cut a total of a million dollars from the proposed budget, the chairman has come to needing another $330,000 cut to balance.
One option that Paris and Post 2 Commissioner Karleen Ferguson are considering is reducing the contingency line item. Paris stated, “If we don’t find another dollar to cut somewhere, we’d be looking at a contingency of $170,000 rather than $500,000.”
Paris said he wants to mitigate this as much as possible. At the very least, he’s looking to keep the contingency line at $200,000 and looking for the extra $30,000 elsewhere. Ferguson said they may need to go over the whole budget again with “a fine-toothed comb” to find the needed cuts. She also said she would continue looking into the budget as well before next weeks regular meetings.
A different option would be to look at rolling back on the raises the Board is trying to give this year on positions at the lower end of the pay scale. Paris said the county has already been advertising three job openings in the road department for months and not received new employees.
Ferguson agreed saying the raises were important to the county and needed to keep its focus on improving the area.
As the county continues looking at these option, it is likely that a final decision will come next week to allow time for advertisement and adoption in December’s meetings before the first of the new year.
Also as the discussion continues on the budget overall, similar issues will come into play with the board listening to special town hall meetings next week on the Road Department and listening to citizens input on options. Ferguson had brought up the subject of TSPLOST option for the county. While Paris said he didn’t want to rely on a TSPLOST that runs a 5-year cycle for things like salaries, the board did not further discuss the idea overall. Instead the citizenry will continue discussions next week at the special meetings on Wednesday, November 13, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, November 16, at 10 a.m.
Bids approved at November BOC
News November 21, 2019
ELLIJAY, Ga. – The final months of the year are seeing the Board of Commissioners approving items to begin the new year without seeing delays, from budgets and bids approved to TSPLOST talks, the board is already gearing up for changes and issues to be addressed.
Some of those details came through the county’s November meeting as it approved bids for materials and appointed board members.
Bid requests for the county’s material needs came sparsely as many only received one bid, and one material bid was tabled. Bids were received for stone, propane, emulsion, concrete, and
The BOC voted to approve Vulcan Materials Company for stone, Appalachian Propane for propane fuel, Hudson Materials Company for emulsion, and C.W. Matthews Contracting Co. for Asphalt.
With concrete, however, some confusion came when trying to compare the two bids received, West Block Co Inc. and Wayne Davis Concrete Company. As the board members struggled to compare the two, Attorney David Clark suggested they could hold onto the bids until December’s meeting to utilize the time to better understand the two. In past years, the county had relied on explanations from Public Works Director Jim Smith, who was not available during this month’s meetings.
The second bid item accepted approved Jacob Anderson Company LLC for the demolition of two poultry houses at the Airport.
Also during the meeting, the commissioners voted to appoint Eric Irish to the EMS Region 1 Council and Maria Mullins to the Airport Advisory Board.