The Cannon County Budget Appropriations and Tax rate for the fiscal year 2012-2013 were passed last night at the monthly meeting of the Cannon County Commissioners but not before another potential issue was discussed. Before the items came up on the agenda, county Commissioner Clint Higgins asked EMA Director Faye Morse some questions about Homeland Security Grants and the Homeland Security Budgets from previous years. Then Commissioner Jim Bush wanted to see the rest of the equipment list from the EMA. Director Morse didn’t have enough time to put together the complete list because of personal situations taking up most of her freed up schedule. She explained to the Commissioners that the list was really close to being complete and accurate but stated to the Commissioners that if they were looking for something specific that if it wasn’t on the list, she should be able to explain the situation. After a heated exchange with Commissioner Bush, Bush then read the contents of an email that he had received from Ricky Harris from the State Fire Marshall’s office in July. In the letter, Mr. Harris noted that the County Volunteer Fire Departments recognized as such by the State expired on Sept 30 of 2010 and after several notificiations as such was not renewed. Therefore until an application has been completed and notarized and returned with a $50 renewal fee, the State does not recognize the County Fire Departments as being valid. This means that it is illegal for any of the County Fire Departments to do any fundraising until this matter is straightened out. To add to that Ms. Morse who was appointed County Fire Chief in 1995 had her certification expire in April of 2009 and will not be renewed until she attends a 16 hour Fire Chief orientation course given by the state as required by state law. The next class is not until October 27th and 28th at the Fire and Codes Academy in Bell Buckle. Director Morse countered that claim saying that she was told by the powers to be that she did not have to certified as she had been grandfathered in when the new regulations took effect in 2008 Gary Farless, who was in the audience and also works for the state fire marshall’s office, speculated that he didn’t think to his knowledge there was a grandfathered clause in effect with this issue. Doug Bodary, CTAS Advisor, will check with the state Wednesday morning and talk with Ricky Harris about this issue and what needs to be done in order to comply with regulations from the StateThe Commission will call a special called meeting Tuesday September 4th to discuss any regulations that hasn’t been taken care of between Wednesday and then. In other items before the Commission, they voted to approve the appropriations for the fiscal year of 2012-2013. One of the key items of the budget was the 3 percent raise for all County employees. The Commission also voted to approve the tax rate to fund the appropriations. The property tax rate stays at $2.44 Commissioner Jim Bush and Kevin George who serve the community where Hollow Springs Road is located will work with Ms Audrey Cawthorn on getting Historical Signs to mark the community since most of the historical landmarks are gone. Glenn Steakley presented the Cannon County Audit Committee findings and recommendations. The biggest recommendation to the Commissioners at this time is for the departments to begin establishing written process procedures to assist in controlling and supporting department operating processes.
The Capital Outlay Project to provide the funding for 5 Cannon County Sheriff Patrol Cars was approved. The bidding will be open soon for local banks and the state pool to bid to finance the loan for these vehicles.
The Sales Tax issue was brought up but it was moved to the September 4th meeting in order for the public to be better notified of the matter.
The Beer Board will meet September 4th to discuss Short Mountain Market’s ability to sell beer. The market is in close vicinity to a church.
Gary Farley Director of Contract Inspection Services explained to the Commission about the Residential Building Permit and Inspection Program. The program had been voted down in a previous commissioners meeting about two years ago. It was noted that each time there is a change in the Commission the program has to be brought up before the full County Commission. It was explained to Mr. Farley that there wouldn’t be a decision about the matter tonight and it would be brought up at a later date.
The next meeting of the Cannon County Commission will be a special called meeting on Tuesday September 4th
