Commissioners appoint "Lake Project" committee
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

Five persons were appointed by the Jenkins County Commissioners to form a "Lake Project" steering committee during the group's Tuesday, Dec. 4, meeting. Those appointed were Robert Jenkins, Mike Reeves, Jane Johnson, Claudette Sasser and William Gainey.

The committee was organized for the purpose of exploring the feasibility of constructing a dam and lake on Big Buckhead Creek, utilizing water from the springs at Magnolia Springs State Park. The project was previously proposed by Robert Jenkins.

The purchase of new E-911 equipment was discussed with two options being considered. The purchase cost of the needed equipment was estimated to be $259,817 with the lease/purchase price being $286,870.

Chairman James Henry recommended that the lease/purchase option be approved using E-911 funds to pay monthly equipment and maintenance payments. He noted that the county must be prepared to assist with payments as needed due to lack of funds in the E-911 account.

A request from Cavalier Home Builders for a reduction in landfill tipping fees was approved. The fees were reduced from $35 per ton to $20 per ton for six months, unless the company gives notice of closure. At that time, the fees would revert back to $35 per ton.

Two requests from volunteer fire departments that the county provide 100 percent of matching local funds to comply with grant requirements were approved. North Jenkins County Volunteer Fire Department had requested $4,200, and South Jenkins Volunteer Fire Department had requested up to $8,400. The motion was approved 3-2 with commissioners Tommy Lane, Floyd Chance and Pam Dwight voting in favor. Commissioners Henry and Domingo Green cast the opposing votes.

A previous motion by commissioner Green to approve 50 percent of the requested funds was defeated 3-2 with commissioners Green and Henry voting in favor and Chance, Lane and Dwight opposing.

It was suggested that funds be allocated during the county budgeting process to deal with such requests in the future.

During a discussion of the county budget, Chairman Henry noted that $1.9 million should have been collected in property taxes at this point in the fiscal year. Only $1.3 million had been received. He then presented a budget report outlining requests and expenses that were not budgeted and would need to be paid from the miscellaneous fund should they be approved.

"My conclusion on this is that the budget is going to be tight this year," Henry said.

Other action taken by the commissioners included the following:

• Approved the second reading of the revised Personnel Policy;

• Approved the appointment of Don Perkins and Evelyn Young to the Jenkins County Historical Committee;

• Approved a 90-day extension for EMS and sheriff's de- partment employees to use vacation time; and

• Approved $100 Christmas bonuses for full time county employees and $50 bonuses for regular part time employees.