Commission discusses goals
County's economic future is top concern for 2008
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

The Jenkins County Commissioners chose economic development and job creation as their highest priority goal for 2008 during the group's Tuesday, Jan. 22, meeting.

Chairman James Henry presented a list of proposed goals for the year for discussion, revision and input. Other major goals listed were: seek grants for courthouse renovations, jail construction and a new county fire truck; purchase E911 system; continue Lake Clarke study; promote Magnolia Springs State Park; plan and construct an ambulance building; maintain bridge repair/replacement program; identify public/private roads in county; and construct new storage cell at the county landfill. Numerous other goals were also discussed.

During a review of the budget, it was noted that collection of property taxes was "slow." To date, approximately $674,000 had been collected with $1.7 million being budgeted. Property taxes are due Feb. 8.

Collection of ambulance service bills was reported to be at $217,314, with $200,000 being budgeted. The increase was attributed to efforts by the county administrator, Carol Cates, and office assistant, Joyce Mixon.

The employment of an additional EMT was approved, effective Feb. 1. The action will bring the ambulance service to a position where it has a full staff, said Henry Young, department director.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included the following: approved Prescribed Burning Resolution as requested by the Jenkins County Forestry Unit and approved revisions relating to employees' sharing of leave for the county's Personnel Policy.