County asked to fund school resource officer
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

School security and drug education were cited as reasons for requesting that county "drug fines" be used to assist with funding the employment of a school resource officer. The request was presented during the Jenkins County Commissioners' Tuesday, March 4, meeting by Julie Chance, Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center (JCFEC) director, and Dr. Joseph Kirkland, Jenkins County High School principal. Co-chairman Pam Dwight presided over the meeting in the absence of Chairman James Henry.

Chance told the commissioners that JCFEC was considering applying for a $125,000 grant for five years that would provide for employment of a Project Director/Drug Officer for the school system, an action she said was supported by the Jenkins County Board of Education. It was noted that the State Board of Education does not provide funding for a school resource officer.

The officer would have the authority to arrest anyone caught on school campuses with drugs, implement drug prevention/intervention strategies and provide school security. To jump start the project, it was requested that the county designate "drug fines" for the employment of a resource officer through the end of 2008. It was noted that use of the fines was legally limited to funding of drug education and treatment programs.

Chance explained that having a person already employed by the school system would increase the probability of approval of the grant application. The commissioners expressed their support of the project but agreed that the Jenkins County Sheriff should be consulted prior to making a decision.

Jenkins County Tax Assessor Don Rich informed the commissioners that a member of the Board of Tax Assessors had resigned and a replacement was needed. It was agreed to advertise the position in The Millen News.

A request from the Jenkins County Development Authority that the county provide $10,000 in matching funds to fulfill a $100,000 grant requirement was considered. After discussion, the commissioners approved $5,000 in-kind services and $2,500 cash for the project. The grant will be used to develop the entrance at one of the new industrial parks.

Other actions taken by the commissioners included:

• Authorized the county Field Director to purchase two used trucks, not to exceed $20,000;

• Approved amendment to county Personnel Policy dealing with jury duty leave;

• Tabled a decision on amending the Personnel Policy to include a procedure to deal with county employees who seek elected office until surrounding counties can be contacted to determine what they are doing;

• Tabled action on a 911 resolution;

• Appointed Buddy Harvill as a member of the Jenkins County Development Authority to replace Lacy Frye who resigned;

• Approved a contract with Stantec for water and methane monitoring at the county landfill in the amount of $9,700;

• Approved a motion to amend the county insurance policy to include the contents of the Jenkins County Tax Assessor's office; and

• Approved a request for improvements to the speaker system at the Jenkins County Agriculture Center.