Commissioners adopt "buckle-up" policy
By Deborah Bennett Millen News Editor

County employees will be required to "buckle-up" when traveling in a county vehicle. Approval by the Jenkins County Commissioners of the addition of a seat belt provision to the county's Personnel Policy came during the group's Tuesday, April 15, meeting.

County Administrator Carol Cates reported that the addition was recommended by the county's Risk Management Agent to reduce liability in the event of an accident.

The measure was approved 3- 1 with commissioners James Henry, Tommy Lane and Domingo Green voting in favor. Commissioner Floyd Chance opposed. Commissioner Pam Dwight was absent.

During discussion of the mat- ter, Commissioner Chance stated that his opposition to the provision was a matter of personal preference and suggested that employees could be required to sign a waiver of liability if they chose not to wear a seat belt.

Employees who do not comply with the seat belt requirement could face disciplinary action as outlined in the Personnel Policy.

In other matters, members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, represented by Ray Garvin, asked the commissioners for permission to place a plaque on the Confederate monument located on the Jenkins County Courthouse lawn commemorating its 100th anniversary. The group had originally sought permission to place an additional marker at the site of the Confederate monument.

The request was denied due to a tie vote. Commissioners Lane and Chance voted in favor with Commissioners Green and Henry opposing.

Commissioner Green commented, "If we set precedence without any thought, it may come back to haunt us."

Chairman Henry stated that he voted against the request in order to make sure that it was "legally correct" to grant it and because there was no "rush."

Commissioners Lane and Chance argued in favor, noting that both black and white Americans died in the conflict.

"We are going to follow up," Commissioner Henry told the SCV group. "I think we can resolve it."

The commissioners did approve a request from the SCV seeking permission to hold a memorial program at the monument site 4 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

Field Director Grady Lane reported he was investigating options for dealing with contamination of a sedimentation pond at the andfill that included seeking a grant to help cover expenses.

It was noted by the commissioners that the amount approved for the purchase of a pump to be used in connection with the landfill cleanup had been erroneously reported in The Millen News. The correct purchase price was approximately $2,800, not $28,000.

The commissioners approved a motion requiring all county employees, including elected officials, who seek mileage reimbursement to complete a mileage log.

The placement of Jenkins County in the Ogeechee-Savannah Water Management District by the State was accepted by the commissioners.