BUDGET HEARING

A public hearing was held by the Spalding County Board of Commissioners in their office in the Courthouse Annex, Monday, June 5, 2000 beginning at 5:00 o’clock p.m. with Commissioners, Michael Kendall, Martha McDaniel, Merrill Massengale, Johnie McDaniel and Earle Childres present. Also present were Executive Secretary Phyllis Doane. County Manager Mike Ruffin and Deputy County Manager William Wilson were absent.

Chairman Kendall called the meeting to order.

The order of business was as follows:

1. Discussion and comments relative to the Proposed Fiscal year 2001 Budget.

There was no one present who wished to make any comments.

2. Discuss a cost-of-living increase for county employees for Fiscal Year 2001.

Motion was made by Commissioner Martha McDaniel to approve a 2% COLA for all county employees effective July 1, 2000. She read a memo from Deputy County Manager Wilson that stated $292,500 was appropriated for Worker’s Compensation Insurance; however, because of the county’s good claim experience a contribution would not be needed and a 2% COLA would cost approximately $291,000 including benefits. This would allow the employees to get an increase without increasing taxes. Commissioner Childres seconded the motion.

After comments by each Commissioner, Chairman Kendall called the question on the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 4-1 with Commissioner Kendall voting against. His objection was that he did not consider this being a windfall but a shortfall because of some of the department’s budgets being over for Fiscal Year 2000 budget. He said that the workers comp appropriation does not equal a 2% COLA for the employees automatically.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned upon motion by Commissioner Martha McDaniel, seconded by Commissioner Childres and unanimously approved.

County Clerk/County Manager Chairman

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