By V. Hugh Lewis, Jefferson Jimplecute
Marion County Commissioners approved hiring J.P. Abernathy as an advisor on the Jail Elevator Project during their regular meeting on Monday.
Abernathy has served as an advisor for the court during the Courthouse Restoration project, and will serve in the same function on this project. He will be paid $250 a week for the work.
Rod L Abbott, CPA, was chosen to perform the year end audit for the 2020 fiscal year, at a cost of $13,190, plus actual report expenses, lodging and mileage. The Court approved allowing the County Judge to sign the engagement letter. The cost, with additions estimate, is approximately the same as last year’s cost.
A number of end of year budget line item transfers were approved by Commissioners. The transfers were presented by County Auditor Shanna Solomon, and were all adjustments to budgeted items to keep each budget line item balanced.
Following the meeting, Commissioners and Marion County Judge Leward LaFleur announced a move-in date for the restored Marion County Courthouse of February the week of February 15-19, 2021. The County Judge, Commissioners, Treasurer, County Clerk, County Auditor, District Attorney, and District Clerk’s offices will be closed that week to facilitate the move.
Commissioners also approved more beginning of year routine business items during the meeting, including:
– County Clerk’s Certificate of Completion for 2020 education requirements
– 2020 Asset Forfeiture Reports for the Sheriff’s Department and both Constables
– Cyber Security Training for all elected officials and any employee who has computer access
– Sheriff David Capps was given approval to sign the 2021 Summer Lake Patrol agreement
– Approved the 2021 Investment Policy, Strategy and Resolution as there were no changes from the 2020 Resolution. Courts are required to approve a policy each year.
Commissioners tabled approving participating in the US Census Bureau 2021 Boundary and Annexation Survey (BAS) so they could have additional time to review the resolution.
Commissioners also tabled a request to allow the Jefferson Historical Museum to place a sign on the grounds of the old hospital property on US 59. The Museum planned to refurbish an existing sign they have in another location and move it to the property. Commissioners are waiting on a review by the County Attorney before approving the request.