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West Jeff Council's Garver questions fund transfers
(by Sandi Latimer, staff writer - August 18, 2010)
West Jefferson Council approved several transfers out of the general fund on Aug. 16, but not before Councilman Ron Garver voiced his concerns.
Finance Director Jack Herrell offered legislation for supplemental funds for health insurance payments, the work Community Improvement Corp. is doing for the village, the street department, and payroll for swimming pool employees.
Additionally, Public Service Director Harold Walker said he will need money to place an order for salt for the winter. Last year, he purchased 300 tons for $75 a ton and is expecting a similar purchase this year. He had $5,000 in two funds he draws money from “and I’m running out of money,” he said. “I haven’t even bought paint for crosswalks this year.”
Walker said is he down two employees in the department and hasn’t been able to fix pot holes or straighten signs.
Garver, who was council president last year when the budget was finalized, questioned the need for the extra money.
“There has to be a mistake on the original appropriations,” he said, looking through recent financial reports.
Garver also questioned the need to transfer more funds to the pool account.
“I haven’t seen a report from there all summer,” he said.
Herrell said it is difficult to predict a budget for the pool because it depends on the weather.
“The number of employees you have depends on the weather,” he said. “We’ve had a hot summer and probably more people have worked more this year than last.”
In response to Garver’s questions about who will winterize the pool, Walker said pool employees will pull the ladders and diving boards but his department would do the winterization.
Despite raising the concerns, Garver cast an affirmative vote with his six colleagues in approving the supplemental funds.
Volunteers needed for spruce-up
The Village of West Jefferson is welcoming volunteers to spruce up the community prior to the Ox Roast, which takes place on Labor Day weekend.
The call for volunteers came after West Jefferson resident Paul Holden, a candidate for a village council seat, offered his services.
“I know you’re down two people in the street department,” Holden said at council’s Aug. 16 meeting.
Public Service Director Harold Walker Jr., who oversees the street department, welcomed Holden’s offer.
“We need all the help we can get,” he said.
Interested persons should contact Walker for specific assignments at (614) 879-8655 or hwalker@villageofwestjefferson.com.
Police officers recognized
Council recognized three West Jefferson police officers for their actions in apprehending a suspect at the site of a breaking and entering. Councilman Cory Coburn singled out Sgt. Gary McNeal, Sgt. Perry Ward and Dispatcher Phil Imler.
Coburn said he was riding along with the officers one evening in early August when they noticed something amiss at the Jefferson Local Schools’ bus garage, a frequent target for break-ins. Coburn said the officers apprehended a suspect at the garage, and the suspect is now waiting action from the Madison County grand jury.
“So often we hear negative things about police officers,” Coburn said. “These officers deserve our recognition for their swift action.”
He said school officials have also expressed their appreciation.
Sale of surplus property
Council approved the sale of three vehicles and a generator declared as surplus property, but withheld the sale of three former police vehicles until an issue over keys is resolved.
Brian Hunter was the successful bidder for a 1990 Chevrolet truck, a 1986 Chevrolet Blazer and a 1998 Dodge half-ton truck while Coburn was the lone bidder on a generator. Bids from Jesse Warnock for the three Crown Victoria former police cars were put on hold until village officials resolve the issue that one key fits all law enforcement cars. Walker said the village may have to re-key the locks.
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