Disconnection From Pulaski Electric Service

This was a matter discussed in the Power Board Meeting. I have placed it on a separate thread because it may have separate concerns that need discussion.

Over the last few months the average number of homes disconnected from service by PES each month has been 200. The reconnection fee has been $50.00 that is now changed to $35.00.

While I welcome this reduction as a benefit not only to individual households it will benefit those churches and organizations who are trying to help keep the power flowing to those homes.
It was expressed by Mr. Kelly that many of those who get disconnected come the next day to be reconnected. I spoke with Mr. Kelly about the possibility and what would be involved with notifying these customers that were about to be cut off the day before termination of services. I was told that many of those who have service terminated are repeats and if they are in the system as habitual they are not notified but efforts are made to notify all others before termination of service.
Allen Barrett

News From The Power Board Meeting Held 22 September 2009.

These are highlights from the September Power Board Meeting.
1) Cost Cutting has resulted in a better financial situation for August than July.
2) Major Projects have been put on hold.
3) New Guidelines have been put in place for purchases with any purchase over $50,000.00 must have prior approval by the Board. Expenditures of $1,000.00 to $7,500.00 must have a quote and any expenditure above $7,500.00 must be competitively bid.
4) Travel & Expenses must be pre-approved and receipts must be turned in for reimbursement.
5) The opportunity to pay bills on line is now available.
Allen Barrett

Meeting Time Changes For Power Board???????

After much criticism of the time, 7 AM, for Power Board Meetings and the promise that the issue would be addressed, after more than two months the time remains at 7AM.
The explanation given by the Chairman was that "the Board has had too much on their plate to deal with a meeting change". While I expressed appreciation to the Chairman for the reduction of hostility expressed in last month's meeting I was disappointed that nothing had been done to change the time.
Later The Chairman stated that he had done a survey and the majority of those asked were satisfied with the present time for the meeting. After some questioning it was determined that most of those asked in the survey had been Board Members.
If there is a true desire to have more participation by the public then more from the public should be asked about a time for the meetings. Allen Barrett

More Money For School System????

Under New Business the Commission was informed that $41,245.00 had to be moved into the School funds for "Maintenance of Effort". The question was asked by two different Commissioners. "Where will this money come from?" The explanation that was given and left many in the room shaking their head in disbelief was that "there was a shortage created by reduced income from sales taxes and the money would come from the sales tax." Not being a financial whiz I along with many others was left dumb-founded. If the problem was created by the fact there was less sales tax revenue coming in, how can more tax revenue be given to the school system to rectify the situation? Could it be that a greater percentage of the sales tax will be given to make up for this short fall and if it is does that mean the same percentage will be required next year and every year from now on? Have the Commissioners been hood-winked once again by the School System and its cohorts on the Commission.
Once again the vote was taken with out a single Commissioner declaring any possible conflicts of interest in direct violation of state law. Allen Barrett

Resolution To Have A Full Time Industry Recruiter!

This was a simple resolution that stated that the County Industrial Recruiter was to be a full time position and thus prevent the Recruiter from holding any other job or position while in the employ of the Industrial Board as Industrial Recruiter.

The first attempt to sabotage this resolution was by the County Executive who declared a 2/3 majority was needed to make this change. After being vigorously questioned about this requirement by more than one Commissioner and having no clear cut statement of support for a 2/3 majority the County Executive sought to table the matter until an Attorney General Opinion could be obtained.
The next concerted effort was from Commissioner Campbell who stated the resolution should be sent to the Legislative Committee since it had not gone before that committee. After it was pointed out that many resolutions including one voted on just minutes before had not gone before any committees the effort was moved in a different direction. Commissioner Jackson gave the magic words, with the full blessing of the County Executive, the county will lose all grants and money from the state if we pass this resolution. It is true that without an inter-local agreement that establishes an industrial Board and a Recruiter the county would lose all grant opportunities, but this resolution clearly did not abolish anything it only sought to establish some accountability for the Industrial Board and its Recruiter. With much fear and misunderstanding the vote was made and failed to gain the 2/3 majority required by the County Executive. Hopefully this will come back at the next Commission Meeting with Commissioners even more determined to do the right thing for the county. Allen Barrett

Another Freedom Infringed on.

The Commission under the misdirection of the County Executive voted to prohibit legally authorized Firearms Carry Permit Holders from carrying their firearms into county parks. Clearly the County Executive mis-spoke when she declared that the policy must be accepted because it was required by state law. The law, "SB 0976 & HB 0716"
which was sponsored by both our State Representative and Senator states "Allows handgun carry permit holders to possess handguns in parks and other similar public places owned and operated by the state, county, or city. Allows local governments to elect to prohibit gun carry permit holders from possessing handguns in local parks. Requires approval by a majority vote of the local legislative body. Requires the prohibition to apply to entire parks".
What the County Executive failed to do was read the entire statement which states "Changes the majority vote provision to a majority resolution of the governing body",
but then rules never seem, that important to the County Executive unless they benefit her position. Allen Barrett

Resolution to Amend School Budget

A vote was taken to amend the school budget for 2009-2010. This was to move money from the General Fund to cover a time lag in receiving Federal Funds. This passed with a vote of 20 for and one abstain.
No one declared the possibility of a conflict of interest as required by state law and Commission rules. The penalty for this violation required by the state is the vote is nullified and must be redone. Allen Barrett

Ethics Committee Members?

Members of the Ethics Committee are Commissioners Flacy, Woodward, Pollard, J.Harwell and Carol Wade.
This is probably the most efficient committee named since they have not officially met since their inception. They have never met to discuss a single instance of conflict of interests, to examine the true residence of the County Executive, the public behavior of Commissioners or any other issue that would normally fall under the responsibility of an Ethics Committee. Allen Barrett

Financial Management Committee

New members selected for the Financial Management Committee are Commissioners Brown, Campbell, Wilburn and Reedy who join those mandated by the state as members County Executive, School Director and Highway Supervisor. Allen Barrett

Power Grab Attempt Made On Adult Board!

An attempt by the County Executive was made to dissolve the current Adult Entertainment Board, that was elected to a two year term last year, and replace it with appointments chosen by her.
The County Executive expressed concern that the Adult Board had spent $5235.00 since January. What the County Executive failed to mention was that much of this was attorney fees claimed by the County Attorney in the Board's attempt to make a strip club simply comply with the law and purchase a license to operate and comply with state and county laws.
Several commissioners expressed during the meeting and after that the money had been well spent and could not be avoided without allowing one enterprise to snub it's nose at the law.
The actions of last years Commission, was read by Commissioner Reedy, which clearly elected the Adult Board to two year terms, scheduled to end in September 2010, and installed by the County Executive. Other commissioners questioned this action by the County Executive and she tabled the issue with an announcement that they would await an Attorney General's Opinion. Allen Barrett

New Committees For County Commission

Following are Committee assignments established during the County Commission Meeting this morning. Members are listed by district and chairman is designated by a (C).

BUDGET: Wilburn (C), Jackson, Adams, Woodard, Howell, J.Harwell, Campbell.

School: Harris, Pope (C), Adams, Woodard, Pollard, L.Faulkner, T.Harwell.

Highway: Harris, Pope, Risner, Lovell (C), Pollard, J.Harwell, A.Faulkner.

Law Enforcement: Harris, Bailey, Risner, Woodward, Pollard, Brown, Campbell (C).

Public Service: Harris (C), Pope, Risner, Reedy, Howell, L.Faulkner, Campbell.

Environmental: Wilburn, Bailey, Adams, Reedy, Holt, Brown, Campbell (C).

Ambulance/Rescue: Flacy, Jackson, Risner, Lovell, Pollard, Brown, A.Faulkner (C).

Legislative: Flacy, Bailey, Adams, Woodard, Howell (C), L.Faulkner, T.Harwell.

Building: Wilburn, Jackson (C), Risner, Lovell, Holt, J.Harwell, A.Falukner.

Insurance: Wilburn (C), Jackson, Adams, Reedy, Holt, J.Harwell, T.Harwell.

The Insurance Committee was created and established at today's meeting.

Submitted by Allen Barrett