Why Has The County Executive Been Secretly Giving Tax Money To A Charity That May Not Be A Legally Authorized Charity?

Why has the County Executive been secretly funding a charity that may or may not be a legally authorized charity? 

It has been acknowledged by Mrs Vanzant that she had been giving between three and five hundred taxpayer dollars each year to a “charity” identified as “Night Out Against Crime”. 

This acknowledgement came as a complete surprise to most everyone at the County Commission Meeting on Monday. 

It was reported in that meeting that the state auditors had raised questions about the way the contributions had been made. Not once has the County Commission voted or even discussed this charity or making a contribution to it.

Under county rules no charity can be funded with tax money unless they are a legal 501c Charity and the paperwork is on file with the county. All non profits are required to apply for funds through the County Budget Committee then approved as part of the budget approved by the County Legislative Body. 

Last year the Campbellsville library, which everyone agreed was a worthy non profit was denied funding because they did not have the proper paperwork identifying them as a legal 501c non profit.  

In this same meeting it was also acknowledged that under Mrs Vanzant’s leadership the county attorney has been appointed for two year terms inspire of the county having gone through the process of getting the state legislature to pass a private act that made the appointment for a four year term.

These are only a couple of recent instances of Mrs. Vanzant ignoring the law and doing things her way, a way that has cost the county millions in lawsuits, attorney fees and financial blunders.

Giles County Executive Candidates Appearance On WLX

Just listened to the three candidates for Giles County Executive on WLLX from Lawrenceburg and was totally impressed with Capt. Graham Stowe, Mr. Lindsey did an excellent job also but I have to give a huge fail to Mrs Vanzant who failed to name one single accomplishment from her twelve years as County Executive.

Capt. Stowe has a plan that relies on innovative common sense approaches with an active leadership role and long term plans without a property tax increase or wheel tax. His vast experience and simple plan for keeping communications open through regular "Town Hall Meetings" is a huge step toward rebuilding trust in county leadership.

Mr Lindsey has a plan that relies primarily on possible grants from state and federal taxes which means more big government intervention. While he did say a wheel tax was not needed the additional spending he described as "needed" will require a bunch of new funding. While identified as an independent he talks more like a liberal democrat but even as such he has more experience and ideas than Mrs. Vanzant.

Mrs Vanzant would not rule out a wheel tax and/or a property tax passing off the responsibility as entirely that of the commissioners. She did say that the county was in financial good health with an expected half million dollars in excess income by the end of the fiscal year. and over 800 thousand dollars in excess school funds. If there is that much actual excess income why is the highway department so underfunded?

What are some of the things you heard that tonight during that debate that impressed you either positively or negatively?

News From The County Legislative Body That Met This Morning

Commissioner Flacy continues to have serious medical issues and was the only Commissioner not in attendance today. Commissioner Flacy was recognized for her twenty four years of service on the Legislative Body of the County. Prayers are requested for her.

 Others recognized for their long service were Commissioners Connie Howell and Jack Woodard each having served for sixteen years.

Questioned was raised by Commissioner Jackson as to the appropriateness of appointing a County Attorney for two years when the county is required to appoint the county attorney to a four year term.
Commissioner Harwell stated, " I been here twelve "year" and we ain't never done it that way".
Mrs. Vanzant stated that we've always done it for two years but we'll change cause the law says four years"

My question is why, since the four year term was initiated by the County and passed as a private act through the state legislature,  hasn't this law been followed before now. My concern is that it's just another matter of "we'll do things our way, regardless of what the law requires".

New School Board Member is former County Commissioner Edwin Lovell. Mr. Lovell was appointed after receiving the required eleven votes from the commissioner. Mr Clay Doggett received eight of the votes cast.

The Industrial Development Board was denied their request of altering their charter to place one more member on the Economic Development Committee. The Commissioner rejected the request choosing instead to keep the appointments to the Committee equally split between the city and county appointments.

Under Unfinished Business:
Commissioner Pope asked about the status of connecting the bathrooms at the AgiPark to the public sewer system. It was reported by Mrs Vanzant that they were with for Mr. Brooks to give his OK.

Commissioner Adams asked about the status of the Alternative School Building.  Mrs Vanzant responded that there had been some old records transferred to the building but that a leak was discovered and an architect was looking at the building.

Commissioner Adams asked about the status of the project at Exit 14, the wastewater treatment system. Mrs Henson, the county attorney, reported that they were waiting for a second rate study to be done and "hoped" to be able to report on it in September meeting.

Under New Business:

Commissioner Jackson made the motion to give $300.00 to a group called "Night Out Against Crime" and that the money would be taken out of the County Executive's fund.

The interesting things about this is that during the discussion it was revealed that the County Executive had been giving this group between three and five hundred dollars each year without any knowledge or approval of the Commissioners.

My question is why has this program been regularly funded in secret? Why hasn't it been included with the regular charities during the budget process. Are they a legitimate 501c charity and if not how can the county give them any money.

I have no questions about whether this organization is a good or bad program only, as to the way the County Executive has chosen to secretly fund them and what is their legal status.

Commissioner Jackson commended "the Budget Committee and the Financial Management Office for the very first time in history that the budget was approved before July".

I agree with Commissioner Jackson but would also remind everyone that when we were working to get the Financial Management Act of 1981 approved for the county, commissioners Campbell, Harwell and a couple of others including Mrs. Vanzant fought tooth and nail against it vilifying me and others in the process and did everything possible to sabotage it. To day with Commissioner Jackson's comment and the last audit report of no deficiencies I feel and all that worked on this program should feel vindicated.