CATOOSA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
CATOOSA COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING
800 LA FAYETTE STREET, RINGGOLD, GA
AUGUST 7, 2007, 10:00 A.M.
PUBLIC HEARING # 1 ON 2007-2008 PROPOSED BUDGET
Chairman Clark called the public hearing to order at 9:00 a.m. The following commissioners were present: William H. H. Clark, Chairman; Ken Marks, Commissioner, District One; Robert R. Winters, Commissioner, District Two; Jim Emberson, Commissioner, District Three; and Dewayne Hill, Commissioner, District Four.
Chairman Clark stated the purpose of the meeting was to receive public comments on the 2007-2008 proposed budget.
Martha Eaker, President Chamber of Commerce. Said she submitted to the Board a request for funds for the chamber in the amount of $40,000 for different programs the Chamber hopes to implement for the community. Ms. Eaker briefly discussed some of the programs and tasks implemented and performed over the last year. Ms. Eaker stated the Chamber could not pay rent next year and continue to implement these programs. Said chamber members contribute funds through property taxes for their businesses to the County every year.
Judd Burkhart, Mayor City of Fort Oglethorpe. He made the following points and requests:
· Discussed Insurance Premium Tax the County is receiving and stated the monies received by state law are to be spent on fire/emergency services only.
· Requesting $267,546 plus 3 full time firefighters for District 1.
Said he hopes the County will grant Fort Oglethorpe’s request.
Marlin Thompson, Post Volunteer Fire Department Chairman. Said he submitted a proposed budget earlier in the year to County Manager Ron Brown for $707,900 that does include monies for salaries for Career firefighters for Mac Smith, Lakeview, Boynton, and Westside areas. Said he was given an option for the County to fund those firefighters and Post would supervise them. Mr. Thompson stated the budget was put into one lump sum and no money was put aside for Post Volunteer. At the last meeting for consolidation a fire committee was established and he would recommend the budget remain as it was in the past until the fire committee comes to the Board with a recommendation. Stated he would like to still request the additional funds for 8 firefighters and equipment upgrades.
There were no further comments from citizens.
Commissioner Marks questioned if the 8 firefighters requested from Post Volunteer are in the proposed budget under the Catoosa Fire. Carl Henson stated the money for the additional firefighters along with an additional $40,000 for Post in the budget. Mr. Henson stated there is currently $400,000 for Post in the proposed budget.
ADJOURNMENT Chairman Clark declared the public hearing closed at 9:19 a.m.