BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
10 APRIL 2026
Chair Commissioner Evan Baddour opened the meeting by noting prayer and pledge were offered in same day meeting. The Minutes of 6 March 2026 were then moved for approval by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, and were approved unanimously.
Budget Amendments were addressed by Financial Manager (FM) Beth Moore-Sumners. A motion to approve all amendments was made by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, and after discussion was approved unanimously. The FM in addressing the amendments noted the grants were carried forward from previous budget year and required no new funding. Regarding the County General Fund 101 all amendments reflected the audited balances.
New Business – The CE addressed the potential Community Development Block Grant for the Fairview Utility District’s infrastructure improvements. The grant would be for $900K total including a $153K match and would be for one year. Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, and after the following discussion was approved unanimously. While Giles County would sponsor the state grant, the Fairview Utility District would provide the $153K match. Commissioner Tracy Wilburn asked if this grant would replace old lines, with Commissioner Roger Reedy saying yes on Highway 31A.
Budget Calendar – While it was determined no action required on this item, discussion centered on two separate items, i.e., timing of non-profit submissions and timing of wheel tax discussions to coincide with any follow-up actions, e.g. appear on a ballot during an election. Re the non-profit submissions two non-profits, libraries and fire and rescue, are due on 1 May. All other non-profit requests are due on 1 July and may be submitted as one copy with digital copies also available. Re the wheel tax the Chair said this could not be placed on the August election ballot but, if approved by a 2/3 majority in the full commission in May and June, would allow for ballot insertion in the November election. On Commissioner Matthew Hopkins asking for clarification on the timing, the Chair said that would be in keeping with the 75 – 90-day requirement after receiving the voters’ petition. Further the Chair provided a CTAS email handout and read from their stated legal advice confirming the above timeframe.
No unfinished business. New business – A Resolution was discussed on option of allowing partial payments of property taxes throughout the year with completion of payments due before 1 February, with the CE commenting that other counties offer this method of payment. Commissioner Terry Jones stated he understood you cannot draw interest on those funds with the FM saying that would need to be evaluated. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, and after the following discussion was approved unanimously. Commissioner Rick Carpenter asked how would you know how much to pay, as well as if you sell that property midway and how much extra burden does that place on Trustee Tony Risner. Commissioner James Lathrop recommended those questions be answered in full court, and the FM said that Trustee Risner has fully evaluated this process and wants to do. Commissioner Shelly Goolsby said most of those actions are done at closing and are common practices. Public was asked for comments (none).
Additional new business – The FM gave an update on highway department needs noting increased equipment costs and no flexibility from pulling from other areas such as fuel since it too has increased. The Chair asked the public if there were any comments and there being none, Commissioner James Lathrop moved for adjournment and with Commissioner Matthew Hopkins providing the second, the meeting was adjourned.
ATTENDEES: Members of the committee – Chair Commissioner Evan Baddour, Commissioners James Lathrop, Terry Jones, David Adams, Matthew Hopkins, Matt Rubelsky, Shelly Goolsby Other Commissioners – Tracy Wilburn, Erin Curry, Joyce Woodard, Gayle Jones, Judy Pruett, Rick Carpenter, Rose Brown, Roger Reedy, David Wamble, Caleb Savage, Carman Brown, Others Financial Manager Beth Moore-Sumners, Shana Woodard, School Board Chair Knox Vanderpool, Sheriff Joe Purvis