BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
29 MAY 2025
The Chair Commissioner Matt Rubelsky opened the meeting asking Commissioner Roger Reedy to offer a prayer and lead the pledge. The two previous meeting minutes were not yet available and will not be approved at this meeting. The County Executive (CE) Graham Stowe was asked if he had any opening remarks and he did not at this time. The public was asked if they had any remarks and they did not. As before each vote, the Chair asked again if the public had any remarks and unless addressed specifically will not be shown in the minutes. Several noticed the large public attendance covered the Annex conference room and the outside hallway with both employees of the Highway Department and the EM Department well represented.
The Chair then addressed those area left from the 27 May 2025 meeting that required additional information, as well as those yet to be discussed. The first Budget Line Item (BLI) was the Airport, BLI 58220, page 21. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins moved the funding for this BLI be reduced to zero. (Previous 27 May 2025 showed concerns that while the city of Pulaski and the county split this cost, there is no current oversight by the county in the management of the airport, and the invoiced cost is lacking in detail.) Motion failed due to lack of a second. Commissioner James Lathrop moved this discussion be tabled until background information is provided and Commissioner Evan Baddour provided the second. Commissioner Shelly Goolsby asked for clarification from Financial Manager (FM) Beth Moore-Sumners on how the budget was derived from the city with the FM noting the billing represents the city’s audited numbers which the city then charges one half to the county. Commissioner Goolsby asked if the salary number was consistent with past years and the CE said the numbers seem a little high. Commissioner Evan Baddour said so far there is still not enough information. The CE mentioned some grants requiring a 5% match (which would have to be divided equally among Pulaski and county) and that match was taken out of logging revenue on the airport property, and he noted generally other county type grants have been approved when developing. The FM said sometimes the county does get an invoice, but this BLI stands alone and cannot be over budget. Commissioner James Lathrop said there is considerable indirect return to the county in, from an economic development look, the airport helps with industrial development but the county gets no annual rent, funding revenue from renting hangars, fuel sales, and have a lack of transparency which affects how to make airport decisions. Commissioner Terry Jones said the county chose years ago to let city handle; we want the airport to make money; should have looked earlier at this situation; shouldn’t cut off funding because he’s making money. Commissioner David Wamble mentioned we also did the Animal Shelter which has some comparable issues and is the city working on restructuring. He suggested considering funding for one-half year to allow the city time to address some of these questions. The CE said until the FM expends funds, the county commission can change how much or when or if the county funds a project. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins regarding using the term “contract” with the city said he had not seen a contract, although should have one since a joint property, and said improper to use the term “contract.” The Chair recommended that three and four shown on handout ( 3. Hold the funds and not release them, and 4. Encourage the City to work in collaboration with the County to form an Airport Authority to govern and oversee the operation of the airport with transparency and accountability) be implemented i.e., approve the $75K but hold; and get more information. A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour, was made to release the funds after an approved legally binding contract between city/county was formed. Motion approved. The CE said probably should be an interlocal policy where the county/city share revenue, for example Animal Shelter and airport. Commissioner David Wamble asked if this provides the FM with approval to pay the invoice at year’s end, and the FM said she would not without additional commission approval and in part because the actual audited number would change which would require an amended budget.
Industrial Development (Committee – IDC) BLI 5120 page 21 – the CE gave some background in that funding for the IDC is split by Pulaski 40%, County 40%, PES 17%, and other Giles municipalities 3%. Of the consulting cost there is a $68K contract which is working with the Chamber of Commerce, the EDC, to form a broader umbrella using a survey with leaders in the community e.g., bankers, commissioners, industry, with the goal of marketing Giles County. A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner James Lathrop, was made to approve. Commissioner David Wamble asked about an increase of $23K which included a salary increase for the Economic Development Director of $12K raising that salary to $112K, which per the CE is the EDC’s responsibility. When asked about the results of the Director, several commissioners noted the positive results such as good networking especially for Exit 14. Commissioner Evan Baddour concurred with the positive aspect but noted the county has no direct say in the cost. The CE commented there are 21 members of the EDC and the county has three representatives in that membership. The motion to approve was approved 4-3 with Commissioners Matthew Hopkins, David Adams, and Terry Jones voting no.
Veterans Service BLI 58300 page 21 – Motion to approve was made by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, and was approved unanimously. The CE said he had done some comparisons with other comparable counties and most had 2 to 3 working in that office. He complimented Barry Alsup for a well-done job.
Other Charges BLI 58400 page 21 – A motion to approve was made by Commissioner James Lathrop, seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour, and was approved unanimously. This BLI addresses the consolidated insurance for the county and includes a 10% increase in cost. A question was raised on the value stated in insurance coverage for the courthouse and the CE said his last known value was approximately $14M which all expressed as to low, especially considering the cost for the modifications being planned. This BLI also includes coverage of dead animal pickup (cows) and Commissioner David Wamble questioned the amount since about four individuals account for most of the pickup. Commissioner Roger Reedy addressed the question saying that most farms average about 30 cows, which produce calves and the 4 individuals referenced above buy those calves and suffer the dead loss within those purchases. He suggested to not fund this would punish all farmers who raise cows since they would have to dispose of the dead animals themselves. He also addressed this as becoming an environmental issue with possible effect on water supply.
Contributions to Other Agencies BLI 58500 page 21 – A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, and after the following discussion was approved 6 – 1 with Commissioner David Adams voting no. Director Giles Emergency Communications District Gwen Gracy discussed sources of revenue, i.e., tariffs and appropriations from city and county, noting tariffs are for building(s) and equipment. Director Gracy mentioned there being no cost of living raises for the past 2-3 years. This budget, she said, will cover that type cost for this year and the next two years. She also noted the state can come in if necessary and refer the emergency calls to the ambulance department where now the E911 dispatches. Sheriff Purvis mentioned his conversations with other comparable counties, e.g., Lincoln who funds this service at $500K. Commissioner Terry Jones in discussing some of the shortfalls in the 25-26 budget said with the E911 having a $4M reserve he questioned this increase request. Josh Young noted, passionately, that this is for the new building for E911 which has been “saved” for that purpose. Commissioner Evan Baddour asked if the $4M would cover a new building. Commissioner David Adams asked noting his phone bill shows a separate charge with Ms. Gracy saying the state distributes that tariff back to E911 for building(s).
Employment Benefits BLI 58600 page 22 – Motion to approve by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was made and was approved unanimously after the following discussion. This BLI includes educational incentives for training that is carried over (grandfathered in) for a few county employees. The BLI also includes a post-employment retiree health insurance (already available for school employees) at a total of $24K which is for 4 individuals (out of 9 eligible) who will be eligible in the next 10 years. This incentive is to maintain individuals as county employees over some of their last years (possibly at end of step raises) rather than their moving to other counties to continue working in their possible retirement years. Commissioner Baddour while agreeing this is a good incentive that this might be better postponed until the following year due to the large shortfall in the 25-26 budget year. Sheriff Purvis said while this is intended for retention, some of his concern is older employees still needing to work (to help pay insurance) working in situations that might be more dangerous due to their age. Commissioner David Wamble asked how this would work with insurance increasing, seemingly each year, with the CE saying the amount provided is capped at $500 a month. He further said this has been given a lot of thought, i.e., some options – provide more step increase levels (very costly); education allowances; pay bumps. He stated this is the least costly to the county and still providing some incentives for county employees.
At this time the Chair commented how good it was to have the public attendance but the annex conference room not suitable for the size of the audience. He stated his agenda would be to end at 12:00 and he would be changing the annex location to the courthouse location so that all could hear and be seated.
Debt Service 151 – The FM mentioned this includes a $345K revenue from interest earned from school bond and grows interest through 01 April 2034. A motion by Commissioner Terry Jones, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was made to approve and was approved unanimously.
Probation Settlement Fund 128 – The FM stated this includes monitoring fees and will possibly include more legal fees. She further said these funds can only be used for probation costs. A motion by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby and seconded by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins to approve was made and approved after following discussion: Commissioner Evan Baddour asked with potential cuts to overall budget he suggested this may not need to be included in budget as potential costs. The FM said this has no impact on the county’s general fund and if no costs are incurred later then this could revert to the general fund.
General Capital Projects 171 – Motion by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Commissioner Shelly Goolsby, was made to approve. The FM said this was developed to not co-mingle grants and she mentioned the 25-26 budgeted amounts of $2,235,545 for water grant; the $1,978,250 for Giles County library; and the $222,222 as the broadband grant noting PES has been paid and United in Ardmore projected payment is shown here. Commissioner Terry Jones mentioned the $101K shown for building improvements and wanting to revisit (due to budget shortfall) with the FM saying this was done through a resolution and would require another resolution to change. The CE also commented this includes mag lock upgrades with the FM noting several females that work in her department often work after hours (bank closes where county annex is located and that location would be susceptible to anyone walking in after that) and she sees this as a safety issue. RE earlier description about Archives building, The FM noted motel/hotel tax could be used for that modification. Also at this time Commissioner Shelly Goolsby moved that the ambulance’s remount and health equipment be moved to 171 and Commissioner Evan Baddour seconded. The CE cautioned that you take recurring expenses out of operating budgets you have the same problem next year, i.e., when using 171 like a fund balance. Road Superintendent Gene Barnickle agreed noting what happens when equipment wears out. Commissioner David Wamble said you definitely have to have, but having funds to cover some of the budget shortfall makes it easier for the public. Others thought a one time “fix” by the public might be more acceptable rather than spreading smaller “fixes” over several years. Commissioner Tim Risner asked for clarification on the $55K described as Motor Vehicles and Ambulance Director Willow Chavez said it is a lift device that does chest compressions (never tires as EMTs might) and Commissioner Risner asked are all the ambulances now fully equipped with the various equipment with Director Chavez saying one more and will have on all. The Chair noted to have a “true budget” especially with recurring costs those costs need to be in the operating budget not the 171 for capital one time projects. Director Chavez mentioned the aging of their six vehicles with over 200K miles and their stretchers are also aging out. Commissioner Evan Baddour asked is a remount budgeted every year with the CE saying he had looked and yes. Commissioner Terry Jones asked why not get a remount then and Director Chavez mentioned one ordered in 2023 and just now receiving. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins mentioned his concern in depleting the 171-account noting this account was for unplanned capital projects. Commissioner David Wamble asked the FM what is the county’s fund balance and potentially using that balance to fund the 25-26 shortfall. The FM noted $8.134M after the proposed 25-26 budget. Commissioner Matthew Hopkins mentioned the approved Fund Balance Policy which states that fund balance must retain 45% of the previous fiscal year’s general fund budget, and any residuals are then moved to fund 171 Capital Projects. While several commissioners felt the shortfall was a one-year anomaly, a handout prepared by the CE was provided showing why the county’s revenue stream’s growth (averaging approximately 3% annually) has not been consistent with inflated costs and increased demand for services over the past decade (compounding rate of 5+% or more per year.) Commissioner Gayle Jones said inflation has affected all and we have to live within our means. Commissioner Roger Reedy gave some background, i.e., sale of the county’s hospital and the use of those funds to provide funding for necessary shortfalls over revenue for several years. Several mentioned prior tax increases one noting several, others saying only one dating back to mid-20s. Several also mentioned the courthouse and/or the ambulance potential costs could use 189 Funds with the FM saying the 171 account was to be used for various capital projects and the 189 would be used for the remod’s. She further said that raises the question of whether the commission wants to fund the courthouse remod’s or not. A roll call vote was taken on the 171 motion (see above) and was approved 5 – 2 with Commissioners Terry Jones and David Adams voting no. An earlier amended motion had been made to move Ambulance 58130-718, -719 and -790 to BLI 171 and had failed 3 – 4 with the following commissioners voting no Evan Baddour, Matthew Hopkins, James Lathrop, and Matt Rubelsky.
Other Capital Projects 189 – The FM provided information on the Communication Equipment 91130-708 noting Phase I and Phase II were the largest incurred cost and the 25-26 budget of $2.310M will complete Phase 3. A motion by Commissioner Matthew Hopkins, seconded by Commissioner Evan Baddour, was made to approve and after discussion was approved unanimously. Commissioner Terry Jones asked when we be able to see and use the equipment with Josh Young noting some final discussions, i.e., with a land owner who is willing to let the county use his land for tower.
The Chair noted that all the proposed budget has been approved individually, and now there will be a work session to review the budget as a whole, i.e., how to fund any or all of the shortfall between revenue and the proposed budget. Since the highway department was well represented the Chair decided to discuss the proposed highway budget. Commissioner Evan Baddour noted that of the total shortfall of $5.3M the Highway budget shortfall of $3.2M is the most significant portion, and he also noted many of his constituents saying prefer a wheel tax since paying property tax doesn’t fix holes on my road. Superintendent Gene Barnickle noting during last administration the highway department sustained cut and cuts (when other departments did not). He also noted in previous years state grants helped with some of the road paving but now they will be using funds more for bridges. Commissioner Baddour asked if the roads that need paving, had they been prioritized with Superintendent Barnickle saying they had been prioritized and the roads to be paved are the worst of the worst, noting they could easily fix 100 more miles that really needed paving. Commissioner Baddour asked if we reduce your budget 10% would the effect be to reduce miles with the Superintendent saying definitely. His equipment shows wear and tear as well. Commissioner Tim Risner said the highway department has been falling behind and did cut in the past. He thought if the Superintendent didn’t need, he wouldn’t ask for it. Commissioner Joseph Sutton asked abut dealing with potential cuts and noting raises with the Superintendent saying the crew he has now is the best crew ever had. Erin Harmon, Highway Department, said she had been there 7 – 8 years, and asked what to tell people who call and say after hitting potholes I need to get my car fixed, need a realignment, what do I say? Commissioner David Adams said he travelled to look at roads, and the highway department was always the first to cut. Commissioner Judy Pruett said the highway department needs the funding, need raises, and understand the county needs more funding to make that happen. To the people attending and to the commissioners, you have to help people understand why a tax increase is needed. Commissioner James Lathrop said there are about 30K people and there are about 30K vehicles registered. He noted a wheel tax, e.g., $50 per vehicle, would raise $1.5M and a wheel tax has been brought up before and failed. He further said he would like to see this considered. Commissioner Terry Jones suggested taking the shortfall out of BLI 189 with the FM saying that would deplete that BLI but she said she would look into whether you can pay for paving out of that. She also mentioned the communication payoff may leave some funding for other costs. The CE mentioned there are already contracts underway especially for the courthouse, and the trade off might be to either scale back courthouse or do nothing. Member of the public spoke on a property tax increase that she would want a one time rather than several increases per year. Commissioner Gayle Jones Re the highway, could we look by phases with the Superintendent saying even ½ is a lot less than we need. Commissioner David Wamble said the highway department doesn’t care if we pay from another fund, for example $450K for highway equipment, and could you then pull 5% out of your budget? The Superintendent said then what happens next year when I need other equipment, this being, he said, a continuing problem. The CE said people see roads that are paved so get more public approval. Commissioner Shelly Goolsby asked the FM when county got 3% raises, did the highway department also get the same, with the FM saying the salary setup for the highway department was the worst in the county and they had made it align with the school system. Later discussion the superintendent said in the past they had 51 employees and now there are 38. Commissioner Joseph Sutton asked the FM if the state says you have to keep a certain balance in BLI 189, and the FM said you can zero that account out. Commissioner David Adams said he was against across the board 3% raises, but his personal experience shows from about 25 years ago, there is now only $2-$3 per hour more. He noted some will have to find other jobs and they will lose employees. Commissioner Terry Jones said he did like the 3% and mentioned a possible resolution in keeping with elected official raises. A motion by Terry Jones, seconded by Daid Adams, to take purchase of a truck from 171 and the rest from 189. Several commissioners had left as members of this committee and the total available to vote was five and with Commissioner Evan Baddour, Matt Rubelsky, and Shelly Goolsby voting no motion failed 2 – 3. Several said add revenue or not approve. Commissioner Terry Jones said bring to us again in next meeting (Monday in courthouse at 9:00). The chair noted highway will be discussed then.
Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Evan Baddour, seconded by Shelly Goolsby an was approved unanimously.
ATTENDEES: Members of the committee – Chair Commissioner Matt Rubelsky and other commissioners Evan Baddour, Matthew Hopkins, James Lathrop, Terry Jones, Shelly Goolsby, and David Adams / Other commissioners in attendance Joyce Woodard, Gayle Jones, David Wamble, Judy Pruett, Rose Brown, Carman Brown, Joseph Sutton, Annelle Guthrie, Roger Reedy/ Others in attendance County Executive Graham Stowe, Financial Manager Beth Moore-Sumners and Shana Woodard, Sheriff Joe Purvis, Josh Young and Willow Chavez Director Emergency Service and Ambulance respectively, Road Superintendent Gene Barnickle and Erin Harmon, Other Department Heads for their individual LIs, members of the Public
