MINUTES. BE IT remembered that on the 12th day of August, 2015, at 9:00 A.M., the Board

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1 MINUTES BE IT remembered that on the 12th day of August, 2015, at 9:00 A.M., the Board of Supervisors of Hinds County met in the Chancery Court Building, Board of Supervisors Room, Jackson, Mississippi; pursuant to the provisions of Mississippi Code 1972, Annotated, Section and resolution heretofore adopted by the Board. This being a special meeting of said Board, when the following were present: PEGGY HOBSON CALHOUN PRESIDENT TONY GREER VICE PRESIDENT (ABSENT 8/12/15) ROBERT GRAHAM MEMBER (ABSENT 8/12/15) DARREL MCQUIRTER MEMBER GEORGE SMITH MEMBER Also present and attending upon said Supervisors Court were Chancery Clerk and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Eddie Jean Carr; Deputy Chancery Clerk Greta Lovell; Deputy Chancery Clerk Keelan Sanders; Deputy Sheriff Russell Ellis; Public Works Director Carl Frelix; Budget and Finance Coordinator, Lillie Woods; County Administrator, Carmen Davis and Board Attorney Pieter Teeuwissen when the following business was had and done, to-wit: AGENDA ATTACHED TO and incorporated herein is the Agenda for today s meeting. A notice was advertised pursuant to statute. INVOCATION PRESIDENT CALHOUN called the meeting to order at 9:18 a.m. Supervisor Darrel McQuirter offered the invocation. BUDGET HEARINGS FY Budget Introduction County Administrator Carmen Davis addressed the Board regarding the proposed budget for fiscal year She thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve the Board and the county. She also thanked Budget Coordinator Lillie Woods, Budget Analyst Lure Berry and the support staff for their management on this year s budget. Mrs. Davis also thanked the department heads, elected officials and staff. Finally, she thanked the Board of Supervisors for their commitment toward fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability. Mrs. Davis continued reciting her prepared statement. She reflected on the many accomplishments achieved during the fiscal year , which included the termination of the SWAP transaction possibly saving the county millions of dollars. 1

2 There was discussion by the Board of several areas that could possibly be cut and see positive results. Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. General Fund Cash Analysis Budget and Finance Coordinator Lillie Woods discussed the general fund assumptions for fiscal year These assumptions included 849 positions with no proposed salary increase. She stated that $1,335,313 capital outlay requests were not included in the budget. However the Board issued a $4 million note to address capital needs in fiscal year Additionally, she advised that some capital needs would be handled with the proceeds of the Series 2010 Bonds. Ms. Woods discussed the 14% increase in debt service. Ms. Woods stated that the proposed budget maintains the $2,550,000 cash reserve. The budget also includes a 5% increase in employee hospitalization, anticipated in November. She advised that funding for external agencies have an overall decrease of 3%, totaling $133, Finally, she stated that a 7% increase in property insurance is also included. President Calhoun stated that we should all come to work representing our constituents/citizens of Hinds County. She remarked that we should pursue excellence and work together as a team. Supervisors Smith and McQuirter requested a copy of Mrs. Davis statement. Supervisor McQuirter thanked staff and discussed some of the county s accomplishments. Ms. Woods stated the general fund proposed revenue totaled $53,497,521, which included no tax increase and proposed expenses of $58,388,590. She further commented that a portion of the working cash reserve will be used for the proposed budget for fiscal year She advised that the proposed Public Works budget assumptions included 99 positions maintained at the current salary levels, along with maintaining the current millage. The proposed Road fund budget is $4,902,085 and the proposed Bridge fund budget is $1,324,666. She commented that the public works budgets do not include state aid projects. Ms. Woods continued the narrative reviewing the general fund cash analysis, stating beginning cash for this year was $9.7 million, revenues of $55.4 million and expenditure of $56.3 million, leaving the ending cash at September 30, 2015 as $8.8 million. The proposed revenues and expenditures for fiscal year 2016 leave a projected working cash balance as of September 30, 2016 of $3.9 million. This figure includes the cash reserve of $2.55 million. She stated that $4.9 million of the $8.8 million working cash from this year will be allocated in fiscal year Ms. Woods provided proposed options for the working cash, but recommended that the cash reserve be maintained at $2.55 million. Options for salary increases were discussed. These options include across the Board raises, raises based on Sheriff s employees versus non-sheriff employees and salary increases for detention officers. Ms. Woods then reviewed the general fund budget comparisons. 2

3 Ms. Woods reviewed the capital outlay needs and external agencies. The review included needs for the Jackson Detention Center, Raymond Detention Center, other capital needs, vehicles needs and computer equipment requests. She then detailed the external agencies. These agencies have an overall 3% decrease, but most agencies have a 5% decrease. She mentioned that the Economic Development District will accept the recommendation of the County Administrator. Next the Hinds County millage was reviewed. Ms. Woods advised that the Hinds County School district has requested a millage increase of 1.98, but the county will not have a millage increase. Advertisement for the School District tax increase will be forthcoming and the millage request from the school District is required to be passed by the Board. Ms. Woods review the comparison of millage between Hinds, Rankin and Madison County s. Next, she reviewed charts indicating the percentages of appropriations. Finally, she provided budget appropriations analysis which compared fiscal year 2015 to This included departmental requests and the recommended budget by department for fiscal year There was additional discussion by Board members. BUDGET HEARINGS Public Defender Public Defender Michele Purvis-Harris requested a salary increase for the Assistant Public Defenders. She asked the Board to make a commitment to the Assistant Public Defenders to increase their salaries by $5,000 per year for the next 4 years. She mentioned that some law clerks are paid more them Assistant Public Defenders. Finally, she requested the Board restore the travel and gasoline budget lines. Mrs. Harris also discussed the circuit court matter involving court appointed attorneys which should be represented by the Public Defender s Office. There was discussion of the salary increase that Assistant District Attorneys will receive in January Soil and Water Conservation District Dr. Cindy Ayers Elliott, Chairman remarked that this is her second year as Chairman and her first opportunity to discuss the District with the Board. She requested funding of $200,000. She discussed the partnership between the District and the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Elliott provided a package that highlighted the programs offered by the District, along with providing financial data for the District. Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Tax Assessor Tax Assessor Charles Stokes asked the Board to fully fund one position that has been at one-half pay and previously was filled by a re-hired retiree, but now asked to have this position as full time. He requested new computers for his office. He said the computers in his office are as old and 1990s. He also reminded the Board about the requested to upgrade to the telephone system. County Administrator Carmen Davis updated the Board on the phone upgrade. She advised this has been started and the Tax 3

4 Assessor s office and the Chancery Clerk s office are the first two departments after the test period. Youth Court / Youth Court Support Grant / Youth Drug Court / Social Services Grant Judge William Skinner addressed the Board stating he had several special requests. He acknowledged the relationship between Hinds County and the AOC (Administrative Office of Courts). He stated that some salaries need to be brought up to AOC standards, specifically for the Youth Court Administrators, Paula Cable and Carolyn Brown. Judge Skinner asked about the order previously sent to the Board by then Senior Judge Houston Patton. There was discussion on this matter. Attorney Keisha McQuirter Watkins addressed the Board regarding the staff attorney under the Youth Court Support Grant. Originally this position was a contracted position, but now a county employee position with fringe benefits. Attorney Watkins requested $26, to supplement this grant for the new attorney taking this position after August 24, Attorney Teeuwissen advised that the position does fall under the AOC guidelines. Budget and Finance Coordinator Lillie Woods advised the position was previously funded 100% by AOC, separate from the General Fund. The AOC denied the increase from their (AOC) funds for the change in the position from Staff Attorney I to Staff Attorney II. Attorney Watkins also requested additional funding for the Social Services Block grant totaling $113, supplement the fiscal year 2016 grant. She provided a copy of the requested budget to the Board and advised that salaries were slashed to stay within the $233,000 budget. They anticipate serving 65 children through this program out of a church on Farish Street. They are requesting additional funding of $20,000 for meals for the children in the program. This program is an alternative to detention. These youth are in school and are picked up and returned home each day. Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Judge Skinner discussed a meeting he attended at AOC. He advised that a pilot program was begun in four counties in Mississippi. He stated the program deals with DHS cases and an attorney and social worker are hired for each case. He advised that Public Defenders are provided for children taken from their parents. He stressed that these children were not begin charged. The Public Defender provided due process for the child and expedites the return to the parents. Judge Skinner further advised 75% of children in foster care end up in detention centers. Hinds County has 500 children in foster care. He stated this is a nationwide trend to address this need. He suggested the Board give Henley-Young $100,000 to hire an Attorney and a Social Worker to work these cases and represent every parent. He commented that this would make Hinds County pro-active instead of reactive. Judge Skinner then requested 2 additional intake aids at $27,000 each per year to assist with intake and flow through the center. He also requested $47,000 for a GED Instructor for children on probation that will come to Henley-Young for schooling. He advised that Henley-Young GED graduates can attend Hinds Community College. 4

5 Judge Skinner addressed the current Youth Court Drug Court. He advised that Richard Byrd s salary is funded through this grant. Judge Skinner remarked that Mr. Byrd impacts on these youth positively. He suggested that if this grant goes away, the county should find a way to keep Mr. Byrd and fund his salary and fringe. Timothy Stallworth, Youth Court requested an increase in travel. He stated that AOC has purchased new computers, but they still need the software. Mr. Stallworth also requested new furniture for Judge Skinner s office. Finally, he requested additional office supply funding. Jackson-Hinds Library System Ms. Patty Furr, Executive Director introduced Library Board Chair Ricky Jones and thanked the Board for their support. She provided a power point presentation reviewing projects accomplished in the last year and on-going projects. She discussed a mandate from the Mississippi Library Commission that if the budget is cut by more than 2% you lose $373, in personnel incentive grants from the MS Library Commission. She advised that they asked for salaries increases for the staff. She stated the Board of Trustees has requested $100, of the unallocated fund balance to put into salaries. The remaining unallocated fund balance will be saved for leases that will come into play in the next couple years. Documents affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Circuit Court Senior Circuit Judge Tomie Green thanked the Board for their funding. She discussed the dual funding of Circuit Court. She requested the Board restore the court s budget to the previous level, especially restoring the court cost line. She provided reason s for the need for this increase. She requested an increase of $5,000 for food for jurors, since the court has already exceeded the budgeted amount for this year. She also requested $5,000 for each judge for equipment. Judge Green advised that the State provided raises for Court Reporters. County Administrator Carmen Davis advised that the salary changes for Court Reporters have been included in the budget. She requested a new position for a Staff Attorney/Law Clerk for Judge Priester when he assists Circuit Court to move cases through. She requested funding of one-half of this position be put in the Circuit Court budget at a cost of approximately $27, The County Administrator advised that this position has already been funded in the County Court Budget. Judge Green on behalf of Judge Kidd requested a Case Manager for Drug Court at a cost of $36,000. She discussed that when medical reviews are completed for inmates, the county needs to make sure a mental assessment is also included. She suggested moving toward an agreement with hospitals for mental cases. Documents affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Central Mississippi Boys & Girls Club Ms. Penny King requested $100, from the Board. She advised the Boys & Girls Club served 900 youth. 5

6 Deliberations & Recap of today s requests Budget and Finance Coordinator Lillie Woods provided the Board with a list of requests made today. These included requests from the Public Defender totaling $79,040.00, Soil and Water totaling $67,107.00, Tax Assessor totaling $76,890.80, Youth Court totaling $354,465.36, Youth Court Support totaling $26,784.70, Youth Social Services Block Grant totaling $113,809.17, Jackson-Hinds Library System totaling $100,000.00, Circuit Court totaling $103, and the Central Mississippi Boys & Girls Club totaling $90, The total of all requests made today is $1,012, Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. RECESS UPON A motion of Darrel McQuirter and a second by Peggy Hobson Calhoun, Robert Graham absent not voting, Tony Greer absent not voting, George Smith voting aye, it was RESOLVED to recess until 9:00 a.m. Thursday, August 13, 2015, Board of Supervisors Room, Chancery Court Building, Jackson, MS. Whereupon the meeting recessed at approximately 12:58 p.m. RECONVENE PRESIDENT CALHOUN reconvened the budget hearings at 9:17 a.m. Thursday, August 13, Those present were President Peggy Hobson Calhoun, Vice President Tony Greer, Supervisor Robert Graham, Supervisor Darrel McQuirter and Supervisor George Smith. Also present were Chancery Clerk and Clerk of the Board of Supervisors Eddie Jean Carr; Deputy Chancery Clerk Greta Lovell; Deputy Chancery Clerk Keelan Sanders; Deputy Sheriff Russell Ellis; Budget and Finance Coordinator Lillie Woods; Public Works Director Carl Frelix; Emergency Management Director Ricky Moore, County Administrator Carmen Davis and Special Legal Counsel Anthony Simon. BUDGET HEARINGS Emergency Management Emergency Management Director Ricky Moore addressed the Board regarding the proposed budget for fiscal year He stated he was pleased with the recommendation, but requested that the Building Technician position be funded either in whole or part or the EOC offices be included in the current janitorial contract. He discussed the status of the Eudora Welty building and requested the Emergency Operations Center be moved if the Board purchases the Kossen Building. Furthermore, he stated the Kossen Building would be able to house all the emergency management equipment. Public Works Departments Public Works Director Carl Frelix provided the Board with a copy of the Annual Report for the Public Works Department. He advised that Public Works resurfaced more than 27 miles of roads at a cost of $3,704, There was additional 6

7 discussion of the Road and Bridge funds. Mr. Frelix requested the transfer of severance tax to the Road fund. Supervisor Calhoun asked for a list of the major functions for the Public Works employees. Mr. Frelix replied that each employee has 1 primary function and 3 secondary duties. The Board then reviewed the public works budgets for Madison, Rankin and Hinds Counties. Supervisor Smith stated the Board needed to re-evaluate its responsibilities to the unincorporated areas. Health Department Mr. Jonathan Chaney, Administrator for West Central Public Health District V introduced himself. He replaced Mr. Kevin Pearson who retired in June He requested the budget be restored to the prior funding level of $160, Mr. Chaney provided photos of the space the Health Department occupies at the Medical Mall. He requested $100, to $120, to make the necessary repairs to their office space. Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Sheriff s Departments Sheriff Tyrone Lewis requested a salary increase for Detention Officers. He proposed an increase for starting detention officers of $30, Lillie Woods advised that the Sheriff s Department has 484 employees. Shelly Blaine clarified that 297 are detention officers. There was discussion of Sheriff s Department salaries. Special Legal Counsel Anthony Simon advised that the Department of Justice has not address salaries. He stated that there would be negotiations between the county and the Department of Justice, but that meeting has not been scheduled. General Fund Budget Deliberations and Recap Ms. Woods reviewed the requests from the various departments. These included the Public Defender s request of $5,000 for 12 employees for a total of $74,040 and to restore travel of $3,000 and gasoline of $2,000. The Board discussed the purchase of vehicles for the Public Defender which has reduced overall travel costs. Supervisor Greer advised he was not in favor of these requests. Supervisor McQuirter stated he was not for salary adjustments. Ms. Woods continued with the request from the Soil and Water Conservation District request for $200,000.00, but not breakdown of this additional request was provided. Supervisor Greer suggested the Board approve the recommendation from the Administrator. Ms. Woods then reviewed the Tax Assessor s request for a part time employee to be made full time, computers and telephones. Ms. Woods stated that the IT Department will be reviewing county computers and putting together a plan to replace based on age. Supervisor Greer advised he was not in favor of any new positions. Ms. Woods continued with the requests from Youth Court for an attorney and a social worker at a level of $100, for these two positions, hire 2 intake aids at a cost of $67,000, a GED instructor at $64,868, included fringe, increase travel by $16,000 and increase dues and subscriptions and included a long list of equipment, computers 7

8 and furniture. They also requested a probation officer. There was discussion of the requests in relation to the federal consent decree. The county Administrator requested to converse with Judge Skinner to determine the direction he would like to go and if they would affect the consent decree. Special Legal Counsel Anthony Simon advised that nothing on this list of requests is for the consent decree. He advised that the funding already put in place is addressing the consent decree. There was discussion of other youth housing facilities. Ms. Woods resumed discussion of the requests from Judge Skinner. She stated he requested an additional $113,000 to supplement the Youth Social Services Block Grant. These were not match for this grant. Judge Skinner asked to supplement for the Youth Court Support Attorney. Supervisor Graham stated that several locations are available for free to get a GED. Next the Board discussed the request from Jackson-Hinds Library of $100,000 from their unappropriated surplus for salary increases. Ms. Woods advised that this would be a recurring cost. She moved to the requests from Circuit court to have budget restored to the 2015 level and to add a Case Manager for Drug Court at a cost of $51,000. Attorney Simon advised that a meeting was held with Ken Johnson at MS State Hospital and included Dr. McMichael which provided guidance for what needs to be provided for mental health matters. Finally, Ms. Woods reminded the Board of the request from Central MS Boys & Girls Club for an additional $90, over the request of $10, Administration is recommending $9, Supervisor Calhoun addressed the dual funding issue when funded by both the City of Jackson and by Hinds County. She suggested that this be reviewed. Ms. Woods advised that the county has some exception to the dual funding rule. District Attorney District Attorney Robert S. Smith requested a 50% increase, which included a second Victim Assistance Coordinator, an additional Assistant District Attorney, 1 investigator and a vehicle for the investigator. There was discussion of the amount of funding for the District Attorney s office by the State and other court funding provided by the State. Attorney Simon reminded the Board that they hired Ken Johnson as the Court Facilitator, but his original role has changed. There was additional discussion of the DA s office. Document affixed hereto and incorporated herein. Coroner s Office Coroner Sharon Grisham Stewart addressed the reduction of $10,000 to the coroner s salary line. Ms. Woods advised that this was based on collections and would be revised if needed during the fiscal year. She also addressed the office supply line and boxes for unclaimed burials. Mrs. Stewart requested the Board look into obtaining a morgue and mentioned that the State of MS previously owned a morgue located in Hinds 8

9 County. Administrator Davis advised she has been working with Coroner Stewart regarding new facilities and her staff has tried to reach the State. Deliberations Ms. Woods reviewed today s requests, including Emergency Management, Public Works, Health Department and the Sheriff s Department. Supervisor Calhoun requested the Public Works Director to provide a list of each position and to give the percentage of work provided for each duty. The Board then reviewed the member s requests. Supervisor Greer requested to strike his request for the Livestock Association. He stated with a Four million dollar deficit, he could not support this. But he requested we revisit our contracts, especially with regards to housing prisoners and felt we should be reimbursed accordingly. Attorney Simon noted that the county is supporting the City of Jackson and needs additional money from the City. Supervisor Calhoun asked that her request for the Zoological Society remain at $20, She stated that funding of projects in District 3 is much lower than other districts. Ms. Woods reviewed the requests from Supervisor Graham for options for salary increases. Supervisor Graham requested to keep salary adjustments for appointees, fund the additional positions in the Tax Collector s office, support Stewpot Communities, decrease the West Jackson CDC to $5,425, increase the Board Attorney by 5% and fund the District Attorney s requests. Ms. Woods advised that one non-general Fund request was made by Supervisor Calhoun for the Byram-Clinton Corridor Water Study in the amount of $248,620. Supervisor Greer advised he was not in favor of any of the increases requested by Supervisor Graham. Supervisor McQuirter voiced his support for the Henley-Young Evening Program. He also agreed to the Livestock request, requested to increase the Boys & Girls Clubs to $25,000 with a caveat that they work with the Juvenile Justice Center. Supervisor Calhoun interposed that the Zoological request be increased to $25,000. Supervisor McQuirter requested the Youth Social Services Block grant be discussed with the Judge and to address funding from the City of Jackson. Supervisor McQuirter also supports the additional funding for the Youth Court Support Attorney s salary and any item that would reduce housing adults in the detention centers. However, Supervisor Greer stated he was not in favor of funding this additional amount. ADJOURNMENT UPON A motion of Tony Greer and a second by Darrel McQuirter, Peggy Hobson Calhoun voting aye, Robert Graham absent not voting, George Smith voting aye, it was 9

10 RESOLVED to adjourn until August 17, 2015, Board of Supervisors Room, Chancery Court Building, Jackson, MS. Whereupon the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:30 p.m. Notice is hereby given that the meeting to be held on August 17, 2015, is a special meeting of the Board. HINDS COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Tony Greer, Board President Attest: Eddie Jean Carr, Chancery Clerk By: D.C. 10