BOC says ‘No’ to subdivision pool

Developer Brad Howard asked the board to allow the placement of a pool on the property. He noted that the pool will help make the development more attractive to potential homebuyers.

Four homes have been constructed in the subdivision, but only one is occupied. Commissioners voiced concern that the pool would be a safety hazard, since homeowners aren’t around to monitor its use.

The group voted 3-1 in favor of denial. Commissioners Stanley Thomas, John Pethel and Mike Youngblood voted to reject the request, while Bruce Scogin voted against the denial. Commissioner Wesley Jordan abstained from the vote. Chairman Wesley Nash voiced support for the developers’ proposal.

IDA TAXING AUTHORITY

In a separate matter Monday, the board unanimously renewed an annual resolution granting taxing authority to the county industrial authority. The state constitution allows the IDA to levy a tax up to 2 mills per year. Commissioner Bruce Scogin voted in favor of the resolution but added that he believes the law actually gives the BOC the authority to rescind the IDA’s taxing power if it so chooses.

In other matters, the board approved preliminary plans for Harrison Ridge Subdivision. They approved an increase in the budget for the public defender’s office, from $54,728 to $58,416. The board agreed to renew a contract for two inmate crews to work in the county at a cost of $39,500 for the year. Nash noted that the inmates work for roughly 80 cents an hour and spend 90 percent of their time picking up trash on county roads. The board also approved the hiring of Luanne Byrd as the new deputy clerk under County Clerk Morris Fortson. She was one of eight candidates interviewed for the job.