Madison County BOC to meet May 21

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Monday, May 18. 2009

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The Madison County Board of Commissioners will meet at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, in the county government complex.

Agenda items include:

•Chairman’s report. (Chairman Dove)

•Report from IDA – Marvin White.

•Statements and remarks from citizens on agenda items.

•Consider DFCS request for their 2010 budget.

•Discuss personnel and vehicle issues for sheriff department. (Sheriff Thomas)

•Consider hiring one to three employees for the road department. (Tony Mattox)

•Consider amendments to occupation tax/business license. (Eddie Pritchett)

•Discuss facilities use agreement for Madison County Little League and facilities use agreement for Madison County Youth Association. (Chairman Dove).

•Consider right of way deed between Madison County IDA and Madison County – MADICO Industrial Park. (Chairman Dove)

•Consider in-house engineer. (Chairman Dove)

•Roads update. (Chairman Dove)

•Urgent matters. (Chairman Dove)

•Review June 1, 2009 agenda for business meeting.

•Urgent matters.

•Statements and remarks from citizens.

•Closed session to discuss land acquisition, personnel matters and/or potential litigation (if needed).

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#1 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 12:16 AM [Reply]

BOC GO BACK TO BOC Meeting Minutes from March 9. Urgent Matters. PLEASE take a look at the sheriffs office mileage and travel logs. New employees, ain't from round here, how far they drivin? This time it's necessary! Every penny in the budget counts since us taxpayers pay for it. STOP the waste and violations of county car policy before given more personnel and vehicles to the sheriff.

#2 Johnson on 05/21/09 at 12:30 PM [Reply]

I don't understand how all of the sudden the Sheriffs budget and personnel are not sufficient. The previous Sheriff worked within his budget for twelve years. Why can't the new Sheriff make it six months? DON'T DO IT BOC! The Sheriff has been spending OUR money like a Kennedy. SEND THEM A MESSAGE TO TIGHTEN UP LIKE THE REST OF US ARE HAVING TO DO!

#2.1 ladyinred on 05/21/09 at 01:49 PM [Reply]

I agree with you.If the citizens only knew what he was doing up there, they would be concerned. So far since he has been in office, he has hired back 2 employees that the previous Sheriff had to fire. Not only that, you should see the pay that some of those people they brought in are getting too! It is unfair to the guys who have worked there for years! I just wish people would open their eyes and do some research like I did...maybe one day.

#2.1.1 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 04:52 PM [Reply]

I agree. Citizens have the right under the open records act to know what county employees make. The rehired deputies are making far more than the deputies that have been dedicated to MC. Both have 5 yrs exp. and were fired by Lowe and Thomas puts them in Sgt/LT positions. No required training and a head of guys that have 2-3x the experience and time. It's wrong.

#3 concernedcitizen on 05/21/09 at 12:59 PM [Reply]

can someone tell me if it is okay for a deputy to pick up his child from school in the city police car?

#3.1 T on 05/21/09 at 02:01 PM [Reply]

Concerenedcitizen, there is a differance between the city police and a deputy. So if you are going to throw a stone make sure that you have your info in order. So which car was it county or city or do you even know the differance? My guess is that you have no clue!!

#3.1.1 concernedcitizen on 05/21/09 at 04:51 PM [Reply]

did i hit a nerve? it was the city fyi. the same one who spends his time and our tax payer money, scratching off lottery tickets,with his car running while on duty! and it's difference not differance learn to spell!!!!!!!!!!!!!! maybe this guy can give you a free ride to school!

#3.1.1.1 t on 05/24/09 at 07:05 PM [Reply]

Nothing hit! If you are going to cast a stone make sure you have the facts. I love you people who post things like this and do nothing. Go to a meeting call your elected official do something don't just gripe. ha ha ha you have made my day. gripe gripe but do nothing. Really learn to spell? Is that all the ammo you have come on. have a great day

#3.2 gsr on 05/21/09 at 02:04 PM [Reply]

tony why hire more employees if you would drive around and see what your employee are doing. for one they're not working that's for sure. i went down a road in Colbert four time's and seen were 2 trucks with 2 employees each were on the side of the road talking this was in between two hours time and then i seen the same men and 2 more showed up and it took 6 guys to put up 1 stop sign. why are you letting them waste are hard earned money? Why does it take more than two guy to do a small job. we need to save money not keep wasting it on stupid things

#4 lisa on 05/21/09 at 02:10 PM [Reply]

The police do need more support from us. Sheriff Lowe made it on that budget because he left us unprotected. 2 cops on for the whole county at night? The new sheriff seems to be doing a much better job. Our police need back up it is not safe for them to be making traffic stops and answering calls by themselves. These people are risking their lives to keep us and our families safe we could at least give them the funds they need to do the job properly.

#4.1 Bob on 05/22/09 at 10:59 AM [Reply]

Lisa, you need to check your facts before you comment. Sheriff Lowe had 5 deputies per shift and now we have 3. I believe we now have as many as 3 deputies securing the courthouse from 8-5 and the others that were patrolling or now traffic cops working daytime shifts.

#4.2 ladyinred on 05/22/09 at 11:41 AM [Reply]

Lisa, how do you know how many Deputies worked on the night rotation? I think someone has misinformed you. Just so you know; there were 4 shifts with 4 deputies on each and 2 straight night deputies under the Lowe administration. Sheriff Lowe made it on that budget by not over spending or over paying secretaries. Do you even know what some of those new employees make??? According to the records of the new administration, he is paying one secretary more than some of the Deputies. Oh yeah, and I do believe he just hired another making the total count to 4 secretaries. Maybe you should do research before making statements that aren't true!!! I do agree that law enforcement needs more money for what they do, but it looks like if you weren't brought over with the new administration, you won't get any money for the job you are doing.

#4.2.1 Lisa on 05/22/09 at 12:20 PM [Reply]

My information came straight from the police officers when I requested patrols in an area where we were having problems with break-ins. I personally called sheriff Lowe and was told we would recieve these patrols. I stayed 4 nights waiting by the road for even 1 patrol and never got one. Only when I asked the officers personally did I get any help. So good bye old sheriff hello new.

#4.2.2 Laura on 05/22/09 at 01:03 PM [Reply]

Just what does that secretary do? I heard she has a county paid cell phone also. She must be on call. Don't she live in another county? How the heck is she going to respond to a call. Oh! I did see her driving the Sheriff's car in Danielsville one day. Maybe she is using that car.

#5 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 03:27 PM [Reply]

3.2 check this one out. I went to the tax assessors office today to see the chief appraiser. He was not in as usual, as I have been there twice in the last week and he was not in. It was not lunch either, this was around 9:30. He is just plain not doing the job Chairman Dove hired him to do I guess. Anyway the new employee in the assessors office was leaving as I came in. I had other business in the complex and was there for about 45 minutes and as I was leaving this employee came back in carrying a drink and some kind of food bag. So I need to get a job with the county if I can go out early and get stuff to eat and not even show up for work at all. What a bunch!! Chairman Dove you need to tighten up on some of your favorite employees!!

#5.1 Melvin on 05/22/09 at 11:16 AM [Reply]

I also went to see the Chief Apprasier on 5/21 & was told that he would be in later. He had to take his young son for a doctor appt.And, I know you know that the Chief is a SINGLE parent raising his child.He IS doing his job & you know what???? I know who YOU are b/c I saw you in the courthouse & YOU are a member of the BOA stirring more & more. We all know WHO you are so give it up. Your days are numbered.

#5.1.1 Silvia C. on 05/22/09 at 12:30 PM [Reply]

Touchy, touchy aren't we? This person may be on the BOA board but at least we are being notified of the happenings within the courthouse. I personally would of liked our county to of hired an chief appraiser that was closer in proximity. I was not aware of him being a single parent, KUDOS to hm. I have children and realize that they come with many unpredictable circumstances. That is why if I were him I would of chosen a job closer to home. That is hind sight now but he still needs to be in the office when citizens need him no matter what board or office you work in.

#5.1.1.1 Jack W. on 05/24/09 at 04:26 PM [Reply]

Well,Ms.Silvia(Larry S)you are NOT him,thank you Lord.He gets more accomplished in one hour than you & the BOA have in several years.You are such a brat & everyone know this about you.Why don't you get a job & maybe,just maybe you would not have time to spread lies about those that actually WORK for a living.Larry,you have TOO much time on your hands & it seems the only thing that makes you happy is spreading lies & trying to make the citizens think that the Chief is not doing his job.Citizens if you want the truth go visit the Chief & find out what a nice & educated person he actually is,unlike some we know...Larry Stewart! Let's give the Chief a chance to do his job.I believe he will do very well IF and ONLY IF the BOA will work with him & NOT AGAINST him like they did Mr. Flynt.

#5.1.2 Anonymous on 05/22/09 at 12:32 PM [Reply]

You must be on the one holding the chip bag and drink, mellie........too funny!

#5.1.3 Anon on 05/22/09 at 03:06 PM [Reply]

Melvin you are so right we know who this person is--Larry, lighten up you know full well Robin is in the process of correcting the mess in the assessor's office something you guy's couldn't do! If you meeting him is so important call and make an appointment or better yet talk to him after the BOA meeting! What's your point about the young lady going out for lunch and bringing it back. Looks like your having to dig deep to stir up trouble if this is all you got! Robin has brought leadership to the office and making positive changes plus holding people accountable. Certain members of the BOA have but one goal in mind and that is to undermine Robin and the job he has set out to do!

#5.1.3.1 Melvin on 05/23/09 at 01:07 PM [Reply]

Well, it seems as if Anon beat me to the punch.I was just waiting to see if anyone else had noticed or knew who this person was complaining about the tax assessors office.Now, I will say what has been on my mind & here it is: Thank you LARRY STEWART for misinforming the public. These employees are doing their jobs unlike YOU & the BOA for the last several years. YOU are giving misinformation just to suit you OWN needs.Chairman Ragland of the BOA should issue YOU a reprimand for these UNTRUTHS you are trying to spread & trying to undo the good that the tax assessors office are doing. Chairman Ragland I respectfully request that Larry Stewart be written up for these false statements & told to STOP the untruths. Let's see if Mr. Ragland agrees & steps up to the plate & does something about this. It is only making the BOA look worse than they already are.

#5.1.3.1.1 Anon on 05/25/09 at 08:43 AM [Reply]

Melvin it seems you and I are on the same page. But if you think Ragland will react to your request you are wrong, he and Larry are like two peas in a pod, both want to stir the pot and hope for personal gain. Robin Baker will correct all the problems in the office if these two bozo's will leave him alone. We have a good group of ladies in the assessor's office and they will overcome the black eye they have received from this group of BOA bozos.

#5.1.3.1.1.1 Bob on 05/25/09 at 01:01 PM [Reply]

When you say "we", does that imply you are on the inside Anon? I think this is all coming from inside the assessor's office. Sounds like some toes have been stepped on and it has stirred up a hornet's nest. Come clean assessor staff. As for Mr Stewart and Mr Ragland I didn't know they were that chumy. I was under the impression that they quite often were definately not "two peas in a pod".

#5.2 Joe on 05/22/09 at 12:20 PM [Reply]

It seems to me someone has to much time on their hands walking around the court house concerned about who takes breaks when and for how long. Maybe the important thing here is to watch what you say in the paper about things you know nothing about. And by the way you were descibed to me it sounds like you have taken an over abundance of eating breaks yourself big boy!
I eagerly await your reply

#5.3 Jennifer on 05/25/09 at 06:56 PM [Reply]

This is what happens when you put children in charge of government. Too much back stabbing and bickering. For "Anonymous" and your comment about the assessor's office employee leaving for 45 minutes....GET A LIFE!Did you ever think that maybe that person had an important errand to run or maybe needed to go to the doctor? You pompous %^& (yes, I will say what everyone else is thinking) GROW UP! You sound like a 15 year old girl gossiping in between classes. If you had done your job in the first place, you wouldn't be in the situation you are now. Instead of being on the board for your own personal gain you might have a job today. Don't point out someone else's shortcomings to justify your laziness. The citizens of Madison County needed an assessors board that was going to handle the problems, not make them worse. This should show the citizens that you have too much time on your hands. Its about time we throw out the realtors and land developers from our local governments and put the decisions back into the hands of the people. The ones that work everyday to pay your salary. I will reiterate what I said earlier...GROW UP! It's high time the citizens of Madison County stop being nice and start demanding answers. Your board and others like you have made this county a joke. Shame on you. This was no one else's fault but your own. So...get your head out of your $%^ and stay out of other people's business.

#5.3.1 Bob on 05/26/09 at 12:06 PM [Reply]

Is that any way for a lady to talk? Did your mother raise you that way Jen?

#6 Anonymous on 05/21/09 at 09:55 PM [Reply]

Sheriff's office needs to make enough money from doing his job to cover a significant amount of the Sheriff's budget.

SET UP MORE DUI CHECKPOINTS and RADAR SPEED CHECKS and FINE THE HECK OUT OF 'EM!

Every dollar a drunk driver or speeder has to pay is one less dollar we taxpayers have to pay!

#7 What is up on 05/22/09 at 08:13 AM [Reply]

What has gotten into Code Enforcement and Animal Control?
I heard on the radio that Jack Huff is over-whelmed with
his work load. Why is this not on the agenda? It is
certain that the deputies are not going to help control
all the garbage piled up in Madison County and the stray
animals while they are "hanging out" If Jack can't handle
his day to day duties what will this county become? ONE
BIG TRASH BAG! and ANIMAL FACTORY..

#8 Randy on 05/22/09 at 01:00 PM [Reply]

I don't think it really matters what we think, its my understanding that the BOC and the new chairman will give them the money. They will take it from other departments budgets. And who wanted to talk about the "GOOD OLE BUDDY" senario? I think we are going to suffer worse with our new chairman than the one we had! Who wanted "CHANGE" well you got it!

#8.1 Anonymous on 05/22/09 at 07:33 PM [Reply]

Randy, speaking of change......aren't the county employees at will now? At Dove's will that is. I was hoping that Madison County was near the progression mark and we could move forward and make some changes for the good.
Unfortunately, without a personal system it just means more money for the county attorney. I think they have just stripped the rights of those people.
Madison County is moving backwards instead of forward in more ways than one.

#8.1.1 Cathy on 05/23/09 at 12:39 PM [Reply]

You are misinformed also.The county is now under a Civil Service Plan.I do not completely understand this type of plan but do know that under it causes so much work,etc.for everyone including the county atty. & when it is all said & done the employee is still terminated.This just causes more fees for the county atty. & employees having to provide documents,using county time, supplies, etc.when they could be doing work that actually benefits the citizens.Under the new plan, the employees will still have a recourse if terminated but just not as lengthly & costly as it is now.Read the article in the Madison Journal & you may get a better understanding. I can see this new plan will cut down attorney fees & free up some employees who spend so much time getting documents, etc. ready for the terminated employee's attorney which in fact does not have anything to do with their termination. It's just a case of harrassment from the terminated employee to get back at the county for firing them. The fact is: If you do not do your job or you are not willing to learn new things within your job then the county job may not be for you & it would be better for you to just move on & stop MILKING the county & citizens of a paycheck that you DO NOT earn.

#8.2 Tax Payer on 05/23/09 at 07:59 AM [Reply]

Wrong!! You saw what M. Fortson got the county into b/c he did not hold the Deputy Clerk accountable for money coming in. Over $80K was stolen or missing (she has not been convicted as of date) due to his inability to supervise & hold a person accountable.She was not even bonded b/c of lack of doing his job. Things are changing for the good but it does take time. New changes cannot happen over night. If you can do a better job then run for office or get the true facts before you comment.

#8.2.1 Anonymous on 05/23/09 at 03:44 PM [Reply]

As chief financial officer M. Fortson was absolutely part of the problem. There were several "mistakes" of large amounts that could not have simply been overlooked. Have you looked at his past history w/ the county? How many times has he been fired, sued the county and was paid to go away. M. Spence has been indicted by the grand jury so watch for the trial.

#9 Interested in the facts on 05/22/09 at 01:17 PM [Reply]

Can we just go to the courthouse and ask for this information concerning salaries for these employees. How would a concerned citizen find out?

#9.1 Helpful on 05/22/09 at 01:42 PM [Reply]

I believe you have to put your request in writing. You can get this information due to the Open Records Act. I'm not sure exactly what you have to request, but the Lady in the office there can tell you. It's pretty interesting stuff...check it out.

#9.1.1 Confused on 05/23/09 at 02:38 PM [Reply]

I have seen the pay scale and hire dates for the employees at the Madison Co. S.O. It's a shame that some of the new hires brought in by Kip are getting paid more than some of the deputies that have been there for years. To me, this would be a slap in the face. Maybe the Journal can get a copy and post it so everyone can see for themselves. I would like to know how Kip can justify doing this. I guess that's what happens if you are one of his "good ole boys". And all you that voted for Kip thought Lowe had a "good ole boy" mentality, well you can believe this, it is alive and well with Kip at the helm.

#10 MC taxpayer on 05/22/09 at 02:04 PM [Reply]

I may be wrong but was looking on line at delinquent property taxes and notice properties with 2 or 3 yrs back taxes due. Is the system up to date ? When does county auction these properties off ? How much monies are owed and maybe this needs to be collected. With last sheriff when I called on several occasions they did seem short staffed but may have just been the occasion.

Curious who the BOA person was mentioned above.

#10.1 Melvin on 05/22/09 at 02:44 PM [Reply]

The BOA member's name will come out soon. If you know anything about the BOA then maybe you can guess who it is. The one that is always causing trouble & telling untruths. The tallest & heaviest one of them all.

#10.1.1 Beth W. on 05/23/09 at 04:44 PM [Reply]

Come on girls (Melvin, Joe, Anon), give it up. You have work to do. Quit playing around on the computer. Maybe IT should come and check out your computers. Soooooooo funny!!

#10.1.1.1 Property Owner on 05/25/09 at 08:48 AM [Reply]

Beth, are you saying that county employees are the ones behind the attacks on Mr. Stewart? On county time and county computers. You know that their computers can be tracked to see if this is true, and they should be. Most places deny internet access or monitor them. I can't believe that MC doesn't do this. If this were true it could be considered theft of services, and we know that ALL employees are now "at will". I don't know Mr. Stewart, but if it is as he says, I would thank him for letting the people know the truth.

#10.1.1.1.1 Melvin on 05/25/09 at 10:20 AM [Reply]

No, I am not a county employee nor am I of the female gender.I am a citizen of Madison County & feel that the truth from our BOA members should be told NOT those of Mr. Stewart & others.Hopefully,soon all this will be over with & the BOA members will ride off into the darkness they have created for themselves.Hopefully,the county will be able to replace them with honest, hardworking people who actually care about the citizens & all this nonsense will be forgotten. Citizens we must move ahead & the current BOA has shown that this will not happen with them. Look at the last several years...the digest not out on time with numerous fines from the Dept. of Rev.,interest on loans that the County & schools have had to borrow just to stay afloat until the digest was finally turned in.Get on board. Change is not easy but in most cases it is for the better & I look forward to this change.Removing the BOA for NOT doing their job & causing such friction among various depts. & the citizens of our fine county.

#11 Mad AS H--- Taxpayer on 05/24/09 at 10:28 AM [Reply]

Sounds like the person that blew the whishtle on the people in the assessors office hit a nerve. Doesn't the county have some kind of automated time keeping system. If it does not it certainly needs one. Talk about being behind the times. Our hard earned tax dollars don't need to be wasted with emplyees coming and going as they please. Maybe this is the real reason that our county tax bills can't get out on time. To whoever you are that let the people know about these abuses, I say THANK YOU. You certainly do not need to be held up to ridicule.

#12 MC taxpayer on 05/24/09 at 12:21 PM [Reply]

Any comments on back taxes on land parcels ? How long does county wait to start this ?

#13 Anonymous on 06/01/09 at 07:46 AM [Reply]

Speaking of Melinda Spence....wasn't she indicted on just the 1700.00 or was she indicted on the whole 80K? I was just wondering because I thought I read that the grand jury only indicted her on the small amount. Can someone inform me?

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Madison County BOC to meet May 21

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Madison County BOC to meet May 21

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