County revenue picture still unclear; BOC aims to cut expenses

For instance, will the county’s overall property values (its tax digest) be significantly down this year, requiring either a hike in the tax rate or significant cuts in services? Will the county receive an estimated $600,000 in Homestead Tax Relief Grant funds being held by the governor, or will the state keep that money for itself as it deals with an estimated $2 billion revenue shortfall?

The BOC is desperate to cut costs and avoid any tax rate hikes. And the group seems set on axing at least two jobs to keep costs down, including a building inspector position and a transfer station job. They’ve also discussed eliminating animal control jobs, but there’s been less agreement at the table on that proposal.

After weeks of poring over each line of the county budget, the BOC has trimmed its projected expenses from $15 million this year to $14.48 million in 2009, a $563,000 decrease.

Of course, roughly $319,000 of that reduction comes from the elimination of all rainy day (or contingency) funds that the group always relies on to cover unexpected costs. The group currently has no money designated for contingencies.

For the past two months, the commissioners have met nearly every Wednesday afternoon to talk finances.

And last week, the group asked EMS director Dwayne Patton to discuss his department’s budget.

Commissioners have been troubled by the high overtime line item in EMS figures, $462,727.

BOC members agreed that they could reduce that line item by $130,000, with Patton using part-time paramedics to help offset overtime costs.

But commissioner John Pethel Sr. told Patton last week that he needs to do more as the county’s EMS director in order to save money for the county.

“I suggest to reduce costs in EMS, you (Patton) need to take on more responsibility,” said Pethel.

Madison County EMS used to have an assistant director, but the commissioners agreed in recent years to eliminate that post and split supervisor duties between three EMS employees. Pethel, whose son, John Pethel Jr., used to be the county EMS assistant director, said the new arrangement has not worked out.

The District 2 commissioner said two assistant directors will actually make more money this year than Patton, who earns $45,365.
“One guy is going to go over $52,000,” he said.

Pethel suggested that the BOC pay three “lead” paramedics 50 cents an hour more than the standard pay for their supervisor duties and lean more heavily on Patton for management responsibilities, such as requiring that Patton handle ordering of supplies. Three EMS supervisors currently make $2 more an hour than regular paramedics for their management duties.

“You need to do more as EMS director,” said Pethel. “I don’t think the taxpayers can afford four EMS directors.”

Pethel didn’t find much support from other commissioners at the table for his proposal. His motion to establish “lead” paramedics who earn an extra 50 cents an hour and to have “Dwayne do more” failed for lack of a second.

Commissioner Mike Youngblood commended Patton and his staff.

“The supervisors are well worth $2 an hour,” said Youngblood. “To have someone on shift 24/7, I think we’re getting a bargain.”

Youngblood said public safety should be the county’s first priority and that EMS has already committed to significant cuts, noting the $130,000 reduction in overtime costs.

“What else are you going to do?” asked Youngblood. “Why not just take back the three new trucks.”

Commissioner Wesley Jordan said that paying $2 per hour extra for each hour worked by an EMS supervisor totals $20,000, compared to $37,000 for an assistant director, who had a county truck.

BOC chairman Wesley Nash noted that the county ambulance service will cost $1.9 million but will generate nearly about $900,000 in revenue.

“That’s $250,000 a year to run four stations,” he said.

Pethel pointed out that Nash recently considered significant changes for EMS.

“About a year ago, Wesley, you were in favor of privatizing,” said Pethel.

Nash said he is still willing to consider the option.

“I’m still in favor of looking at it,” said Nash. “We should look at the cheapest method for providing services.”

Patton said he would do whatever the board wanted. He added that he feels his staff is a top-notch group and that the current arrangement with supervisors is beneficial to the county.

“I stand behind what’s being done now,” he said. “My folks do the best job you can get.”

Patton added that he felt Pethel was taking “a stab” at him.

“This is not a stab at you,” replied Pethel. “The sole purpose of this is to cut the budget so we don’t have to increase taxes.”

While EMS was a major focus of last week’s talks, the board discussed other departments, too.

Part-time building inspector Jim Baird, whose job is being considered for elimination, urged the group to keep him on staff. He noted that he is highly trained at what he does.

“Building is cyclical in nature,” said Baird. “We’re in a downswing, but a certified inspector is not easy to find. What’s cut today, may not be easily regained tomorrow.”

Commissioner Bruce Scogin said the board has many tough choices to make concerning the budget. He emphasized that he “doesn’t want to go and chop up the rec department budget,” but he said he feels most people who are struggling financially have to look at what they can eliminate, which is usually leisure activities.

“When you’re dealing with issues of whether people are going to keep their jobs, leisure activities should be among the first things we cut,” said Scogin. “That’s the first thing people have to cut at home. Here, we’re trying to whittle on essential services so that people can continue having fun.”

The proposed 2009 recreation department budget is up slightly from $628,330 to $630,150.

Pethel said he’s not in favor of cuts at the recreation department.

“You’re talking about people’s children,” said Pethel. “They’ll beg, borrow and steal for them.”

“I’d say lately there’s been more stealing than begging or borrowing,” retorted Scogin.

Commissioner Stanley Thomas said the recreation department was left off the 2003 special purpose local option sales tax (SPLOST).

“When I look at the recreation department, the board voted not to put a penny in SPLOST (in 2003),” said Thomas. “They (the recreation department) have been waiting. That’s a big part of our county.”

Thomas said there are a lot of things that the county provides, such as the recreation department, the library and the senior center, that people find important that are not directly tied to public safety.

Scogin said there are no easy answers.

“Like a lot of people, we’re grasping at straws, trying to cut everywhere we can,” said Scogin.