County Council Bumps County Budget by $2.9 Million

Anderson County Council considered 290 changes to the FY 2015 budget as part of the called meeting Tuesday night. The proposals included adjustments to line-item budgets in almost every area of the budget.

The overall increase to to general fund bottom line in the proposed changes totals $2.9 million.

Anderson County Councilman Francis Crowder suggested that the Anderson County Emergency Services overtime pay was out of hand, and that the department should be moved back under the adminstrator's office. Crowder also suggested that compared to other counties there were too many questions about overtime in Emergency Services.

Anderson County Sheriff John Skipper said the arguement was not comparing apples to apples.

"Most other counties have separate dispatch for each agency; EMS, fire, law enforcement, etc., while Anderson County has a centralized center answering all emergency calls," Skipper said.

Skipper also said that last year Anderson County answered more than 540,000 calls in the center. 

"I don't see how moving it to another department is going to fix the problem," said Anderson County Councilman Tom Allen. 

"The bottom line is the number of calls received," said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. "The problem is that there is not one answer in the turnover (of employees) in dispatch."

"I don't think moving it back under Mr. Burns is going to do it? How many of you have been out there to see what they are doing out there?"

Skipper clarified Crowder's suggestion that made it sound as if the county had 465 deputies. He said the county has 228 sworn personnel that that the total number of employees in the Sheriff's Office includes employees at the jail, dispatch, civil processing, school guards, bailiffs and other administrative workers.

"I don't see how moving it to another department is going to fix the problem," said Anderson County Councilman Tom Allen. 

"The bottom line is the number of calls received," said Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. "The problem is that there is not one answer in the turnover (of employees) in dispatch."

"I don't think moving it back under Mr. Burns is going to do it? How many of you have been out there to see what they are doing out there?" Dunn said.

Council tabled Crowder's motion for vote on third reading of the budget. 

Earlier, council moved forward on most of the proposals, including allowing the Anderson County Sheriff's Office millage from 30.2 to 30.8 (reverting back to 2011 rate) creating an additional $354,775. The money will not result in a tax increase. 

Tuesday's budget changes also included moving forward on providing $265,000 for a new telephone system and webdesigner/consultant for the county.

Other changes pushed forward the budget's third reading include: 

• An increase of $158,000 in state Workman's Compesation Insurance
• A $40,000 EMS study
• A part-time position to assist council, paid for by trimming a part-time position from Anderson County Admistrator Rusy Burns office.
• An increase in salary of $17,270 for the economic development coordinator position.
• $7,000 for commercial washer and dryer at the Anderson County Animal Shelter.
• Changing a part-time records clerk a full-time position in the Sheriff's Office. 

During discussions, Anderson County Councilwoman Cindy Wilson questioned adding the budgeted entry-level new position at the Anderson County Animal Shelter, saying the money could be better used elsewhere.

But Anderson County Council Chairman Tommy Dunn defended the need for additional help at the shelter. Dunn said the shelter was overwhelmed with animals and needed more help to meet the growing demand.

County voted to keep the proposed additional animal caretaker position by a 4-3 vote.