Pickens County Board of Commissioners met on September 17 to approve the mileage rate and a study of classification and compensation for employees.

The board heard from Finance Director Faye Harvey for a finance report for the year thus far. Probation and Drug abuse funds were over budget, but it is funded by special revenue and grant funds. Harvey expects the Emergency Management Agency budget to even out by the end of the year, but noted it is currently over budget because of large upfront costs at the beginning of the year for the code red system. Other departments over budget include: recreation administration and programs due to seasonal costs; and the county marshal due to capital expenditures.

The Millage rate was approved at 7.22 with 1 mil equaling $1,361,742. The Board also approved a study of classification, which had a bid of three companies. Condrey and Associates bid $44,000, Management Advisory Group bid $39,400, and Springsted bid $46,160. The board chose Condrey and Associates because Dr. Stephen Condrey performed work for Pickens County in the early 2000s. Condrey and Associates also has the advantage of the most face-to-face interview time with employees for the survey.

 

Among other action items was appointing Phillip O’Bryant to the Water & Sewer Authority Board and the adoption of a resolution proclaiming Red Ribbon week in Pickens County October 23-31 of 2015. During Red Ribbon Week, Pickens County and Young Marines team up together to promote a drug free lifestyle. Young Marine Raymond Davis was there on behalf of the Young Marines to see the resolution signed. The Board also signed a proclamation proclaiming October 3 & 4^th as Georgia Marble Festival Days in Pickens County.

 

The Board also signed several agreements during the meeting including an agreement for the maintenance and operation for streamgage at Long Swamp Creek at Reavis Mountain Road until next year. The other agreement signed was for a Hazard Mitigation grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for 1 fixed generator and 1 portable generator for a total of $112, 275. The county will only bear $16, 841 of the total.

The Commissioners recognized several employees for their service to the county. They are:

Donald Duke – 18 Years

Scott Payne -11 Years

Larry Coleman – 20 Years (Pictured)

Joe Painter – 10 Years (Pictured)

Elaine Parks – 25 Years (Pictured)

Donna Hendon – 13 Years (Pictured)