Poole said he and County Clerk Allison Palmer would go though each of the budget’s line items to see if they can cut areas from other items that aren’t being utilized to find the $70,000 it will cost to eliminate furloughs. County employees are currently required to take one furlough day per month.
The 2010-2011 budget will be the same as the 2009-2010 budget, $11.7 million. This amount is lower than in years past, and Palmer notes that over the past year and a half, the board has reduced the county’s budget by $2.2 million.
“That’s the only thing I’m asking to change in this budget, is to just please allow me to give these employees that one day of furlough back,” Poole told the board.
The budget must be adopted by July 1, 2010.
The noise from the firing range was also discussed by the board. The range’s land is leased by the county to the West Georgia Youth Range Association. Poole asked County Surveyor Greg Dewberry to research to see if anything could be done to reduce noise levels. Dewberry said one way to reduce noise would be to enclose the rifle shelters.
Dewberry also consulted with a sound detection expert. Dewberry said the expert told him in order to determine if the noise is a problem, there would need to be measurements of noise levels. The expert told Dewberry that sound detection devices could be placed in the yards of nearby homes. The measurements collected could help the county determine if the noise violated any ordinances and could show improvements if sound barriers are installed. Dewberry said the expert told him it would cost a minimum of $1,500 to execute these measurements.
In other business, Haralson County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Coordinator Gail Priest shared the goals of the Tourism Team with the board. This year the team is working to establish the Tallapoosa River Canoe Trail to provide residents and tourists with several access points along the river for recreational use. The team also wants to change the name of Landfill Road to Budapest Cemetery Road to help people find the cemetery and add to preserve the county’s history. Priest said the Southern Quilt Square Trail will add six more quilts and a new brochure will be designed to encourage visitors to see Haralson County’s portion of the trail.
Additionally, County Clerk Allision Palmer told the board about some positive news. Since implementing the waived new business license fee in February, 29 businesses have signed up for licenses with the county. The businesses employ 52 people.
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