County could see budget shortfall from Boise taxes
By Jim Cox Co-Publisher

Clarke County Commissioners worried Tuesday about a budget shortfall this year due to Boise's taxes being tied up in litigation.

Their concern was sparked by Revenue Commissioner Chris Beverly's presentation of the Annual Report of Errors, Omissions and Insolvents from his office. The report annually details taxes that are not collected for various reasons.

Boise's total Clarke County tax bill is over $1 million and because the company is contesting the assessment of portions of the Jackson paper mill, the entire bill remains unpaid until the taxes in question are resolved.

For the county's general fund, Boise's taxes amount to about $500,000. The Clarke County school system has an even greater share at stake and Thomasville city schools are affected too.

Commissioner Paul Bradford worried aloud about the county being able to make it through the fiscal year without the extra half million dollars. He said cuts may be forthcoming and the county might have to borrow money for a short term.

Beverly said the matter will be resolved eventually and that the bulk of the unpaid Bosie taxes will be paid. He did not have a figure readily available on the disputed portion of taxes.

Boise disputed the appraised values of portions of the Jackson mill but the Clarke County Board of Equalization rejected their arguments and let the values as assigned by the Clarke County Revenue Department stand. Boise appealed the matter to Clarke County Circuit Court. At a hearing earlier this year, Judge Stuart DuBose recused himself from hearing the case because of what he said was a conflict in that his mother is a county commissioner and the county receives tax revenue from Boise.

Beverly said Tuesday he understood that the case has not yet been reassigned. The other local circuit judge, Judge Tom Baxter, could hear the case or a judge from outside the circuit would have to be brought in.

He said he had no idea when the matter would be resolved and the tax bill paid.

Fuel costs are up

In another matter relating to finances, County Engineer Sam Noble detailed how rising fuel prices have affected the road department.

This year, the county budgeted to use 105,000 gallons of diesel and 23,000 gallons of gasoline at a cost of $300,000. Through May, 71,500 gallons of diesel have been used and 14,000 gallons of gasoline at a cost of just over $157,000. At that rate, by year's end the total will be 107,000 gallons of diesel and 22,000 gallons of gasoline.

Rising fuel problems have greatly impacted the budget. In fiscal 2003-04, the county budgeted $115,000 for fuel costs. Last year $180,000 was budgeted but because of rapidly rising costs $292,000 was spent.

Commissioners listened silently to Noble's figures.

Economic development

Debra Bolen of the Economic Development Partnership told commissioners that a task force is being formed to handle development issues relating to the new ThyssenKrupp steel mill.

Area mayors, utility representatives, economic developers, and others will sit on the task force, she said.

She suggested that the commissioners appoint two of its members to the task force and that they be available for other economic developments too.

Commissioners couldn't decide who would be best for the positions. The current chairman seemed to be a logical choice and the debate ranged around whether the immediate past chairman or the incoming chairman should be on the committee. Commissioners said they would decide by their next meeting.

Bolen also presented a marketing proposal and said the county wants to better market itself for development. Sullivan St. Clair Advertising, a Mobile agency, has agreed to do a marketing plan for $20,000. Commissioners agreed to a $6,500 share of the bill with the municipalities in the county paying their prorated share.

Other business

Air Masters, Inc. was the low bidder for air handlers for the courthouse air conditioning system, bidding $18,192. The bid was accepted, subject to review of the specs.

County Engineer Sam Noble will work up specs to replace flooring and make other repairs for the Clarke County Board of Education office and then bids will be sought to do the work.

Commissioners gave approval for Sheriff Bobby Moore to fill two booking officer vacancies at the county jail.

Commissioners issued a resolution supporting a National Heritage Trail in the Black Belt region to encourage tourism.

County Engineer Noble was granted permission to fill vacancies for an engineering assistant and a truck driver. Longtime engineering assistant Phillip Downey has resigned.

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