County gets high marks in annual audit

The Leon County Commissioners met in regular session on July 13th with a full gallery in attendance.

Topping the agenda, Michael Brooks, senior auditor with Belt, Harris & Associates, presented the annual audit for the fiscal year 2008. He began by commending County Auditor Susan Pugh and her staff for their cooperation. In his general overview, Brooks stated that his firm gave the Leon County an “unqualified opinion” -- the highest assurance that the county’s finances are being handled correctly. The ending fund balance of approximately $3.5 Million was described as “well over the recommended 30% of annual expenditures” which Brooks noted was “a sign of a healthy year -- a good fiscal year”.

It was the commissioners’ first opportunity to look over the audit, so they accepted the report for further review and tabled any action.

Colonel James Wallace offered an update on the Leon County Health Center. He reported that the Telehealth program is growing and served 34 patients in June, stating, “There are people in need of that counsel and that program will continue.” The LHSC is still in need of drivers, but they are able to meet critical needs with the current staff.

Ralston Brumley, on behalf of the American Legion, pointed out that the American flags used around the courthouse square during celebrations are getting pretty worn. He requested that the county purchase new ones and the commissioners committed $3000 for that purchase.

The commissioners authorized Johnny Franks to submit a letter to Governor Perry to have Leon County declared a disaster area due to the severe drought conditions in recent months. Franks reminded the court, “This will make funds available through USDA just for the people who paid for the insurance.”

The Court next considered and renewed the county’s Indigent Health Care contract with BVCOG to administer paperwork and collect fees. There was no change in last year’s contract price of $17,500.

The commissioners approved a resolution for an interim study of the undervaluation of local oil and gas properties. Newly-enacted legislation will cost Leon County approximately $1.5M in tax revenue and Judge Ryder predicted, “It will possibly be four years before this thing is rectified.” The goal of the resolution is to make the State legislators aware of how their ruling is going to affect our counties and schools. “They don’t realize the vastness of what they’re done to the counties,” Judge Ryder concluded. Commissioner Dean Player added, “It’s going to impact the residents of Leon County on a daily basis -- taking $1.5 M out of our budget is not a small deal -- it is very significant.”

The increase in Spanish speaking persons in the county’s various courts has prompted the commissioners to consider the need to provide a certified interpreter during county court proceedings. The matter was tabled to allow more review.

The county’s new pipeline agreement has been brought under contestation by the Attorney General’s office, which has stated that Leon County cannot continue to charge their current fee of $3000. The matter was tabled with no decision made.

The Commissioners and Judge Ryder focused their attention on the 2010 budget in a special meeting later on Monday and additional budget meetings were scheduled for July 14 and 15 at 1:30.