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Fiscal court approves list Park Board must agree to Melodie Phelps News Editor Fiscal court approved a list of conditions that the Park Board must agree to before county funding is restored to Memorial Park. The action came during a special meeting Thursday afternoon. The county has held funding for Memorial Park since May, when they first discussed some problems at the facility. At that time, County Judge-Executive Bruce Ramsey talked about personnel problems at the park and referred to an incident report that had been filed by Jailer Ray Upchurch. The report apparently dealt with an incident that involved inmates who were on work detail at the park. The issue hadnıt been discussed again by the county, until Thursdayıs meeting. Ramsey and the magistrates had received hand-delivered letters from Park Board Chairman Fount Blevins last week that indicated the county had forfeited their representation on the Park Board because of the funding restriction. Ramsey read the letter aloud during the special session. In it, Blevins stated that some repair and maintenance, that was scheduled to be done this fall at the park, may be delayed because of limited funds. "If the Wayne County Fiscal Court chooses to fund the park and release their funds by September 15, the board will remain the same," the letter stated. "There cannot be any changes in members. If the Wayne County Fiscal Court does not choose to release the funds before this date, they will not be considered for representation on the Park Board until the year 2007." Blevins states in the letter that he hopes the problem can be resolved. Ramsey then presented his list of conditions, which he said he had also shown to Mayor Thurston Frye. The conditions included an annual audit for the Park Board, a complete inventory of all equipment owned by the park, bonding for the Park Board treasurer, and submission of minutes of each Park Board meeting. The conditions also noted that board members and local media be timely notified of Park Board meetings, and that board members be instructed concerning their duties. The conditions also stated that Park Board members are not allowed to slander anyone. The list also included a stipulation that any employee suspected of alcohol and/or drug abuse or any illegal activity be dismissed immediately. District One Magistrate Jerry Sloan questioned the countyıs policy regarding alcohol and drug use. County Attorney Lee Tobbe reviewed the policy and noted that it is a "zero tolerance policy." Tobbe noted that any employee with a blood alcohol content of .04 or greater will be dismissed under the policy. The policy also has procedures set up, that include a hearing at the employeeıs request. District Four Magistrate Wade Upchurch questioned the term "suspected" in the alcohol and drug policy. "I wouldnıt want to lose my job because somebody came through and suspected me of drinking," he said. Ramsey noted that one of the biggest problems is the Park Board hasnıt been holding regular meetings. "They hadnıt met in two years...I think that is a problem," stated Ramsey. Sloan said he felt that the county, the city and the Park Board should sit down and work some of these things out. "Tax dollars spent wisely out there are good for all the people," stated Sloan. Ramsey noted that the county has not taken one penny away from the park, the only opted to hold that money until there were some things worked out. "I think over the past 15-20 years the Park Board has worked hard and run a park that is an asset to our community, and they ought to be commended," stated Upchurch. "What they had done has been a commendable job." Sloan asked about who actually owns the park. Ramsey said the deed in is the name of the City of Monticello, but an ordinance approved in 1982 makes the park a joint venture between the city and the county. District Two Magistrate Jess Jones made a motion to approve the list of conditions and forward them to the City Council and the Park Board. Sloan seconded the motion and it was approved by a 3-1 vote. Upchurch was opposed and noted that he objected to the portion that referred to "suspected" use of alcohol or drugs, as well as the portion regarding slanderous statements. The court then entered a 40-minute executive session to discuss a personnel matter. Trooper Parrish Baker spoke to the fiscal court members during the closed door session. When the magistrates returned to open session, Ramsey requested that the court give Tobbe a directive to work with City Attorney Jay Jones to explain to Park Board members their duties and limitations. Tobbe said that he and Jones would report back to city and county officials after speaking with the Park Board. Upchurch asked if the county would continue to hold funds from the park. Ramsey indicated that if the Park Board does not agree to abide by the conditions approved by the court that the county would not release funds. If an agreement is reached, Ramsey said funds would be released and would retroactive to May. Add a comment |
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