LACIE SILVA
Editor
At the Marion County Commissioner Board meeting, discussions focused on budget amendments for local government, the Board of Education, and the Marion County Highway Department. The amendments were presented by Harry Kennedy and Superintendent Dr. Mark Griffith, addressing key financial adjustments and updates for ongoing projects.
Harry Kennedy outlined the amendments for the local government, highlighting an increase in the fund balance of $23,333.05 and a decrease in revenue from other direct federal sources amounting to $111,966.95, totaling a shift of $135,300. Expenditures included a salary adjustment for the veteran service officer, whose raise of $400 had been initially omitted, and $134,900 earmarked for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to purchase fire equipment. Additionally, $742,351.33 was moved out of the capital expenditure line to pay for 911 water line projects, part of Marion County’s match for the CDBG grant. The board unanimously approved these amendments.
Next, Dr. Mark Griffith presented the budget amendments for the Board of Education. He informed the commissioners that the first item was purely informational, concerning the school system’s monthly cash flow. More significantly, there was a reduction in the pre-K program budget, offset by the addition of $5,000 for Advanced Placement (AP) exams and the reintroduction of a technology assistant position that had been stagnant for two years. With increased technology needs, the position was reinstated. Griffith requested approval of these changes, assuring the board that no increase to the maintenance waiver was needed. The board unanimously approved the amendments.
In addition to the budget discussions, Dr. Griffith provided an update on the ongoing construction of the new Jasper Middle School building. He expressed optimism that the project was nearing completion but emphasized that the school administration wanted to ensure everything was in proper order before moving students into the building. Griffith acknowledged that both he and the board had received numerous inquiries and calls about the delays, particularly concerning HVAC issues. While the building is contractually due in November, Griffith shared his hope that the transition would have been able to happen sooner, though no specific date was given and to date no specific move in date has been provided. He underscored the importance of moving into the new school only when all issues were fully resolved, reflecting the board’s commitment to ensuring the $31 million project was completed to the highest standard.
When asked if other issues beyond the HVAC system were causing delays, Griffith explained that evaluations were ongoing, but the school’s construction team, led by Randy Gilliam, was working hard to resolve any remaining problems. He reassured the board that despite the delays, there were no additional costs being incurred by the school due to the construction company’s continued presence on-site.
The Highway Department did not present any budget amendments for the board’s consideration.
