Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Budget Director Questions Lack Of Action On Budget Resolution
Lawrence County Budget Director Teresa Purcell told members of the county’s Budget Committee Wednesday that she felt her job was being questioned when the county commission failed to approve an amendment to the county budget Tuesday evening.
Members of the Lawrence County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. Tuesday.
When commissioners were asked to approve amendments to the county’s 2012-2013 general budget, some raised questions regarding the proper procedure for its passage.
The budget amendments included changes to some line items and $37,000 in what commissioners termed “new money.”
Purcell was unable to attend Tuesday’s commission meeting. When commissioners discussed the resolution they questioned whether they should take action. Ultimately, they voted to send the resolution before the budget committee, and consider its passage only after that committee had given approval.
Commissioners were told that the amendment included such expenses as a laptop to be used during county commission meetings, and additional expenses for the work release program due to increases in the number of roadside pickups requested by the county executive.
Some $18,000 worth of expenses was listed under the sheriff’s department. One line item in the current budget had erroneously allocated $1,500 for department travel expenses.
The figure, officials said, should have been $15,000. Other expenses included pest control, the purchase of additional jumpsuits due to the fact that the jail is currently operating at capacity, and the replacement of a deep fryer used to prepare inmates’ meals.
When Commissioner Scott Franks inquired as to whether the expenses should first go before the budget committee, County Attorney Charlie Holt recommended that the panel approve the resolution, “Subject to approval by the budget committee.”
Commissioner Neeley Luna, who made the motion, said the commission needed to, “Refer this to the budget committee, then bring it back like the proper way It’s supposed to be.”
He told the commission, “It’s according to who you are whether you get it in the right committee or not. And for the chief financial officer of this county to send $37,000 in here and ain’t even been approved in front of the budget committee yet, well good gracious.”
During the budget committee meeting Wednesday Purcell took exception to the remarks made. She said that in the nine years she has held the position, “I’ve never submitted anything to that commission that shouldn’t have been.”
In regards to the expenses listed in the resolution, she said, “These are bills that have already been paid.”
Purcell said they were incidental expenses that occur during normal operations and must be addressed immediately.
She said that this is the procedure used throughout the year, and that under state statutes she is under no obligation to bring them before the budget committee. She explained, “I only bring it before this committee as a courtesy.”
Purcell told the committee, “I will be looking for another job,” and said that they should be looking for someone to fill the position.
Committee member Jerry Dryden said that he felt the incident had occurred, “Due to a lack of communication or understanding on the part of the commission.”
Committee member Wayne Yocum agreed, saying that when commissioners questioned the protocol, “No one had an answer for them.”
Committee member Denny Gillespie asked, “What can we do to stop this (resignation) from happening?” He praised Purcell’s performance, saying, “She cleaned up this department. It was a mess before she got here.”
County Executive J. Mack Chandler agreed, adding, “We are fortunate to have her.”
“Before I didn’t have trust in the Budget Director, but since Teresa, I’ve got trust in her. There’s never anything wrong, and I trust her,” Yocom said.
Member Ronnie Benefield spoke in support of Purcell as well, pointing out that due to state statutes and being subject to audits, “She is held to a higher power.” He said that the commission needed to be more supportive, stating, “We have got to be her backbone.”
