HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-06-19 Commissioner Minutes
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 2012
The Franklin County Commissioners met Tuesday, June 19, 2012, with the
following members present: David S. Keller, Robert L. Thomas and Robert G.
Ziobrowski. Chairman Keller presided and after calling the meeting to order, and the
Pledge of Allegiance proceeded with the business of the day.
Chairman Keller asked to include Chairman’s time prior to public comment. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved
to adopt the amended agenda.
Chairman Keller asked to respond to a comment made a couple weeks ago
concerning Commissioner Ziobrowski’s remarks at the latest salary board were
characterized as uncivil. While he would not have used the same choice of words as
Commisioner Ziobrowski did, he would not say he was uncivil. We’re all human, and
occasional moments of emotion and pointed discourse are to be expected, and will be
allowed. In general, all members of the board have maintained an even keel during
public deliberation, and he has no reason to believe that that will not continue to be the
norm. Chairman Keller will certainly continue to do his best to facilitate that way of doing
business as the chair. For the record, while he would not have chosen the same words
or tone as Commissioner Ziobrowski, but he does agree with the substance of his
remarks.
Jay Lightfoot provided public comment and said three years ago Allen brought up
the Board doing a silent prayer after the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Lightfoot would like to
know why the Board won’t have a silent prayer and what church they go to. He would
like this in writing individually.
The minutes of June 12, 2012 and June 14, 2012 meetings were reviewed.
These will be approved Thursday, June 21, 2012.
The Board reviewed Agreements, Contracts and Reports. The items will be
approved Thursday, June 21, 2012.
The Board reviewed Jail matters and conducted a bid opening for Franklin
County Jail HVAC Equipment Preventative Maintenance. Commissioner Thomas asked
for more information on what is involved with this contract. Mike Seilhamer, Jail
Maintenance Manager explained the cooling tower and boilers need cleaned every year,
18 rooftop units and 4 water heaters need maintained, and plumbing services are
included. The following bidders submitted a bid: C.M. Fuels, Inc. for a total bid of
$32,000.00 and Lancaster Plumbing and Heating for a total bid of $21,925.00. On a
motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas; unanimously approved
to forward the bids received to the Jail Maintenance Manager, the County Solicitor and
the Purchasing Agent for their review. The Board will award or reject the bids on June
26, 2012 at 9:45 a.m.
Chairman Keller wanted the Board to acknowledge and congratulate the Fannett
Metal Girls Softball team for winning the state championship.
Continued on page 2
Mary Beth Shank, County Solicitor, discussed the referral from Chairmen Keller
regarding the appointment of a separate Board of Assessment. Ms. Shank has done
thth
research on the Consolidated County Assessment Law and found that 4-8 class
th
counties can establish a separate board of assessment appeals and most 4 class
counties she researched have a separate board of assessment appeals, as well as
th
some 5 class counties. As counties become larger, the duties of the Board of
Commissioners are more rigorous and likewise larger counties are subject to a greater
amount of real estate tax assessment appeals, making the transition to a separate board
of assessment a natural progression. Third class counties and larger are required by
law to establish a separate Board. Ms. Shank did a more intense look at how potential
conflicts of interest may play into commissioners serving in the dual capacity as the
Board of Commissioners and the Board of Assessment. The board of commissioners
has a duty to maximize revenues, which conflicts with the board of assessment’s duty to
establish market value when assessments are appealed, because this often results in
the reduction of tax revenues. Ms. Shank’s recommendation is that the Board approve
her to prepare a resolution establishing a separate Board of Assessment Appeals Board
pursuant to the mandates of the Consolidated County Assessment Law. Commissioner
Thomas responded that there has never been a conflict with him and if someone
appealed their assessment and something wasn’t right the Board has always corrected
it. He did however agree that the assessment board responsibilities present serious
time constraint issues with other board responsibilities, in particular development of the
budget the second half of the year. Chairman Keller said the Board has recognized the
conflict of interest as described by Solicitor Shank and has always tried to balance the
competing interests of revenue maximization and fairness to property owners. His main
concern is fairness and believes that folks recognize the potential conflict of interest.
Even though Chairman Keller feels the board has done a good job of balancing the
competing interests, he thinks Ms. Shank’s recommendation would ensure fairness in
board of assessment decision making, both in practice and in the public’s perception of
the process. Commissioner Ziobrowski stated that he made his concerns known at the
recent meeting when the board directed the Solicitor to look into the issue. He concurs
with the Solicitor’s opinion and asked what the next step would be if the majority of the
Board chooses to go in this direction? Ms. Shank said the Board would pass a
resolution. The Board then needs to determine who would be candidates to serve and
appoint members to a 4 year term. Lastly, compensation would need approved by
Salary Board. On a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski; seconded by Robert L. Thomas;
unanimously approved to move forward with the process.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. with a motion by Robert G. Ziobrowski;
seconded by Robert L. Thomas.
FRANKLIN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS