The Smith County Board of Supervisors approved a request from Justice Court Judge Hulon West during their meeting on Thursday, July 1. Karen Blakeney will be working 32 hours for the court. Terry Lee Butler motioned for them to temporarily increase the number of hours for the position from 20 to 32 hours. Wilson Hallman seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Charlie Prince, Smith County’s Financial Consultant, discussed the budget process. He hopes to have a budget for the supervisors to approve by August 9. He said the valuation from Becky Martin, Tax Assessor, said the public utility rolls stay about the same. The personal property valuation in 2009 was 37 million dollars and went to 34 million in 2010. “You will collect less money with the same amount of millage,” Prince said. The real property went down a half million dollars. He said he intends to start off with the original budget for this year, with a 10 per cent cut, due to them collecting less both as a county and from the state. “We will shoot for a final adoption of the budget by September 9 after a public hearing on September 2,” he said.

Marty Patterson, Undersheriff for Smith County, said the Sheriff Department’s budget showed them over by $73,000. He said they were expecting $53,000 from the pipeline, DEA equitable sharing, DUI grants and Homeland Security grants. They were expecting reimbursements and the sale of vehicles to balance the budget by the end of the year. “We don’t have the money, but the check is in the mail.”

Willie Keyes, President said, “Thank you. We need everyone to come in and tell us and keep us informed.”

Keyes moved on to discuss the ice machine not working at the Ag Complex. Hallman asked, “Do we have to furnish the ice?” They decided to fix it, if it was minor, but if not, they will shut it down.

The supervisors discussed solid waste issues brought to their attention in a letter from Tony Hancock concerning routes and manpower to run the trucks. Benjie Ford, Supervisor for Beat Three suggested they cut back on overtime.

“We are losing 300 people in Polkville,” Hallman said. “I don’t know where they are at. I don’t see the need for another truck.”

Wilson motioned to take Dexter Parker off the payroll and the motion passed unanimously.

Elaine Shelby brought information about a prescription drug card for the Smith County citizens. “This company administers it themselves,” she said. “There will be no cost to the county and it is for someone that does not have prescription coverage.”

She also wanted the supervisors to be aware effective July 1 the county has to pay retirement on anyone retired that works. “Even though they can work only 50%, we have to pay 100%. In setting up our budgets for next year, we need to keep this in mind.” If an elected official retires before the age of 62 years of age, they have to resign for 90 days.