Greg Martin
County Commissioner Greg Martin said Wednesday it appears that a new resolution relating to expenses by commission members was "growing government."
However, Commissioner Warren Mackey said he would be in favor of raising the allotment double the current amount of $12,500.
He said concerning the Martin remarks, "It is short-sighted to be the most conservative person in the room. We had a person up here who played that role. He's no longer on the commission." He referred to former Commissioner Joe Graham, who lost to Democrat David Sharpe.
Chairman Sabrena Smedley also denied that it was bringing more expense. She said the total per commissioner remains at $12,500 per year. She said an effort earlier to raise it to $25,000 failed.
Commissioner Martin questioned why unused expense funds roll over to the next year and can be used for "discretionary" spending, such as helping out various community groups. He said other county departments are not able to roll over funds.
He said, "We are de facto creating a discretionary fund." The commissioners at one time had $100,000 each to use at their discretion, but County Mayor Jim Coppinger cut that from the budget.
Commissioner Martin also said he did not see a need for commissioners to use county funds to set up constituent offices. He said he normally meets residents "at Karl's, at Panera's or over a ditch they are having a problem with."
Commissioner Mackey said he did not feel comfortable meeting with constituents in their homes or "behind a building." He said, "I'm not going to do it."
Chairman Smedley noted that any money commissioners spend to rent an office would come out of their $12,500 share.
The phone bill for commissioners formerly came out of the $12,500, but that will now be paid through the commission office budget if the measure passes next Wednesday.
Commissioner Mackey questioned why there should be a $100 per month limit on phone costs. The finance office said it can provide phones to commissioners for around $50 a month through a deal it has.
Commissioner Mackey also said that two years ago his travel to state and national county association meetings began to be taken from his annual $12,500 amount. He said that took about half of his allotment. He said previously that was funded through the commission budget.
He noted he served as president of the state association and is on committees of the national group. He said his service with the associations helped save the counties "millions of dollars."
Warren Mackey